Convertible top experts INSIDE
Convertible top experts INSIDE So here's the deal, I might be buying this 96 Z M6 vert for a project car for $1,500. You can see from the pics that the top needs to be replaced and I have a few questions. What is the cost for an OEM replacement top, and are there any companies out there that sell aftermarket that looks as good and same quality as factory (maybe Year One) ? I also don't like the tan and would want to replace with black, would that be an issue ? I would also be replacing all the tan interior pieces with black graphite as well (seats, carpet, plastic pieces etc.). What is the cost to replace the top and where is the best place to get it ? Thanks!
Mike
Mike
And yes the car is in the ghetto lol. I have not seen it yet, a friend turned me on to it. This guy has it that has been in the pen for the last 7-8 yrs. and just got out and needs cash to get back on his feet. It's a blue title and the guy has owned it since 98. That's not what I'm worried about but just sayin before someone asks. 
TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
Before you sink good $$ into the top, make sure everything else is OK on the car to make it worthwhile. OEM Haartz material is not cheap. Convertible tops are generally priced accurately. In other words, you get what you pay for. Pay $300 and you'll get a $300 top that looks like it. Pay top $$ for a Haartz cloth top and you'll see the difference. 
under 'Haartz' or 'top replacement' and you should get many posts with good info.
Also, many owners have switched from tan to black. Most vert tops are black. Good luck with the car.
under 'Haartz' or 'top replacement' and you should get many posts with good info. Also, many owners have switched from tan to black. Most vert tops are black. Good luck with the car.
Thank you, and yeah I'm not buying in the first place unless the car is worth it. If it is and a Haartz is the way to go then that's what I will get. I'm going to piece this car together over about a two year span so no rush. Again thank you very much for the help.
One other question, I go tomorrow to look at the car but was wondering. Does the hatch open the same as a hard top/t-top car ? Also are the back plastic side panels the same as hard top/t-top cars ? I mean I plan to switch everything over to black graphite and I assume all the inside panels will be the tan color/beige color as the top (the interior is tan leather). Or do the vert's have unique hatchback area panels that are different ? As you can tell I have never really been inside of a convertible yet. Looking forward to rescuing this car if it is worth it and giving it new life and good home with a true enthusiast.
Last edited by RedHottG2; Aug 26, 2011 at 11:24 AM.
^ Those convertible boot covers are pretty hard to find. People would lose them because they had them sitting in the garage not using it. Yes they fold up and originally came with a leather bag to keep in the trunk. Expect to pay anywhere from $250-500 for one.
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TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
Yeah, the boot covers are really nice and make the car really sleek looking and 'finished' vs leaving it all open. They come up for sale on ebay every once in awhile and I believe someone in this convertible forum just sold one for about $200 recently which was a real good deal for someone.
As far as the rear hatch area, my '01 'vert is an actual trunk. If I remember my '96 Formula hardtop correctly, it was quite different. I imagine the Camaros are similar. If not, someone will chime in.
As far as the rear hatch area, my '01 'vert is an actual trunk. If I remember my '96 Formula hardtop correctly, it was quite different. I imagine the Camaros are similar. If not, someone will chime in.
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Verdad Gallardo Is there a company that sells them (a nice looking factory one) ? Or can you only find them from what is out there (I hope not). I can tell you this, if that's the case I am willing to pay a premium for a nice one if I decide to buy this car. I will buy it before I start to redue this top.
Again thanks for the help fellas this helps alot!
Now one more thing, the top has been cut and I guess that means the headliner also. Just wondering how I check to see if the top leaks before I buy it. What do I take a water hose and pour it on the top buy the windshield and the back/side windows ? Now here is the other thing, if it does little and I plan to replace everything anyway does it matter ? I mean after I replace the top and all can I also replace the weather stripping and that fix it ? I just don't want to buy the car and do EVERYTHING and it still leak (if it does). I'm just trying to cover all bases with this car before I buy (if it's worth it).
Now one more thing, the top has been cut and I guess that means the headliner also. Just wondering how I check to see if the top leaks before I buy it. What do I take a water hose and pour it on the top buy the windshield and the back/side windows ? Now here is the other thing, if it does little and I plan to replace everything anyway does it matter ? I mean after I replace the top and all can I also replace the weather stripping and that fix it ? I just don't want to buy the car and do EVERYTHING and it still leak (if it does). I'm just trying to cover all bases with this car before I buy (if it's worth it).
TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
together before flinging insults. I DID HELP YOU!! 
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
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Likes: 18
Most of the rear interior parts are going to be unique to the convertible, I would think. I've never owned a non-convertible, but I know the rear seat area is narrower on the convertible so at least the interior parts would be different. I wouldn't worry too much about that, though. If nothing else you can dye the existing parts to change the color.
Use a garden hose to see where it leaks.
OK thank you.
Again you have to understand I'm just trying to get all the info. in advance because when I go to look at it and the car it's self is alright I will probably buy. I just want to know what I'm getting into first. NC01TA, I apologize and thank you for your help.
Again you have to understand I'm just trying to get all the info. in advance because when I go to look at it and the car it's self is alright I will probably buy. I just want to know what I'm getting into first. NC01TA, I apologize and thank you for your help.
seats, door panels are the same, rear panels, floor mats, seat belts and carpet are different. even though you can make a coupe carpet fit with a little trimming thats what I did.
tonneau covers are hard to come by especially in the right color. bought one off CL's for $100 shipped was graphite, was supposed to be ebony(black) sold it on ebay for $450, found my ebony one on LS1 Texas section for $250 shipped, so I still came out good on the deal no matter what.
tonneau covers are hard to come by especially in the right color. bought one off CL's for $100 shipped was graphite, was supposed to be ebony(black) sold it on ebay for $450, found my ebony one on LS1 Texas section for $250 shipped, so I still came out good on the deal no matter what.
