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So I found a white 96 M6 TA 'vert for a really great price, no wrecks and EXTREMELY low mileage. This will be my daily driver car. I don't see the 'vert as a problem as long as I get subframes right away, and make sure the top doesnt leak before I buy it (obviously). I've always loved 'verts, and especially with an M6 it can't get better than that.
If you guys have a 'vert, please post your experiences with them. Do the tops leak? Are they your daily driver cars? I know there will be a bit more road noise but that won't bother me in the slightest. I have a cover already so I won't worry as *much* about it being broken into. I would really appreciate the help, and you can also feel free to pollute my Inbox with emails of your experiences or those of your friends with 'verts. I really appreciate all the help, thanks!
Scott
-------------------- 2000 silver bird a4 Posts: 2 | From: san antonio/college station texas | Registered: Dec 2002
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There is extra bracing but SFC's make a huge difference. By far the best suspension mod and likley the first that should be done.
Posts: 121 | From: Victoria, BC, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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I have a 2002 SS vert. No water leaks from the top at all. Suprisingly quiet at hi way speeds with the top up of down. I have no concerns other than dog hair is a pain to get off that fabric top.
-------------------- Current ride is: 2002 Brickyard 400 35th Anniversary LE convertible #22,SLP build# 0036,35th Anniversary Build #47 EMCC Member #234 www.emcamaro.org WCA Member #197582 MMCC Member #28 NEOCC Member #634 Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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I have a '99 SS vert. I get some leakage in driving in extremely heavy rain. Never bothered to have it looked at.
I've had friends buy a '95 and a '96 Z28 vert in the last year. They both love the cars and haven't had any service/maintenance issues other than what would be expected based on age and mileage. (Both replaced the clutch).
Posts: 4222 | From: Winnipeg MB CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Our 99 had a really bad leak at the top rear of the drivers side door, where the door/window/top all meet from a deformed weatherstrip. I replaced it when the car was 2 weeks old, and no other problems!! Good luck, and congrats on gettin a 'vert! Posts: 1443 | From: Lake Oswego, Oregon | Registered: Dec 2001
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My wife has a 96 Z28 vert. and is the original owner. She absolutely loves the car. The top doesn't leak during normal operation. She drops the top frequently, so the stress point does show wear. Car has 67,000 miles. Water will get inside if left outside in the rain or when washing. Back carpets get a little wet.
BPS is right. The verts do have some xtra bracing. If you're leaving the car stock, you will have no problems. If your going to be boosting power, you'll need to stiffen the frame and bolster the driveline. But, you gotta ask yourself, "Why hot rod a car that already weighs over 500lbs heavier than it's coupe cousins." IMHO, verts are for cruising. They do not make a good race car.
quote:Originally posted by Hookerf14: BPS is right. The verts do have some xtra bracing. If you're leaving the car stock, you will have no problems. If your going to be boosting power, you'll need to stiffen the frame and bolster the driveline. But, you gotta ask yourself, "Why hot rod a car that already weighs over 500lbs heavier than it's coupe cousins." IMHO, verts are for crusing. They do not make a good race car.
Because 700 HP in a vert is cool People get to SEE you as you blast by them.
I don't plan to win races but getting sub 11's (I hope) in a 3900 Lb car has its own bragging rights.
Posts: 117 | From: Surrey. BC | Registered: Oct 2001
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go for it. the top goes down everytime im in the car,unless it's raining. Daily driver 13,000 miles in 9 months.
Posts: 7 | From: monrovia ca. | Registered: Jan 2002
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While I dont have use my vert for a daily driver, I wouldnt hasitate to do so. Its suprisingly quiet as far as wind noise goes and doesnt leak.
While the convertable does have an x brace underneath it in no way even comes close to real subframe connectors. I have the kenny brown DD and they really tightend the car up....best covertable mod hands down.
Posts: 1 | From: Woodstock, GA. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Sounds like a great car. A 6M in a droptop is definately amongst the minority of f-bodys.
I've never experienced a leak in mine, although mine's a fair-weather driver only. However, I'm not shy w/ the hose when I wash it and still have never noticed a leak.
SFCs are highly recommended, especially w/ a 6M. I love my KBDDSFCs.
Seems like I've read somewhere that the 'verts are actually a dB or 2 quieter on the road than coupes. The double-lined top stops alot of noise. I used to have a '70 Cutlass 'vert which had no inner liner, and that was MUCH louder (not to mention all the rattles).
I'd say go-for-it. Can't think of any reason a droptop f-bod would be any less of a daily-driver than a coupe. In fact its better, you can put the top down without getting out of the car. Can't do that w/ t-tops!!
-------------------- Johnny B '98 Triple Black WS6 Convert, 6M, All options, ASC #3030 Pro 5.0, HPP3, 160 T-Stat, K&N, MTI C/F Lid, Black Hurst NASCAR 50th Anniv. Shift Knob, DGM Speedster Tonneau Cover "Bat Attachment", BMR STB, KBDDSFC,....
Custom Drop-Top Subwoofer Box - THIS THING ROCKS (Get Info Here)
'99 Black CC R/T - Shaker Hood (RED), Powerslots, Accel........ '68 Blk/Red Cutlass S
Posts: 103 | From: Ft. Wayne, IN | Registered: Jun 2001
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Mine is an 02 SS vert and I've owned two other verts (94 Z28 and a 98 Z28). All have been daily drives including the current one. I've never had the tops leak or experienced any annoying noise. In fact, the only sound I hear is the sweet sound of my exhaust system! And, of course, tunes on the CD.
There is nothing better than cruising around with the top down. It even makes the daily drive back and forth to work a pleasure. Right now it is not convertible weather here, but owning one makes Spring & Summer worth the wait.
My husband liked driving my verts so much that he now has an 02 TransAm Ram Air convertible.
I think you have made a wise choice. Enjoy.
-------------------- SLP #2129 2002 SS Convertible, all black, auto. SLP options: center dual exhaust, Bilstein susp., ZR1 SS chromed wheels, SS grille, SS mats, key fob, deck mat Posts: 20 | From: Joppa, MD | Registered: Feb 2002
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on my 2nd F-body vert . ( one Chevy , one Pontiac ) no problems at all Only leaks I do notice is when I'm at a drive up and I roll down window , Tends to come in alittle..
Posts: 69 | From: Stop Light City | Registered: Apr 2002
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I've also had several verts 97TA, 98Z and now my 94Z. I have no SFCs and am looking to get some soon however with boltons I'm running 13.2 I do have a very small leak on the driver window on the top where the top meets the pillar. I figure with a slight window adj crop it will stop. But haven't gotten around to it and it isn't out in the rain hardly.
Posts: 4 | From: Miami, Fla. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Hey guys. Tell me if this thought ever entered your heads: Another great thing about owining a convertible is that, although logically more susceptible, you feel a little less worried about your car actually being broken into.
Getting into the mind of a burglar, I'd think that there's a higher probability that fixed-roof cars have more valuables stored in the glove box and console than convertibles because vert owners are fully aware that their cars are easier to break into, and would therefore not stow anything valuable to begin with. More so when you leave your top down -- they'd probably think, "aww, this is too easy," and move on to the next vehicle whose owner uses his/her car as a gym locker, filing cabinet, etc.
Although occasionally there will be some buttheads who toss a candy wrapper or something into your back seat (probably jealous). Be careful because if you're unlucky enough to be spotted by a cop when garbage flies out from your car, you will be fined for littering. That's about $200 in most places. No, it hasn't happened to me, but a friend of mine with a pick-up did experience this once.
Posts: 17 | From: Atlanta, GA | Registered: Apr 2002
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Cal - I tend to use the trunk on my vert more than I ever did on a hardtop. I still ahve a problem with the little things - detachable radio face - radar detector, sunglsses and so on. I don't want to leave it there in plain view so I end up cramming my pockets full of this stuff to make sure no one walks off with it.
I do get a few looks in the summer while wearing shorts with a radio face in one pocket and hard shade case in the other - I look ready for action Posts: 121 | From: Victoria, BC, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Actually Convertibles are QUIETER inside with the top up that say a T-Top car.
Rear visabilty with the top up is interesting, but livable, how much do you drive backwards!
Truck space is limited. But compared to T-Top cars there really is MORE truck space when the roof is down - since the T's take up the ENTIRE trunk.
I love my rag top too much fun! Especially with the top down!
-------------------- My Cars: 2000 Bright Rally Red Camaro SS Convertible 2002 Electron Metallic Blue Berger SS T-Top 2004 Silver Birch Metallic Silverado 2500HD Duramax Ext. Cab. S.B. 4x4
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Candy wrappers are nothing.. try an entire Hinekin (sp?) bottle (which Im assuming was full because I had to take the seats out and hose it down the next day to get rid of the stink) tossed in the back seat. Talk about a leak. Why would anyone do this to a CAR? Yeesh And no, I dont drive like a maniac, and Im a reserved person.. not boastful or anything.
-------------------- Mike 2001 Z-28 A4 Triple Black Convertible Performance: 160* T-Stat | Adjustable Fan Switch | Direct-Flo Lid | DYNOMOUTH :devil: | FRA | Hotchkis STB | K&N Filter | SLP Air Temp. Modual Smooth Bellow | TB Bypass & Bumpstop 1st dyno Results: 3/2/02 Stock RWHP: 287.5@5100rpm RWTQ: 306.8@4500rpm Apperance: 3rd brake light Z-28 cover | 4 Headlight mod and Foglight mod Both w/ override switches | Chrome CAMARO lettering in grille and rear facia | Head light, Tail light, Turn signal & Side marker blackouts | Limo tint 5% | LS1 FRC's | MacEwan Silver gauge/shifter overlays w/ red bulbs | Passenger window Express-down | Polished Calipers with Red Brackets & Decals | !A.I.R. | !AutoHeadlights | !DRL's w/ override switch | !PassengerWires | !Side Mouldings | Scott Settlemier Shock Tower Sig. Good for at least 5HP!
1980 Corvette See web page if interested, I'll spare you the details because it's not an LS1 Posts: 30 | From: DeLand FL | Registered: Feb 2002
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definetely get the vert, they are so much fun, and everyone will say--wow thats a nice car. Mine does leak slightly in heavy rain, but hey its a 95 kinda expect it to. If yours leaks then get some new rubber. My only complaint is that I will need a rollbar to run at the track, which renders the backseat usless, valuables can be locked in the trunk when you leave the top down. I drive mine all year long, and wouldn't have it any other way. right now it has been snowing 3-5 days a week, and it drives fine with the snow. Having an awesome stereo doesn't sound as good with the top down,and a subwoofer must be big and powerful to hear. I have found woman are more attracted to comvertibles so its a win win situation.
Posts: 13 | Registered: Jan 2003
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How about comming out of Walmart at 2am on a thurs night, and finding your top cut in two places for no reason. This happened to me on my 91 camaro. My 97 camaro just has a small drip on the driver side at the top of the window. I do hear a little air on the highway to from there. But nothing beats the top down in the summer with the cd's playing. I also love driving through tunnels and hearing my borla exhaust growl. Posts: 2 | From: Pittsburgh, Pa | Registered: Feb 2003
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I love going through tunnels with my Borla and then pressing a button that opens the elctric cutout at the Borla Y-pipe and then get on the gas a little as 700 HP rumble through FLP full length headers and out the back.
Drivers behind me must be terrified that the tunnel is collapsing. I'm louder then the worst of any Hawgs.
PS: You can't be young forever, but you can be immature.
Posts: 117 | From: Surrey. BC | Registered: Oct 2001
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