If a hardtop convertible were offered, would you get it? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

LSxcellent · 04-03-2007, 12:01 PM

I found this bit interesting, from Automobile Magazine:

"The concept's rear seats have been moved inboard, too, in order to accommodate the extra folding-roof hardware. That said, the Camaro concept doesn't yet pack a lid. Interestingly, Peters won't entirely rule out the notion of a folding hardtop. Although it's unlikely, since the extra cost involved would make the Camaro less competitive against its Ford Mustang rival, Chevy could conceivably offer either a ragtop or a folding hard top, as do Mazda (MX-5)and Chrysler (Sebring)."

If GM offered a hardtop vert, would you opt for it?

~LSx

OverAnxious · 04-03-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Although it's unlikely, since the extra cost involved would make the Camaro less competitive against its Ford Mustang rival,

I think this statement says alot right there.

Casull · 04-03-2007, 12:39 PM

I chose yes, but I would really have to see it first. If the roof line of the G6 and the photo floating around of the company that developed a hard top mustang conversion are any indication, then I wiould probably pass. If you look at those roof lines they slope heavily in the back. I really like the roofe line on the concept and wouldn't want to compromise it.

However if they were able to offer one that maintained the form of the roofline on the coupe, then I wouldn't even think twice about getting it.

As for the pricing issue, would it be out of the question to offer bother a hard top and a rag top? The development costs may be too much for the number they would sell, so I don't know, but that would help tokeep the Camaro in line with the price of the Mustang.

Dave McFly · 04-03-2007, 02:13 PM

how about a soft top with a optional removable hard top like the mustang had on the 94-04 generation, and on the corvete ragtops from 86 to present?

EllwynX · 04-03-2007, 02:49 PM

Well, since none of the options took into account what we can afford I opted for yes I'd want a hard top convertible.

But realistically it would be out of my price range most likely.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 04-03-2007, 07:18 PM

I said no...want a coupe. Seriously, the added weight and cost is definitly not worth it...in my case.

SilverTurtle · 04-08-2007, 01:55 AM

problems with retracting hard tops:

1. heavy
2. take up trunk space
3. expensive
4. require heavier duty hydraulics/motors than cloth tops

the sound of rain on a cloth soft top is awesome... if you've ever driven a first gen 'vert in the rain, you know what I'm talking about... why change something to classic to go with something so blatantly trendy?

*TAG UR IT* · 08-05-2007, 10:39 AM

Bump..Yes, or no. Personally, I'd take a hard top vert in a heartbeat.

Silverado · 08-05-2007, 12:57 PM

I'd still rather have t-tops, but I'd take a hard-top convertible over a regular convertible or coupe any day.

MerF · 08-06-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverTurtle

the sound of rain on a cloth soft top is awesome... if you've ever driven a first gen 'vert in the rain, you know what I'm talking about... why change something to classic to go with something so blatantly trendy?

Though I'm completely onboard with the sound of the rain hitting the cloth....I have to say that of the 3 "roofless" vehicles I've owned, the Targa Top was by far my favorite.

Convertible? Soft top please.
But Targa is withoutha DOUBT where it's at. It's no heavier than a coupe, you can keep the roof on and it's barely taking anything out of the chassis, but unbolt it and you are cruising with the wind in your hair.

Silverado · 08-06-2007, 09:28 AM

True MerF, but a T-top is also no heavier than a coupe and even more rigid than a targa.

If they did it right (which, with all current info out there, they haven't), they would have designed the t-top into the current "concept/production" design, they could have made all coupes/t-tops lighter by putting in the necessary reinforcements for the t-top and using aluminum for the roof rather than steel. Maybe only saving a 100 lbs or so, but they could have saved 100lbs of weight and given people the option of t-tops at the same time.

MerF · 08-06-2007, 09:53 AM

I completely agree.

Then it's just down to preference, and I like not having the bar across the middle, personally.

SSMUFF · 08-08-2007, 05:05 PM

Right now I prefer the looks of the convert! When it comes down to buying I will have to wait and see the differnce in concept and actual. This would be a weekend toy so if the top is soft it will be tucked away 90% of the time.

No need to spend the money on a hard top.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 08-08-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSMUFF

Right now I prefer the looks of the convert! When it comes down to buying I will have to wait and see the differnce in concept and actual. This would be a weekend toy so if the top is soft it will be tucked away 90% of the time.

No need to spend the money on a hard top.

+1. One of my teachers has a '66 stingray 'vert. And it's a no-rain-or-snow-weekend-driver-only car. So the roof is absent...99% of the time.

View Poll Results: Would you buy a hardtop convertible if offered?
Yes please! I want the best of both worlds!	14	48.28%
No thanks, cloth is classic!	3	10.34%
No thanks, coupes are cooler.	12	41.38%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll

04-03-2007, 12:01 PM	#1
LSxcellent Drives: MINI Cooper S Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 284	If a hardtop convertible were offered, would you get it? I found this bit interesting, from Automobile Magazine: "The concept's rear seats have been moved inboard, too, in order to accommodate the extra folding-roof hardware. That said, the Camaro concept doesn't yet pack a lid. Interestingly, Peters won't entirely rule out the notion of a folding hardtop. Although it's unlikely, since the extra cost involved would make the Camaro less competitive against its Ford Mustang rival, Chevy could conceivably offer either a ragtop or a folding hard top, as do Mazda (MX-5)and Chrysler (Sebring)." If GM offered a hardtop vert, would you opt for it? ~LSx

04-03-2007, 02:13 PM	#4
Dave McFly new car smell Drives: 2007 Ford Mustang 'Natasha' Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Jamestown, NY Posts: 2,127 View My Garage	how about a soft top with a optional removable hard top like the mustang had on the 94-04 generation, and on the corvete ragtops from 86 to present? __________________ "May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house." George Carlin

04-03-2007, 07:18 PM	#6
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,876 View My Garage	I said no...want a coupe. Seriously, the added weight and cost is definitly not worth it...in my case. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

04-08-2007, 01:55 AM	#7
SilverTurtle Reality Check Specialist Drives: '02 Z28, 2012 45th SS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 1,730	problems with retracting hard tops: 1. heavy 2. take up trunk space 3. expensive 4. require heavier duty hydraulics/motors than cloth tops the sound of rain on a cloth soft top is awesome... if you've ever driven a first gen 'vert in the rain, you know what I'm talking about... why change something to classic to go with something so blatantly trendy? __________________ got tequila?

04-03-2007, 12:39 PM	#3
Casull Drives: Chevy Silverado Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 754	I chose yes, but I would really have to see it first. If the roof line of the G6 and the photo floating around of the company that developed a hard top mustang conversion are any indication, then I wiould probably pass. If you look at those roof lines they slope heavily in the back. I really like the roofe line on the concept and wouldn't want to compromise it. However if they were able to offer one that maintained the form of the roofline on the coupe, then I wouldn't even think twice about getting it. As for the pricing issue, would it be out of the question to offer bother a hard top and a rag top? The development costs may be too much for the number they would sell, so I don't know, but that would help tokeep the Camaro in line with the price of the Mustang.

04-03-2007, 02:49 PM	#5
EllwynX Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 2,260	Well, since none of the options took into account what we can afford I opted for yes I'd want a hard top convertible. But realistically it would be out of my price range most likely.

08-05-2007, 10:39 AM	#8
TAG UR IT www.Camaro5store.com Drives: 2014 ZL1 #705 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SA, Texas Posts: 26,558 View My Garage	Bump..Yes, or no. Personally, I'd take a hard top vert in a heartbeat.

08-05-2007, 12:57 PM	#9
Silverado GM Guy For Life Drives: 2010 GMC Yukon XL Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 971 View My Garage	I'd still rather have t-tops, but I'd take a hard-top convertible over a regular convertible or coupe any day.

08-06-2007, 09:28 AM	#11
Silverado GM Guy For Life Drives: 2010 GMC Yukon XL Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 971 View My Garage	True MerF, but a T-top is also no heavier than a coupe and even more rigid than a targa. If they did it right (which, with all current info out there, they haven't), they would have designed the t-top into the current "concept/production" design, they could have made all coupes/t-tops lighter by putting in the necessary reinforcements for the t-top and using aluminum for the roof rather than steel. Maybe only saving a 100 lbs or so, but they could have saved 100lbs of weight and given people the option of t-tops at the same time.

08-06-2007, 09:53 AM	#12
MerF Go Rays! Drives: 03 Trailblazer Join Date: May 2007 Location: St Pete, Florida Posts: 2,533	I completely agree. Then it's just down to preference, and I like not having the bar across the middle, personally.

08-08-2007, 05:05 PM	#13
SSMUFF Drives: Jeep Grand Cherokee Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 65	Right now I prefer the looks of the convert! When it comes down to buying I will have to wait and see the differnce in concept and actual. This would be a weekend toy so if the top is soft it will be tucked away 90% of the time. No need to spend the money on a hard top.

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