Top Comparison's in both my 2012's

[Lee123]

Thanks for posting the pictures! It is good to see that they have made significant changes to the design.

[SSAINT]

Nice post, Good luck!

[evlar]

great feedback! I wonder how much of the top mechanics have been rengineered? It sounds substantial based on your reports.

Man i hope they fix the tops for us original vert owners and not just tape and caulk.

I hate the new steering wheel and woul'ld rather have a new top!

[nukemustang]

damn, wonder if GM finally "figured it out....." now to see what will happen to the rest of us that have the original style tops.... can't say too much if they changed the design in the first year.

95, on a side note, do you think the bows don't show up as much because it is not in really bright direct sunlight? I know sometimes pictures can be deceiving.

[95birdible]

I had it out in the sun this morning while Onstar was trying to figure out my account and looked at it. From the side it looks just like in the picture. You can see the ribs from behind though. If it is sunny out tomorrow I will take another pic and post it up for you. Anything else you guys want to see?

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by 95birdible

I just got my new 2012 which was produced on 4/4/12. My old one was made on 7/27/11 and the top replaced on 9/29/11. Here are some observations that I have noticed. Look at the side by side pictures of the new top on the black car, and the brand new red car. Ribs are noticeable on the black and not the red. The angle of the slope toward the rear window is different.

Looks like a different car.....congrats! Hoping ours doesn't have to get that far for we want to keep the color. Might be trying the complete mechanism/top route if they can't get ours right. Nice ride. How's the CRT looking to you over the discontinued RJT color?

[95birdible]

This is my own opinion cause I originally wanted a RJT but got black due to my order being cancelled along with the color. When I was told I could order a new one it was a no brain decision. CRT. I would have to say though I like the CRT better. Not putting anyone down that has a CRT. I still love that color but now it is number 2 to me.
One thing is really weird to me though. My old Firebird Vert was black and I had that for 14 years then the black Camaro since last August. I cannot get used to the side mirrow being red. It freaks me out and I think something is there. I guess over time I will get used to it. Out of all the cars I have owned since I was 14 this is the first red one. And I have had a lot of muscle/fun toys in 28 years

[jeremy3721]

Any difference in wind noise coming in from above the windows or rear of the top when up?

[95birdible]

Just a very faint wind noise same as my black one when new. I have only had one drive with the top up though and that was for about 4 miles at 55 mph. I only have 48 miles on it in 4 days. Weather has not cooperated so far. Right now it is sunny and 36. Supposed to be up in the 60's today so I am hoping to get some seat time in.

[jsherm007]

Well mine looks like your 'new' one, I bought mine in Feb. Hopefully mine is fully redesigned and will hold up. Although I did have a TSB performed last week.

[95birdible]

Some of you requested a side by side in the sun. So here it is. I still think the ribs are more pronounced on the black one than red.

[2001ragtop]

does the red car have a thicker insulation pad under it? or does it feel or look identical to the black car ?

Please keep people posted about your car. I have wanted this car, but got queezy about the top problems.

Your car could be used as the new "go-to" guy who knows for sure about the reliability issue.

and nut-butts car as well. I would love to hear that "this top has no problems" even if I put it up and down every day.....

I love it when something is Fixed and it's a truly "engineered" tested, reliable fix. It just gives me a warm fuzzy inside, as I am sure it would for anyone else...

I'm also impressed you somehow got to order a NEW car to replace the previous car.

[95birdible]

From first indications on this car, now remember I have only had it since Tuesday, 60 miles, and cycled the top twice so far. The headliner seems to fit better and feels a bit thicker. The top seems to be smoother and not as rough as my replacement last september. It fits different in the well and drops lower to avoid the water bag. Seems they adjusted how it goes down also. Nothing on the top on the red one reminds me of my replacement on the black one. As nutt said, no problems. We should have the same top as his came right off the line. Hopefully the issues are fixed. Ask me again about the end of June how it is though. It is still early and lots of top down time ahead. I am waiting to get the stripes painted on in case I have to go down the road I just did. Not sinking a grand in it if I cannot get it back. If you need any more info please hit me up.