Subject: Re: C-4 removable tops both and frame flex question
From: PJ <pj4380(at)yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: C-4 removable tops both and frame flex question
Lines: 44
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 07:13:09 -0700
NNTP-Posting-Host: 72.199.77.53
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Wade Herod wrote:
> Don`t know maybe this has been covered. Someone just recently said that the
> removable top adds regiddity to the frame. My question. As I drive almost
> exclusively with the tinted top, which is lighter and thinner therefore not
> as strong as the solid top, does my frame flex more with that top than the
> solid top? I would think that flexing, besides being a detriment to
> handling, also speeds up the damage to the frame. After all they retire
> commercial jets due to wearing out of the structural members etc.
>
From a structural life viewpoint, I think it`s more a case of roof
panel or no roof panel. The plastic insert in the `solid` top might not
offer much more stiffness than does the `glass` panel. On the other
side of the coin, I do notice more top `flexing sounds` with the `glass`
top on the car. (this is even with a frame brace). I choose tops based
on the weather and how I want to the car to look -- strictly a "vanity
thing."
Take the top off and maneuver the car a bit--or drive down a road with a
little wave in the surface or pour the coal to it on a banked track.
Good lesson in frame flex and short period handling response --
particularly with the `soft ride` suspension.
The convertibles had a frame brace and some of us have added it to our
coupe. Good article in Corvette Fever a couple of months ago. Eckler`s
and Mid-America both sell those braces. It`s made the C4 `driveable`
with the top off. Dad tells a C4 handling story and may take exception
to this statement - >>:-0
I`d not worry about frame failure; although C4s definitely `loosen up`
as they age. Dad might observe that, "Jello doesn`t develop fatigue
cracks."
> Should I put the solid top back on?
Enjoy the car & don`t sweat fatigue -- add a frame brace if you`re
concerned.
>
> Thanks for your thoughts, Wade in NW Florida
>
>
--
PJ
`89 Hookercar `02 e-blu coupe
From: Bob I <birelan1(at)yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: C-4 removable tops both and frame flex question
Lines: 22
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 09:25:56 -0500
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It flexes when you have the top OUT, you still have the top frame bolted
in place. Commercial jets are aluminum, which will crack after repeated
flexing, sometimes catastrophically. You have a steel frame, on the
other hand the C6 ZO6 has an aluminum frame so you are unlikely to see
an engineer condone removing it`s top with an after market chop job.
Wade Herod wrote:
> Don`t know maybe this has been covered. Someone just recently said that the
> removable top adds regiddity to the frame. My question. As I drive almost
> exclusively with the tinted top, which is lighter and thinner therefore not
> as strong as the solid top, does my frame flex more with that top than the
> solid top? I would think that flexing, besides being a detriment to
> handling, also speeds up the damage to the frame. After all they retire
> commercial jets due to wearing out of the structural members etc.
>
> Should I put the solid top back on?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts, Wade in NW Florida
>
>
From: "Vern" <VLfarmer(at)comcast.net>
Subject: Re: C-4 removable tops both and frame flex question
Date: 16 Jul 2006 18:45:24 -0700
Lines: 20
NNTP-Posting-Host: 68.57.135.124
________________________________________________
Wade Herod wrote:
> Don`t know maybe this has been covered. Someone just recently said that the
> removable top adds regiddity to the frame. My question. As I drive almost
> exclusively with the tinted top, which is lighter and thinner therefore not
> as strong as the solid top, does my frame flex more with that top than the
> solid top? I would think that flexing, besides being a detriment to
> handling, also speeds up the damage to the frame. After all they retire
> commercial jets due to wearing out of the structural members etc.
>
> Should I put the solid top back on?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts, Wade in NW Florida
I have a C4 - 92 Coupe and I take the top off alot when its cooler. Yes
there is definite "Cowl Shake" vibrations without the top.
Be careful handling the top, don`t grab the front of it by the thin
framing or it will break off !
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