What is the real weight difference? Why do convertibles way so much more than all other t-top and hartop cars? What can be removed to get them equal in weight?

 

the extra weight comes from the added support bracing to make up for the lack of a solid top. I'm not sure about removing the added weight, might not be such a good idea

 

get a hard top , ive had 2 ttops z's and now i gota hard top, and i like it more lol i didnt thnk id like it, but ya i agree w ^^^^ i wouldnt remove the "xtra weight", might not be the best idea

 

The vert only weighs 80 lb more than a hardtop.
Mine feels solid and doesn't rattle.
I bought a vert because being able to put the top down beats any shortcommings one may have to put up with.
Nothing beats driving around in a muscle car with the top down on a nice day.
One buys a vert because it is one.
Convertables are always worth more as collectables.
Look at 1st gen cars.
Any arguements and comparisons are pointless IMO.
The only weight you could save besides taking out the spare that would make a difference is a tubular k-member and removing the bumper bars behind the bumper covers.
You would save 100's of lbs.
You could strip the emissions and AC for another 30 lb.
Anything else is marginal.

 

Personally I like t-tops over a hard top and a convertable. It's kinda in the middle of both, has the advantages of both, and IMO looks more bad ***.

 

I agree totally. You buy a convertible because it is a convertible.

It is totally pointless to argue a hardtop is better. Better for what? driving in the rain? Who buys a car like this to drive in the rain? I bought this car to drive on nice sunny summer days. if it is going to rain, I'll drive a different car!
Plus, they hold their value better. They are more fun to drive. No blind spots. Women actually ask to go for rides. You get a nice sun tan if you drive without a shirt on. The exhaust sounds great without a roof or back window. I could go on and on. NO comaprison.

If you are looking for a "track car" get a hardtop. If you are looking for a "street car" get a convertible.
end of story!

 

I even drive mine in the winter.
4 snow tires and some sandbags in the trunk
make it track better than most SUVs.

 

Ditto to all the convertible owners. NOTHING beats a "Vert" for looks and curb appeal!

Fred

 

If you buy a convertible and only race Z-28 hardtop/T Top cars with drivers that weigh at least 80 lbs more than you the weight issue would be a moot point. The better driver you are the less you will even notice 80 lbs.


There is no better feeling than cruising in the convertible...and it will hand out a butt kicking when necessary.

 

8.60 @ 160MPH:

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun...B/IMG_0710.jpg

And the top still goes up and down:

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun.../DCP03882a.jpg

 

isnt the added weight from the components powering the top...the motor and everything?

 

For cruising, I'd say a vert is best. For a year round daily driver, t-tops are probably best. For race (and I mean roadcourse, autox, or open road) use, the hardtop is the only way to go.

 

As stated by many... You typically don't buy a convertible to be a competitive race car. Not to say that you can't make it into one with enough $$$. I bought my convertible to have more fun driving a muscle car. Down here in South Florida, there aren't many days that don't qualify as convertible weather. Although it can be a bit too hot in July and August. I actually look forward to the "winter" down here.

 

thats whats good about winter here in the south, we dont have to worry about the snow, instead thats when the weather is the perfect temp , thats when i will wish that i did have a vert

 

I think the weight difference is a little more than 80lb.
From the specs. Weight 3436/3521 (mine weighs 3621), that's more like 100+lbs. Weight distribution is also not as good, 57/43 vrs. 58/42. And even with the added stiffeners the chase flex is still greater. Aerodynamics also take a hit, with the vert. being much worse.

Got to love them verts. though!!