zhopper05

It is official, as of this afternoon, I am glad to report that my Z06-R, as it's been identified, is the first ever C6 Z06 to have a fixed transparent top. The project was great success. I was going to take pictures, but it's been raining. I'll take some tomorrow and will post.

burtonbl103

zhopper05

Although the car was wet from driving in the rain - had to check water-tightness of the new install -

Here are few pictures - new headliner should be done next week

v.vet's Z06

HIRISC

I like.

Who did the work?

zhopper05

Thompson Astro Tops did the lens swap - I took care of the installation myself.

It looks awesome. I took it for a drive right after I put the glass roof on. I don't understand why it can't be an option. The car felt as stiff and rigid as ever. I even drove it a little (I have to admit - very gently) yesterday with the top off, and it felt fine too - didn't notice any flexing at all.

jrubicon

$$$?? if you dont mind posting

Frenchican

uhm... Ok. So you know more about engineering stresses than all of GM?I'm not knocking you... Well maybe, but I hope it works out for you. Something I definately would not try myself.

Gary2KC5

I knew it could be done...I suggested this back in 06'

zhopper05

If you're interested in getting it done, you'd have to get a quote directly from Astro Tops, if they're willing to do it.

It is not as easy as it seems; it requires taking apart/skinning a fixed roof (to use the frame) and a targa top (to use the lens). In my case, being the first project to get done, it was still an experiment, and I also supplied the donor tops.

burtonbl103

Who did the lingenfelter on the doors ?

Simsek

It looks awesome Great job
Transparent top was transferred to your top? Could one convert the stock removable top to be fixed to the Z and use the stock C6 interior trim? I'm interested in this conversion. I don't see why it would compromise rigidity also. Could you provide more detail like, how the transparent glass swap was done.

Frenchican

I just looked at the pics again. You used the factory magnesium frame? Cool.

zhopper05

First of all, I did not do the work myself, and this project did not just happen overnight. It has been in the works for several months. We have researched it and talked with several sources including the ones that supply the OEM tops to GM. If you look-up Thompson Astro Tops, you'll know they're a very capable outfit; one of the best "Corvette Top Suppliers". That's what they do.

BTW, for the record, yes, I do know a little about engineering stresses. The reason GM did not use the transparent lens has nothing to do with stress - it has to do thermal issues. The magnesium frame itself is what handles any stress on that part of the car.

Frenchican

I applaud your success. Good job.

'06 Quicksilver Z06

Don't try this at home.

OK. That explains it and certainly makes sense.

zhopper05

Yes sir, that's what we did - we used the stock Z06 frame, and adhered a transparent lens on it.

Supposedly, in a few months, consumers should be able to get that done fairly easily, as Astro Tops and other suppliers I talked to are in the process of making new after market tops for the Coupe C6. At that time, you should be to request fixed ones (that's what I was told). But if you're anxious like I was to get yours done NOW, you'd have to convince Astro Tops to take apart the tops and transfer the clear lens. But that can be a little pricier, that's all.

NKRZ06

zhopper05

This is definitely not a Do-It-Yourself project.

zhopper05

A local upholstery shop in Pasadena Texas - same place that did the seats, and now doing the headliner for the new top.