85 C4 cracked acrilyic roof panel

[Redvette85]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and recently bought my first corvette. In last week's heat my roof panel has formed a rather large crack in it. Do you recommend repairing it? Or is tracking down a fibreglass roof a better option so this doesn't happen again.
Thanks, Mike.

[Vettech]

Um!...... yes the old cracked see thru acrylic roof. Most cracks I've seen come from the rear at about where the panel curves over (~ 100mm) from the side at the rear corners. If they are only small, you can drill a small hole at the end of the crack, glue (acrylic cement) crack, fill hole. Or take it to "someone" with plastic/acrylic expertise, they will drill and weld it up. Or throw it away, but with there replacement cost I'm sure you will have a heap of takers only too happy to take it off your hands.
Replacements in Oz are hard to come by, and expensive from the States, that applies to both Acrylic and Solid f/glass types.
BUT REMEMBER, they crack from age, stress and incorrect roof lock in alignment ------ so if you get a Second Hand acrylic, it will most likely be as old as your original, so I would suggest considering a brand new one. Also " roofs aint all roofs" that is to say, for an 87 you buy an 87 roof, you will be very lucky if it goes on, you will need to release all 4 body locks and the 4 roof mount locks and go thu the setup precedure, ENSUREING fit and seal BUT without tooooo much stress.
Some say the solid roofs are cooler etc etc. My 78 with solid panels is cooler than my 87 with see thru panels, best of luck..

[Redvette85]

Thanks for your opinion. Tracking down a fibreglass one sounds like the best option.

[Vettech]

Oh!.... um you could try Gary Cartwright, I think Richard Stones had one, and maybe Gary could help you there.

[Vettech]

And by the way, I was being facetious when I said " throw it away", the bits can be re-used if a person makes up a solid f/glass roof, I have never seen "the bits" for sale separately, also the old roof could be used as a template.

[Redvette85]

Oh really that'd be great if they had one. How can I get in to contact with them? I'm yet to join the club as my vette is fresh from the states and I'm tinkering with it to get it ready for rego. So in saying that I'm yet to meet or know anyone in the club. Once I get another roof if you know of anyone who could use it let me know. Would be good if someone could make use of it.

[Redvette85]

Oh and by the way I noticed your post on wheels/tyres. I just replaced all 4 of my tyres as they were cracked and 2 were bald. Turns out all 4 of my wheels were 9.5 wide! Don't quite know how that happened. Although 245/50/16s fit perfectly. I was told by another vette owner that if they were 8.5 wide 225/50/16s would fit on.

[Vettech]

The 85 had two (2) types of wheels available from the factory.

1. STD 16x8.5, +32mm offset,  255/50VR-16 front and rear.
2. Z51  16x9.5, +38mm offset, 255/50VR-16  front and rear.

Factory tyres were Goodyear Eagle VR  on all.

Ask your tyre fitter, but I believe your tread width should match wheel width.

[Redvette85]

Oh ok so I guess someone put Z51 wheels on it somewhere down the line. Thanks for clearing that up. If you could put me in contact with either one of those guys you mentioned could have a roof panel I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

[Vettech]

Red I will send Garry a PM. But unfortunately my friend Richard is no longer with us, I appolguise if I missled.

[Redvette85]

Thanks very much I appreciate it. Sorry to hear that mate.

[Redvette85]

Hey Vettech, did you have any luck with the roof panel? Cheers.

[77CVT]

Dave from Pontiworld hooked me up with mine.  It was a post 85 roof and they have the holes in a different position.  I got onto 2nd hand plates in the states and just drilled a hole in the plastic cover where the new holes were.

[Redvette85]

Thanks very much for that mate. I'll give him a call in the morning. Cheers, Mike