How to Operate a 2006 Corvette Top

Despite its lacking performance and high sticker price, the Corvette’s 1953 release was a complete success. In 1960, the Corvette finally crested the 300-horsepower mark and stayed that way until the emissions crunch of the 1970s sucked the power from it. By 2006, the Corvette became a streamlined machine with up to 505 asphalt-pummeling horsepower. For those that sacrificed 105 horsepower and went with the convertible body style, you could feel your hair follicles hanging on for dear life, as you rip from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4.6 seconds, if only you could figure out how to operate the top.

Instructions

Opening Manual Top

1. Park on a flat surface and set the transmission in “Park,” if equipped with an automatic transmission, or “Neutral,” if equipped with a manual transmission. Set the parking brake and turn the ignition “Off” if the Corvette is running.

2. Open the trunk and verify that the trunk partition is in its upright position. If not, lift the partition so it is vertical and snap its clips on either end onto the clips on the sides of the trunk. Close the trunk.

3. Find the convertible top latch just above the rearview mirror. Pull this latch downward and twist it clockwise to unlock the top.

4. Lift the front of the top off the windshield frame, so it is vertical. Hold the front of the top up and pull the rear of the top upward, so it is parallel to the front of the top. The top will stay in this position, so there is no need to hold it.

5. Tilt the driver’s seat forward. Look behind the driver’s seat and find the small button just under the tonneau cover. Press this button and pull the tonneau cover upward.

6. Hold the rear of the top and slowly lower the front of the top toward the windshield; this releases the rear of the top. Lower the rear of the top downward, so it rests in front of the opened tonneau cover.

7. Lift the front of the top and pivot it rearward to collapse the entire top into the cavity under the tonneau cover. Press downward on the center of the top to ensure it’s retracted fully. Close the tonneau cover.

Closing Manual Top

1. Repeat step 1 in the section titled “Opening Manual Top,” but leave the ignition in the “On” position, or turn it to the “On” position if it is currently off. Lower the windows to their full-down position. Turn the ignition to the “Off” position.

2. Tilt the driver’s seat forward and press the tonneau cover release button behind the seat. Pull the tonneau cover upward to expose the top.

3. Grab the front of the convertible top firmly and pull it upward to remove it from the tonneau cover cavity. Pull the top forward until it contacts the windshield frame.

4. Lift the front part of the top upward until it’s vertical, then lift the rear of the top upward and out of the path of the tonneau cover. Press the tonneau cover downward firmly to close it.

5. Guide the front of the top forward until it contacts the window frame, then lower the rear of the top into place.

6. Sit inside the vehicle and pull the front of the top downward, then turn the convertible top’s latch counterclockwise to lock the top.

Opening Power Top

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface with the vehicle running or ignition in the “Acc” position. Shift the automatic transmission into “Park” or the manual transmission into “Neutral,” then engage the parking brake.

2. Follow step 2 in the section titled “Opening Manual Top.”

3. Unlock the convertible top by pulling down the convertible top latch and twisting it clockwise. Push the front of the top upward and observe as the windows roll down.

4. Press and hold the down arrow on the power-top control button to the left of the steering wheel until you hear a chime indicating you have completed lowering the top, then release the button.

Closing Power Top

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 in the section titled “Opening Power Top.”

2. Press and hold the up arrow on the power-top control button until you hear the chime that indicated you have raised the top completely. Release the button.

3. Pull downward on the convertible top latch and turn it counterclockwise to lock it into place.

References

• GM Owner’s Link: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Owner’s Manual (see pgs 2-60 through 2-70)
• Cars.com: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Specs
• Cars.com: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Overview
• Edmunds.com: Chevrolet Corvette History