C4 Corvette Replacement Tops (1984–1996): Fiberglass & Transparent Roof Panels by Year Design

C4 Corvette Replacement Tops (1984–1996): Fiberglass & Transparent Roof Panels by Year Design

The C4 Corvette (1984–1996) introduced the targa-top look that became a Corvette trademark — but because GM revised the roof design multiple times over the years, fitment accuracy is critical. These new replacement fiberglass and transparent tops are built to precise year-specific dimensions to ensure the perfect seal and latch alignment your car deserves.

Below, you’ll find every option for first-, second-, and third-design C4 Corvettes, including both solid fiberglass and transparent hard-coated acrylic tops.


🧱 Fiberglass Replacement Roof Panels (GM Performance Spec)

All fiberglass roofs arrive complete with new headliner, premium weatherstripping, and GM hardware installed. Each panel ships in black gel coat, ready for sanding, priming, and paint. These are perfect for owners who prefer a cooler, UV-blocking solid roof.


C4 Corvette 1984–Early 1986 — 1st Design Paintable Fiberglass Roof Panel

Highlights:

  • New gel-coated fiberglass panel, ready for prime and paint

  • New GM frame and hardware

  • Year-specific fitment for 1984, 1985, and early 1986 Corvettes

  • OEM powder-coated steel edge trim (rubber trim option included)

  • New reproduction latex weatherstrip

  • No core charge

  • Made in the USA

Customization Options:

  • Ships with rubber edge trim (install after paint).

  • Optional steel trim surround available for OE-style restoration.

Assembly Option:
Request assembly by the manufacturer at no extra charge — simply note it on your order.

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C4 Corvette Late 1986–1988 — 2nd Design Paintable Fiberglass Roof Panel

Same premium construction as the early version, built to the revised 1986–1988 bolt spacing.

Highlights:

  • New gel-coated fiberglass panel with GM frame and hardware

  • Year-specific fit for late 1986, 1987, and 1988 Corvettes

  • OEM powder-coated steel trim (or optional rubber surround)

  • Reproduction factory-equivalent weatherstrip

  • No core exchange required

  • Made in the USA

Before ordering:
Measure from the top of the windshield frame to each mounting bolt hole to confirm design generation.

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C4 Corvette 1989–1996 — 3rd Design Paintable Fiberglass Roof Panel

This late-design panel covers the longest production run in the C4 lineup. It fits all 1989–1996 models, offering the same durable construction and OEM-correct hardware.

Highlights:

  • New fiberglass panel, gel-coated and paint-ready

  • GM frame and hardware included

  • Powder-coated steel edge trim (or optional rubber trim)

  • Premium latex weatherstrip

  • No core charge

  • Made in the USA

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💎 Transparent Roof Panels (GM Restoration Parts)

For owners who prefer that open-air, light-filled cabin experience, these transparent C4 targa tops are manufactured by a GM-licensed distributor and built to precise year-specific specs. Each features a Super Abrasion Resistant (SAR) hard-coated lens in your choice of factory blue or smoked bronze tint privacy glass.


C4 Corvette 1984–Early 1986 — 1st Design Transparent Roof (GM Restoration Part)

Features:

  • Factory blue or smoked bronze tint (privacy glass)

  • New SAR hard-coated acrylic lens

  • New frame & hardware

  • OEM powder-coated steel trim

  • New weatherstripping installed

  • DOT-approved markings

  • No core charge or exchange required

  • Made in the USA

Fitment: 1984, 1985, and early 1986 Corvettes

Why choose it:
Avoid the fitment headaches of retrofit kits — these are true early-year replacements, built to the original 1984–1986 bolt spacing.

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C4 Corvette Late 1986–1988 — 2nd Design Transparent Roof (GM Restoration Part)

Features:

  • Available in factory blue or smoked bronze tint

  • Super Abrasion Resistant (SAR) hard-coated acrylic lens

  • New GM-licensed frame and hardware

  • Correct year-specific dimensions

  • OEM powder-coated steel trim

  • New latex weatherstripping

  • DOT-approved

  • No core charge

  • USA made

Fitment: Late 1986, 1987, and 1988 Corvettes

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C4 Corvette 1989–1996 — 3rd Design Transparent Roof (GM Restoration Part)

Features:

  • Factory blue or smoked bronze tint privacy glass

  • New SAR hard-coated acrylic lens

  • New GM-licensed frame (89–96)

  • OEM powder-coated steel edge trim

  • New weatherstripping included

  • DOT-approved

  • No core charge

  • Made in the USA

Fitment: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 Corvettes

Why choose it:
Perfect OEM restoration option with modern durability and optical clarity that exceeds original GM panels.

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🧰 Choosing the Correct C4 Roof Design

Before ordering, confirm your car’s roof generation.
Measure across the top of the windshield frame to the center of each mounting bolt hole (or measure from inside bolt hole to bolt hole).

Roof Design Years Key Fitment Notes
1st Design 1984–Early 1986 Narrower bolt spacing, early latch hardware
2nd Design Late 1986–1988 Revised latch and bolt pattern
3rd Design 1989–1996 Updated latch placement, longer frame

This quick check ensures your replacement roof fits perfectly on the first try.


🧽 Care & Maintenance

  • Clean transparent tops with non-ammonia glass cleaner and a microfiber towel.

  • Wax fiberglass tops regularly for UV protection.

  • Avoid harsh solvents or abrasives on hard-coated lenses.

  • Store panels on padded roof racks or mounts to prevent warping.

  • Inspect latch mechanisms and seals twice yearly.


💬 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which roof design I need?
→ Measure between your windshield mounting bolt holes or refer to your existing roof’s latch layout. Each product listing includes a simple diagram.

Can I upgrade from a fiberglass top to transparent?
→ Yes, as long as the design generation matches your car’s model years.

Do I need to send in a core?
→ No, all C4 tops ship brand new with no core exchange required.

Are these GM-approved parts?
→ Yes — transparent versions are GM-licensed restoration parts, and all fiberglass versions use new GM frames and hardware.

Can the manufacturer assemble my top before shipping?
→ Yes! Just note your preference in the order comments. Assembly is offered at no additional charge.


🔧 Technical Summary

Design Years Type Tint Options Frame Trim Core Charge Origin
1st Design 1984–Early 1986 Fiberglass / Transparent Blue / Smoked Bronze GM Licensed Steel or Rubber None USA
2nd Design Late 1986–1988 Fiberglass / Transparent Blue / Smoked Bronze GM Licensed Steel or Rubber None USA
3rd Design 1989–1996 Fiberglass / Transparent Blue / Smoked Bronze GM Licensed Steel or Rubber None USA

🏎️ Restore Your C4 with OEM-Correct Precision

Whether you prefer the cool, insulated comfort of a solid fiberglass panel or the bright, classic look of blue or bronze transparent glass, these year-specific replacement roofs bring your C4 back to its factory glory. Built on GM-licensed frames, finished with new hardware and weatherstripping, and made right here in the USA — these tops combine originality and craftsmanship like nothing else.

Shop C4 replacement tops at CorvetteStoreOnline.com and keep your fourth-generation Corvette road-ready and period-perfect.

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