View Poll Results: Whats better? T Tops or Hard Tops?
T TOPS!
115
68.05%
HARD TOPS!
54
31.95%
Voters: 169. You may not vote on this poll
T Tops VS. Hard Tops
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
T Tops VS. Hard Tops
ok so taking a poll of what yall prefer, hard tops, or t tops, i have one of each, hard top daily and a t top project, im debating on selling the hard top for a t top
how many of you out there have t tops or hard tops??
how many of you out there have t tops or hard tops??
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fort hood, Texas
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro z28
Engine: 350 5.7
Transmission: t5
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I have a hard top and I love it. I think the cars dorr windows a big enough so you don't need t-tops. But t-tops are also a signature of f-bodies
#3
Supreme Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: chicago IL
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I've owned many third gens some t-top some non t-tops. My current ride is a 91 formula hard top. In my opinion it was hard to enjoy t-top because in summer the sun is just beating down on you. When the sun sets then its fun. Also hard top is better to build a solid car on. I always say the hardtop is ordered for go.
#4
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I have 2 camaros one with t tops and one hard top. T tops are awesome on hot days but when it rains they are a pain cause almost all the time they leak. I prefer my hardtop as long as the ac works
#5
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,771
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 1987 Black IROC-Z (SOLD)
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
As a oriiginal owner of 1987 Hardtop I would say that over the years my hardtop has outlasted most T-top cars. Reasons: T-top car leak as they age and the lack of roof body support ... Rattles. Also as they pass on to new owners t-top cars only get worse.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Cape Coral, Fl.
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC Z
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
Ive had t top camaros and a mustang, and even a targa. My IROC now is a t top car but I wish it was a hard top. My 4th gen was a hard top, being in Florida ttops are pretty much useless most of the year. And even when it is nice I never take them off.
Trending Topics
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 08 Suburban, 87 MCSS, 89 IROC
Engine: 5.3, 355, 350TPI
Transmission: stock, 200-4r, 700R4
Axle/Gears: stock, 3.73 posi,
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I was about to post this exact poll. As I'm starting my search for a 3rd gen, I'm kinda on the fence about which way to go. I think t-tops definitely have the "cool factor" but I have an 87 monte carlo SS with t-tops that is an 80,xxx mile car that I have owned for 13 years and honestly hardly ever take them out and they have a lot of wind noise on the highway. Seals have been replaced a few years ago and I know the tops can be adjusted, but they just seem like more of a pain anymore than anything else. Kind of curious how this poll ends up after a few days. I definitely agree with the hardtop being more solid, and less rattles.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
iv had 2 t tops and 2 hard tops, i love t tops for cruising but imjust on the fence on whether to sell this hard top to buy a t top
its not a high horse power car its just a v6 resto
its not a high horse power car its just a v6 resto
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I think t top cars twist up more easily, so I don't keep them. I think the 350 cars couldn't even have them, right?
Anyway, if you love them then don't forget the subframe connectors. All 3rd gens need them anyway, but some more than others.
Anyway, if you love them then don't forget the subframe connectors. All 3rd gens need them anyway, but some more than others.
#12
Moderator
iTrader: (6)
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
Lots of 350's came with t-tops from the factory. It had everything to do with weight and nothing to do with power and the body twisting. That is why in 91/92 you get get a Firebird Formula with the 350 and t-tops as long as you got the light weight crosslace rims.
#13
Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 336
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 Z28
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt/2.73
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I've had my fair share of 3rd gens, and I dont like the t-tops in 3rd gens. Too much wind noise and they usually leak. My 91 is a hardtop, there are less squeeks and rattles and the feeling of the car is more solid.
My 01 Trans Am is a T-top like most 4th gens are, and I don't mind with this car. I don't get any wind noise and have zero leaks. Must have been something with the way they're designed on these later models.
My 01 Trans Am is a T-top like most 4th gens are, and I don't mind with this car. I don't get any wind noise and have zero leaks. Must have been something with the way they're designed on these later models.
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Casselberry, FLA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
My mom's 89 has T-Tops and they don't leak, but they are the heavy glass ones. The Plastic ones that I have had were all leakers. Maybe the weight on the seal has something to do with it?
#17
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: LeRoy, NY
Posts: 7,240
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT
Engine: 2.7L V6
Transmission: 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.41
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I'm going to miss the t-tops... 23 years old when I started the teardown and almost no rust on the weatherstrip tracks (only on the outer edges and of course that center bar, go figure). Yes, they leaked, but the weatherstripping needed to be replaced almost as bad as the suspension bushings and the engine mounts (all cracked and dry rotted ). It's all in the adjustments, people. GM has service bulletins about the adjustments. As for the sun beating down on you, that's what 5% limo tint is for . Never really noticed any rattles except when things started hitting each other (exhaust hitting the heat shield, etc), and I go over some pretty nasty bumps (which is what cracked my windshield ), and of course, the stuff in the doors rattling and the 2 cross braces on the radiator support hitting each other because the rubber thing was missing that insulated them from each other. But, then, it was a V6, so there wasn't as much torque twisting of the frame.
#19
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Streetsboro Oh
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
T-tops all the way-I will not own a 3rd gen that is not T-tops. I don't drive my car in the rain, but my tops don't leak, no rattles, but my headliner has seen alot better days.
#21
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Marseilles, IL
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 RS, 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TBI, still deciding
Transmission: 700R-4, still deciding
Axle/Gears: stock, 3:73 IROC
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
The 91 RS I had to sell was a T-top car. Never had a problem with rattles, squeaks, or twisting. Loved that car. Brother had an 88 Camaro hard top and it was a great car as well. Hopefully I can get this basket case of an 89 IROC I have acquired back on the road and then I can find out how it does.
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
i think the ratles have alot to do with how the car was treated, my 90 RS was pampered, didnt really leak at all and was a quiet ride, my iroc however (wich has been really abused most of its life) ratled everywhere it could and LEAKED HORRIBLY when i bought it, but its all fixed now, new seals and all new interior
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 08 Suburban, 87 MCSS, 89 IROC
Engine: 5.3, 355, 350TPI
Transmission: stock, 200-4r, 700R4
Axle/Gears: stock, 3.73 posi,
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
Looks like the t-top cars seem to be the favorite. I'm still on the fence. Probably whatever I find first that seems like a good car will be what I end up with.
Last edited by ramos87ss; 07-28-2012 at 10:45 AM. Reason: wrong reply
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 Overdrive Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1 Positraction
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
T-tops are sportier but hardtops are my favorite, T-tops I see as more Luxury or an escape hatch in case your Sandwhiched between two cars and you can't open the door, hardtop are stronger and made for performance that's only why they made only 1 Firehawk T-top
#28
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
As mentioned elsewhere, t-tops have the "cool" factor but are bound to be trouble. Mine don't leak or make noise and my puny 2.8 will never stress them. I have never removed them 'cause I don't want to start any troubles!
#29
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 1990 Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3:73 Posi
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
Having owned several of both (3 w/T's, 2 W/O), T-Tops all the Way!
I just feel suffocated in a hardtop car, as opposed to a T-Top even with the T's on.
And the Leak argument is weeeeeeak, that is like saying you owned a car with a leaky brake line, so you will never buy another car with Brakes. As long as the seals are maintained and replaced as needed, and the T-top adjusted, there isn't a problem.
I just feel suffocated in a hardtop car, as opposed to a T-Top even with the T's on.
And the Leak argument is weeeeeeak, that is like saying you owned a car with a leaky brake line, so you will never buy another car with Brakes. As long as the seals are maintained and replaced as needed, and the T-top adjusted, there isn't a problem.
#31
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
Yes the leaking thing is WEEEK! I have two t topped third gens, and they don't' even leak. If you have a leaking problem, the tops can be adjusted as I did so they seal properly. Keep the seals in good condition by applying a conditioner to them and your all set.
#32
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
You're right, of course, I'm just scared - I saved this bird from the junkyard and the PO's didn't care for it properly at all, it was just a rusted out piece of junk that took 2 years' work just to pass inspection so I could drive it.
I feel better about trying taking the glass off now thanks!
I feel better about trying taking the glass off now thanks!
#33
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 08 Suburban, 87 MCSS, 89 IROC
Engine: 5.3, 355, 350TPI
Transmission: stock, 200-4r, 700R4
Axle/Gears: stock, 3.73 posi,
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I'm definitely looking harder for a car with t-tops, than without, but if I find a hardtop that seems like a deal, I'm going to have to jump on it.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
The seals on my car are perfect, and I'd like to keep them that way.
#35
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
T-TOPS
My 85 z28 is the 5th Camaro I have owned and the 1st factory t-top car.
Rest were hardtops, every single one I wished was a t-top, infact on one of them I made the plunge and did this...
[img][/img]
My 85 z28 is the 5th Camaro I have owned and the 1st factory t-top car.
Rest were hardtops, every single one I wished was a t-top, infact on one of them I made the plunge and did this...
[img][/img]
#36
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I love my t-top car. I've had two hard tops and the t-top. I have the t-top shades, so its not hot at all inside. And since I have SFC's, rattles really not an issue! As long as i don't run 'em thru a carwash, they don't leak either. Did make a mess out of the headliner, but i think you could say that about any 20+ year old vechicle. Got an ABS headliner, no more issues!
#37
#38
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
If you're still looking for a third gen, I was looking on ebay maybe a week ago and there was quite a few really nice camaros on there, I was surprised.
#39
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: The Wicked six'ah
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock 3.08's
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I had good luck with my First t-top camaro... never leaked unless i went into a automatic car wash... Then My 2nd t-top camaro when it rains I think id stay drier with the damn things out. hahaha
#40
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: arnold, missouri
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 iroc
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: unknown atm
Axle/Gears: unknown atm
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I think t tops add a cool factor that no performance mod you make can compare to, but then again a hard top are great. Not a big fan of drop tops tho..
#41
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
There are advantages to both. Unless you just NEED the T-Tops I would just find a car that's ag ood deal and looks nice. Dont buy or skip on a car because of the top. Unless it's a leaky t-top car... those seals arent cheap.
I do seem to notice that the hardtop cars are much less rust prone in the floorboards because, presumably, water never really gets inside them. I'd be lying if I said I didnt want a T-Top car, but I love my hardtop car. Also I find the whole logistical issue of T-Tops discouraging. You gotta put em in their bags and throw em in the back, and then put em back on when you get to where you're going unless you just want to leave your car open while you're away. And then you gotta do it all over again on the way back home... just seems like I'm too lazy to be messing with that kind of thing. Id just leave them on all the time, which means it's silly to have them since they cause so many other issues.
My car is a hardtop with SFC's and that thing is rock solid as far as body flex/twist. It will rock on jackstands all day long.
I do seem to notice that the hardtop cars are much less rust prone in the floorboards because, presumably, water never really gets inside them. I'd be lying if I said I didnt want a T-Top car, but I love my hardtop car. Also I find the whole logistical issue of T-Tops discouraging. You gotta put em in their bags and throw em in the back, and then put em back on when you get to where you're going unless you just want to leave your car open while you're away. And then you gotta do it all over again on the way back home... just seems like I'm too lazy to be messing with that kind of thing. Id just leave them on all the time, which means it's silly to have them since they cause so many other issues.
My car is a hardtop with SFC's and that thing is rock solid as far as body flex/twist. It will rock on jackstands all day long.
#42
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
There are advantages to both. Unless you just NEED the T-Tops I would just find a car that's ag ood deal and looks nice. Dont buy or skip on a car because of the top. Unless it's a leaky t-top car... those seals arent cheap.
Also I find the whole logistical issue of T-Tops discouraging. You gotta put em in their bags and throw em in the back, and then put em back on when you get to where you're going unless you just want to leave your car open while you're away. And then you gotta do it all over again on the way back home... just seems like I'm too lazy to be messing with that kind of thing. Id just leave them on all the time, which means it's silly to have them
Also I find the whole logistical issue of T-Tops discouraging. You gotta put em in their bags and throw em in the back, and then put em back on when you get to where you're going unless you just want to leave your car open while you're away. And then you gotta do it all over again on the way back home... just seems like I'm too lazy to be messing with that kind of thing. Id just leave them on all the time, which means it's silly to have them
#44
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
While I had a T-Top IROC and had zero issues, I did find the removal and replacement of the T-Tops annoying. Plus, they weren't really a vert...
I'm looking at a hardtop GTA right now...I still like the t-top look...but after a drive in a hardtop we'll see...
I'm looking at a hardtop GTA right now...I still like the t-top look...but after a drive in a hardtop we'll see...
#45
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
iam on my 6 third gen (87 hard top formula 350) and I've had all ( ttop convertible and hardtop ) and I honestly love the hard top more you just have lest worries of any watter geting in (ttop) and geting your top riped (convertible)
#46
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Glen Park, NY
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: TPIS II Supercharged w/Nitrous
Transmission: 700R4 Probuilt
Axle/Gears: 3:73 Richmond 12 Bolt
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I wouldn't think twice about buying another T-Top if I had the choice.. I never drive mine in the winter, or when it is raining out. Usually during the summer months, I take the tops out and leave them home.. It is kind of a pain in a$$ but worth every moment when driving down the road.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: N. Ky
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 T/A - 70 Z28/RS
Engine: Broke - 350
Transmission: 700R4 - M22
Axle/Gears: G80, 2.73 - ZQ9 G80 4.10
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I like riding in t-top cars but for performance reasons I'd rather have a hard top car. I grew up around performance cars and drag racing at the track and hard tops are the way to go. My car is a hard top car and there are times during a cruise I wish I had t-tops but I still prefer the hard top.
One thing I do miss that was only available in 67 is cozy wings opened up on a hot summer day. They would direct the air right onto you and it was like having AC. It wouldn't look right on 2nd gen and later cars but I miss the rush of air they provided.
One thing I do miss that was only available in 67 is cozy wings opened up on a hot summer day. They would direct the air right onto you and it was like having AC. It wouldn't look right on 2nd gen and later cars but I miss the rush of air they provided.
#48
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firbird formula 350
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Nine Bolt
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I have a hard top, but I wanted a T-top. The pole question is a too restricted, which is best?, that depends. I like the look of the t-tops, and they nice for cursing when the weather is right. But I think most will agree they can be a lot trouble, tend to rattle, leak, make the body less ridged. I like my hard top just fine and it's more practical for me. Where I live, it's too hot in the summer and too wet and cold in the winter to get much use from the T-top cool factor. I could only take them off 2 or 3 weeks out of the year. Still, it's hard to beat the look of a nice 3rd gen with the T-tops off.
#49
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 08 Suburban, 87 MCSS, 89 IROC
Engine: 5.3, 355, 350TPI
Transmission: stock, 200-4r, 700R4
Axle/Gears: stock, 3.73 posi,
Re: T Tops VS. Hard Tops
I ended up finding a t-top car which was my first choice, so I'm pretty happy with what I got.