PeterW

I took my 89 Firebird to a car show last weekend and noticed that the other Firebirds I saw had longer t-tops than my car.

My tops are a good 2 inches shorter at the front. Did GM change the t-top design at some point? The whole thing looks like a factory install, with locking glass t-tops etc, so I don't think it's been converted

Anybody got any ideas?!

Thanks
Peter

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

They're aftermarket tops. GM's tops retained the same size and shape for the entire run, 82-92. Stock t-tops extend all the way from the A pillar to the B pillar, with no "roofline" inbetween.

PeterW

That's interesting - whoever fitted the tops did a very good job - it never even occured to me that they might be aftermarket tops - they look like factory fitted jobs and there's no body flex etc that I'd have expected with aftermarket tops.

Anybody know what companies make these kits just in case I need a new set of seals or something in the future?!

9D1BURD

I think parts for the aftermarket tops are getting harder to come by. So if you can find them, buy them.

Firebird90

iTrader: (1)

I have one of these kit on my car. Made by Cars & Concepts. I has it installed for $2500 back in 1990.

I don't think they are making them any more. But you can buy spair parts
http://www.sunroofdoctor.com/c&cf82.htm

PeterW

That's interesting - why don't they sell the kits anymore? Was there a problem with them? I haven't noticed any significant body flex etc. on my car. As I said before - I've only just realised they're not stock t-tops! Should I fit sub frame connectors or is the conversion strong enough on its own?

Thanks again,
Peter

Firebird90

iTrader: (1)

I don't think the market is there anymore. Since you can buy a used car with T-tops for as much as the kit.

When they installed the C&C I have found out from 2 sources that they put a brace in the b-piller and the windshield. After its been taken out the push the winshield forward 1-2 inchs in order it get the frame in. then they are rivited in. (There is more to it but this is the short version of it)

As far as structure:
ASC - Has a total of ~12 welds on the top bar
C&C - Has rivits I think I counted 20 (It been a while).

C&C made t-top for the 78-93 F-body's
ASC is also a maker - Contacted to GM

All T-tops (ASE & C&C) have body flex. I've added a sub frame fix. Big difference.

With the C&C you have your full size sun shade... I have their brocure floating around with my Firebird stuff. I can pic and send it to you if you want.

PeterW

That would be great if you could scan in the brochure and send me the pics - it would be nice to see something about the history of my t-tops!

I can see how the market wouldn't be there for the kit anymore - I guess these kits were fitted to the cars when they were a lot newer and worth more?

The quality of the kit and the fitting is brilliant though - I can see why people would pay $2500 to get it done. Was it cheaper to get this kit fitted in the early 90s than to buy a t-top car?

Thanks again,
P

Firebird90

iTrader: (1)

When I bought my car back in 1990, 3 dealers in the Bay Area (Which 0 of the 3 are still around) told me that they didn't make t-tops for the V6. (V6 - Young, high insurace, low paying job...)

I looked at the sticker price on the V8 that had t-top they were running at $1500.

C&C also made a T-top with a pop up roof. Kinda like a sunroof vent. That went for $3500. But stop make them in 1989.

I'll get that to you in a couple of days.

PeterW

Thanks for posting those pictures to me - I've had them printed and have stored them with the other paperwork for my car

89Irocz23

I have the C&C t tops I personally dont like them cause I have no idea how im gonna get a new head liner. My whole head liner is garbage along with the cardboard thing. Its all in the trash. I dont like them because if for some reason one of mine breaks its gonna cost a furtune to replace it , unlike going to the junk yard and getting a set for $100. I have noticed though the C&C seem to look stronger then the standard t top frame.

PeterW

Actually, that reminds me of another question I have. Does anyone with C&C t-tops worry about them breaking when they take them off the car? The t-top bags aren't padded and when you strap them in the back of the car they don't seem very secure. Anyone got a solution to this? Maybe I should get the t-top bag and straps from a standard t-top car and use that instead?

camarochic

Well they should be the same size my iroc-z t- tops fit on my 89 firebird so i have no clue

Aviator857

http://www.markscustomkits.com/T-top_Conversion.html

They are set up to build turnkey kitt cars, knight rider, anyways thay put the GM style T top in a hard top, you could always call them and see if the can convert the after market ones to GM. Of course it cost anywere from 1500 to 7000 to get it done.