sdh161

Hey all,

Just had my passenger side t-top on my '89 smashed by a giant tree branch falling on my car. Dealers around here want upwards of $700 for a new one. I know I can get them cheaper elsewhere. The only problem is no one seems to have the same exact thing I'm looking for.

My tops are factory installed GM/Fishers. I've noticed that the factory installed t-tops are differentiated into different groups by model years available (82-83, 84-85, 85-88, and 89-92 or something like that). All the groups seem to have the same dimensions, but differ in their edge trimming and latch type.

My question is: Which ones are interchangeable? Obviously I need the same type of latching system (which rules out the 82-83's) but does the edge trimming matter? I need plain glass edges. Can I remove the plastic edge trimming on the 84-85's to make them fit or will they fit with it on (or not at all for some other reason)? And as far as I can tell the 85-88's and the 89-92's are identical (except the 89-92's came in acrylic as well as glass). Is there any reason I couldn't use an 85-88 instead?

Thanks a lot.
Steve

okfoz

I have put acrylic ones into my 87, so I know the 89-92 will fit...

basically I believe that the 85+ will fit without any problems, BUT because your getting a different top you might have to adjust them so they fit correctly...

Just AVOID THE C&C ones they will leak REALLY BAD... (considering there about 2" shorter.)

John

Joe_L

I never realised there was a difference.
I would be interested in knowing which ones interchange too.
As for finding a replacement, go to e-bay, they sell fairly cheap on there sometimes.

okfoz

The Obvious, difference is the hook style (82-83) and the pin style (84 & up) There were some of the pin style WITHOUT the locks in 84, but as far as I know they ALL had locks from 85+...

there is also a difference in the paint on the edges, for 82-84 I think they only had the outside edge painted, starting in either 84 or 85 they went to the paint all the way around the edge...

The Plastic 89-91 tops were never painted to my knowledge.

John

gflo383

i tried putting my friend 89 RS t top on my 86 IROC ttop carm and they would not fit! i dont know why, but it kinda looked like he had a different curve on his tops than i do....

383backinblack

the shape of all the t-tops for every third gen is the same, as well as the dimensions....

there was a difference in the latching mechanism at one time i believe 83 or 84, where they pins that locked the tops into the roof were different....we encountered this problem when trying to put 87 t-tops on a friends 83

loomdog32

http://www.tacreationsusa.com/t-tops_and_glass.htm

check out that site.. there are no prices listed, but they should be able to tell u what t-top u need.. from looking at the page there only are 2 different size and 5 different styles:

1: 82-84 Fisher Tops
Material : Glass with Mirrored Inside Tint
Latch : Hooks or Pins
30 1/4" Long x 24" Wide
1 1/2" Molding

2: 82-92 Cars and Concepts Tops
Material : Tinted Glass
Latch : Hooks
28" Long x 24 3/4" Wide
2.5" Molding

3: 85-92 Fisher w/Glass Tops
Material : Glass with Mirrored Inside Tint
Latch : Pins
30 1/4" Long x 24" Wide
1 1/2" Molding

4: 85-88 Fisher w/Trim Molding Tops
Material : Glass with Mirrored Inside Tint
Latch : Pins
30 1/4" Long x 24" Wide
1 1/2" Molding

5: 85-92 Fisher w/Lexar Tops
Material : Clear Lexan (Plastic)
Latch : Large Pins
30 1/4" Long x 24" Wide
1 1/2" Molding


i hope this helps....


-mike (loomdog)

okfoz

I forgot about the early tops having the extra trim piece on the front and rear edges... 82-84 I believe...

John

sdh161

Actually, that site is what prompted me to post here. I was originally just looking for tops from '89's and then I figured that with the body type being the same for so many years the tops would be interchangeable. But then I saw that site and I was confused because the dimensions, etc. all seem to be the same (excluding the different latches) and I wondered why they differentiated them if they were interchangeable. But anyways... I think I've got it figured out now. Thanks so much for all the help.

-Steve

okfoz

****

okfoz

what the heck "r1ce" is now a swear word???

What the R1ce
R1ce you
R1ce happens

John

83firebirdS/E

THat's funny as hell! ****

ontogenesis

yea, r1ce and g0d both, but bitch isn't, go figure

Motopsyco

I put 87 glass t-tops from an 87 camaro in my 91 firebird to replace the crappy plastic one, and aside from slight adjustment, there is a curve difference near the outer edge at the back, so the tops dont lign exactly with the sail panel contour, but other than that they fit great
also the pins are different diameter, but fit the same, the 87 has large diameter pins, and the 91 has small diameter pins or the other way around
--Stormr

383backinblack

I checked the tops from the 83 that i mentioned earlier in this thread, and i was right the locking mechanism is totally different.....the locking device wasnt pins at all, it had little hook type things....so there was alot different about the tops, but the shape and fit of the top itself was still the same