T Top Flew away
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pine Bush, NY
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans AM GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
T Top Flew away
I dont know if anyone has experienced this but i am drivin along and my T-top starts shaking than flys off, i stop and hope its still intact but all the glass is gone.I must have not latched it all the way . I put some clear plastic, duct tape and the t-top minus the glass or whats left of the t-top, ill try to post a pic soon .It will protect against the rain it for now it looks like but i am wondering if all the t-tops are interchangable or is my 85 iroc only compatible with 85 camaro ttops casuse i need one real bad and dont know if other years will fit.
#3
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: British Columbia,Canada
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: ?
Originally posted by Mac
There all the same, no matter what year
There all the same, no matter what year
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: Recaro Option T/A
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3:27 Borg Warner
I have 2 85 T/A's with T-Tops, one has a metal frame around the glass, the other does not.
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/ 4.10 gears
Originally posted by 85 T/A WS6
I have 2 85 T/A's with T-Tops, one has a metal frame around the glass, the other does not.
I have 2 85 T/A's with T-Tops, one has a metal frame around the glass, the other does not.
in any case, for compatibility you just want to look at your latching mechanism. It'll be either hooks, small pins or big pins. Also the big pins can have the plastic piece removed and there's a small pin underneath so they're somewhat interchangable too
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA/San Diego
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: Stock carbed 305
Transmission: Stock 200C
What do you mean by "J" hook and pin type...I have an 82 and its jus two rods going into a hole on both sides...don't know about the "j" It happened to me...my brother didn't latch my t-top on right and on the freeway it just flew off...luckily it was late at night and no one was behind me and it landed off to the side. I just went to the yard and picked up one for $40.
Trending Topics
#9
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
Originally posted by JeremyNYR
Judging from the few sets that I have, it seems like the locking t-tops had no metal trim and also have the entire perimeter darkened. The non-lockers have metal trim and only the outside edge darkened. Is this the case for yours too?
Judging from the few sets that I have, it seems like the locking t-tops had no metal trim and also have the entire perimeter darkened. The non-lockers have metal trim and only the outside edge darkened. Is this the case for yours too?
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA/San Diego
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: Stock carbed 305
Transmission: Stock 200C
That last post reminds me of something. The t-top I bought would not latch on...I had to adjust the brackets that they lock on to. Under the plastic trim pieces there are two metal brackets that have two screws that can be shifted up and down a little bit. The pin was hitting them so I had to slide them so the pin would clear and the top would latch. Just thought you should know so you don't freak out if the t-tops were to not latch on from the get go....you do have some adjustment to work with.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '91 Firebird
Originally posted by SC82TA
That last post reminds me of something. The t-top I bought would not latch on...I had to adjust the brackets that they lock on to. Under the plastic trim pieces there are two metal brackets that have two screws that can be shifted up and down a little bit. The pin was hitting them so I had to slide them so the pin would clear and the top would latch. Just thought you should know so you don't freak out if the t-tops were to not latch on from the get go....you do have some adjustment to work with.
That last post reminds me of something. The t-top I bought would not latch on...I had to adjust the brackets that they lock on to. Under the plastic trim pieces there are two metal brackets that have two screws that can be shifted up and down a little bit. The pin was hitting them so I had to slide them so the pin would clear and the top would latch. Just thought you should know so you don't freak out if the t-tops were to not latch on from the get go....you do have some adjustment to work with.
#13
TGO Supporter
Originally posted by SC82TA
That last post reminds me of something. The t-top I bought would not latch on...I had to adjust the brackets that they lock on to. Under the plastic trim pieces there are two metal brackets that have two screws that can be shifted up and down a little bit. The pin was hitting them so I had to slide them so the pin would clear and the top would latch. Just thought you should know so you don't freak out if the t-tops were to not latch on from the get go....you do have some adjustment to work with.
That last post reminds me of something. The t-top I bought would not latch on...I had to adjust the brackets that they lock on to. Under the plastic trim pieces there are two metal brackets that have two screws that can be shifted up and down a little bit. The pin was hitting them so I had to slide them so the pin would clear and the top would latch. Just thought you should know so you don't freak out if the t-tops were to not latch on from the get go....you do have some adjustment to work with.
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: dundee,il
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1978 El Camino
Engine: 3??
Transmission: th350junk
i jsut came across 2 sets of 3rd gen t-tops in the junk yard yesterday, completely intact, they were both solid glass with a door hand type release handle on them, where ive seen others with a frame around them and plastic releast type handles.
the junkyard is MIDWESTERN AUTO PARTS in elgin,illinois, i know they do ship.
the junkyard is MIDWESTERN AUTO PARTS in elgin,illinois, i know they do ship.
#15
Supreme Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Washington state
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 87 Irocz, 95 Z28, 71 Z28 /RS
Engine: 355 Tpi, LT1, 355
Transmission: Auto, Auto, 4sp
82 & 83 have the same t-tops then they changed it & the 84s on work.
I had a guy that bought a set of 84 ttops for his 83 camaro changed out the stuff thats on the car & they fit tighter & alot nicer then the org ones.
I had a guy that bought a set of 84 ttops for his 83 camaro changed out the stuff thats on the car & they fit tighter & alot nicer then the org ones.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA/San Diego
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: Stock carbed 305
Transmission: Stock 200C
Nope mine certainly were metal not plastic...in fact one of the pins still hit slightly even after I adjusted it that I took a file and filed it a bit so it would clear better. I think the replacement t-top that I bought came from either an 85 or an 86.
Last edited by SC82TA; 04-08-2004 at 03:20 PM.
#18
Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: iowa, usa
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 Firebird
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
wow that happend to me like 4 months ago im driving i hear a wind noise il like wtf and then wooooooooooosh there goes the pass t-top and i start freezing since it was 12 degrees outside but i got lucky it happend at night going down the interstate i looked for it for 3 days adn finally found it all in one peice without a scratch on it and it left the car when i was doing 80 or better
#19
Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Jefferson City, MO, USA
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
The same thing happened to me last year on the way to a car show and it then started raining it did not last long and I made it home without it raining anymore.
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: TX
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 90' TA GTA
Engine: 350
I had my hood fly off about 2 months ago, i would have had one of my t-tops fly rather then my hood. ( i know its not what you were discussing but its similar, i dont mean to hi-jack your thread)
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '91 Firebird
One day I unlatched my drivers side t-top, and then ym phone starts ringing. So I have a 15 minute conversation, and completely forget about the T-tops. I drive off, and I'm going 45 down a road, and suddenly my T-top flies off. Thing is though, I CAUGHT IT. It went off to the side, so I managed to get it with my left hand. Damn near almost swerved off the road though.
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pine Bush, NY
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans AM GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
yea i found a ttop on ebay but the auction wont end for a couple of days and it will take time to have it shipped and its supposed to rain here from sun to tues. Well then i decided i could borrow my friends ttop until mine gets here, hes got an 86 iroc and its in his garage and hes not puttin it on the road til may .his ttop fits great on my car so i have 2 ttops for now.
#24
Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am
Engine: 350 Crate
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Originally posted by CaysE
I guess the 82-83 cars had a metal bracket there? I'd like to find something stronger than the plastic crap I have.
I guess the 82-83 cars had a metal bracket there? I'd like to find something stronger than the plastic crap I have.
Ditto on the metal trim around them. I'm not sure on the shading, but my 82-83 tops have the trim, and the 88 tops I found have no trim.
#25
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: Recaro Option T/A
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3:27 Borg Warner
Originally posted by JeremyNYR
Judging from the few sets that I have, it seems like the locking t-tops had no metal trim and also have the entire perimeter darkened. The non-lockers have metal trim and only the outside edge darkened. Is this the case for yours too?
in any case, for compatibility you just want to look at your latching mechanism. It'll be either hooks, small pins or big pins. Also the big pins can have the plastic piece removed and there's a small pin underneath so they're somewhat interchangable too
Judging from the few sets that I have, it seems like the locking t-tops had no metal trim and also have the entire perimeter darkened. The non-lockers have metal trim and only the outside edge darkened. Is this the case for yours too?
in any case, for compatibility you just want to look at your latching mechanism. It'll be either hooks, small pins or big pins. Also the big pins can have the plastic piece removed and there's a small pin underneath so they're somewhat interchangable too
#26
TGO Supporter
Originally posted by kanuck
...I picked up a spare one from 82-83, but got a spare locking set from an 88 along with the latching hardware (pins) and yes, the 82-83 hooks go into a metal bracket, and the later year pins go into a plastic bracket...
...I picked up a spare one from 82-83, but got a spare locking set from an 88 along with the latching hardware (pins) and yes, the 82-83 hooks go into a metal bracket, and the later year pins go into a plastic bracket...
#27
Supreme Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UCIrvine or SFV, CA
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1999 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: LS1 - 346 ci
Transmission: 4L60E
I know you can put 85 86 87 Glass T tops onto the later 90-92s because the pin style is the same idea, but a smaller pin on the tops itself. The holes on the chassis from the 90-92 are bigger (they were lexan tops) so I dont think you could pull later 90-92 tops. At least this is my experience w/ the ex g/f's 92 and some 86 T tops...
#30
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sin City
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '86 IROC, '87 Volvo 240, '09 Malibu
Engine: LB9 5.0L
Transmission: 700R4
My 1986 has plastic trim around the pin holders, but I've pulled the trim off and the pin holders themselves are metal and secured with two screws.
My car, btw, has locking T-tops with pins and no metal frame.
My car, btw, has locking T-tops with pins and no metal frame.
#32
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 Camaro, 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L carbed and 5.0L TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 and 3.27 posi
My '84 and '91 tops are totally interchangable.
#33
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sin City
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '86 IROC, '87 Volvo 240, '09 Malibu
Engine: LB9 5.0L
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by CaysE
Are you positive they're metal? I'm 98% sure mine are plastic, and I have an 86 as well.
Are you positive they're metal? I'm 98% sure mine are plastic, and I have an 86 as well.
Edit: Ok, now I looked. Yeah, sorry, they're plastic -- I just thought for some reason they were metal. Guess I should keep a close eye on them for cracks; I don't want mine flying off...
Last edited by Crayz9000; 07-30-2004 at 12:01 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post