8Mike9

?

Thanks

Gunny Highway

iTrader: (1)

Yes, but even if they're the same year they won't always fit. I've gone through 2 others sets and they don't fit. . . keep going back to the originals.

astoria18

Also, the t-tops may fit, but the weatherstripping might not line up properly, and it'll make any leaks you had about 100x worse. I'd say try to get the same year if you can.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

Most of the above can be misleading. I recently purchased a set of t-tops from a 1991 Firebird to put on my 87. I had to switch over the locks and the weatherstripping (WS because the stuff that was on the t's ripped when I removed it to get the latch off), and my leaks are no worse than they were before. Mine still leak because I haven't had the money or the time to replace the weatherstripping on the body...

:edit: The only thing you want to avoid is being duped into getting a set from an older thirdgen. These had a hook style mount instead of a pin style mount. Check how the tops mount before you pay.

Dens71TA

iTrader: (5)

There are at least four different types of factory T-Tops.

'82-83 glass tops with latch hooks and plastic edge trim
84-early 85 glass tops with latch pins and plastic trim
late 85-88 glass tops with latch pins and no trim
89-92 lexan tops with spring loaded latch pins and metal trim.

84-92 tops should be interchangable fairly easily but will probably require replacing the weatherstripping on the top as it gets a "set" from the car it was installed in. The T-bar was changed in 1985 when the plastic T-Top trim was omitted but I have never seen an issue with using later T-Tops on early cars.

You can install the 82-83 hook style T-Tops on a later car if you also install the strikers.

astoria18

BS? I just said that the weatherstripping won't line up. Your weatherstripping lined up because you swapped it over. I had a 91 Camaro that came with Lexan t-tops that were cracked, and I replaced them with a mismatched glass set. There are gaps in the weatherstripping now that I can literally put my finger through.

Not only were there differences with the trim and either hooks or pins, but the pins came in two different sizes. There were really fat pins and really thin ones. That shouldn't make a difference though, one of my t-tops has the fat kind and the other has the skinnier kind and they both hold in just fine.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

I DID NOT have to swap over the weatherstripping. I drove home with the tops installed, having no problems with the weatherstripping. The only reason I had to swap over the weatherstripping was because I had to swap over the locks so I could lock the tops in place and tore the old weatherstrip in the process.

Maybe you should have taken the time to get a matched set.

Okay, now, enough of the mean stuff. What you can do is gently peel the weatherstrip off of the glue and pull it out of the retainer (if you can). Then, just clean as much of the glue crap off as possible and use either some household weatherstripping tape (the stuff you get in a package of window film) or some automotive trim tape, stick it on there in as straight a line as possible, and stick the weatherstripping down on it once you have it lined up properly. I would advise you to take care of one end at a time so the other end can't move while you are adjusting the last end.

The only reason I recommend tape is because the original weatherstripping on 90-92 cars is set with tape/glue/whatever it is, and the older style ws is set with screws.

Dens71TA

iTrader: (5)

Exactly. The Lexan(and possibly later glass) had spring loaded latch pins. The "fat" outter part was spring loaded with the small pin on the inside. It made the top fit more tightly. The physical metal pin size never changed.

8Mike9

Thanks gents, so '89-92, whether Firebird or Camaro is a safe bet?



2nd question, I notice a mention above about Lexan...one of mine is "glass" and one Lexan" according to the PO...is the lexan the original I guess?

FWIW I'm patching up a '91RS.

Thnaks

NoItsNotForSale

iTrader: (1)

My 89 ones are glass. Do you yours not have the vin number on them?

astoria18

My '91 had lexan t-tops. I hated the spider web look and opted for glass because they look way better. Heavier, but better.

8Mike9

Didn't even look to see if there was a VIN...

Also, one is webbed too, must be the lexan one..probably the original then....I'll take a look later.

Thanks