Best T-Top Sunsahdes
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: L31-R 350 w/ EBL P4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I'm tired of having to wear a hat when I drive my car in the summer and I'm tired of all of the heat the T-Tops let in. I'm going to purchase some sunshades and I can across these two online:
http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/cama...top-sunshades/
http://www.yofab.com/third-3rd-gen-c...des-1982-1992/
The Hawks ones look nice but I'm not sure how much they reflect the sunlight to keep the heat down. Also at $105 after shipping is included that seems pretty steep. Another possibility is to find a local interior shop that would make some for me when I get my headliner redone this summer. What would you guys recommend?
http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/cama...top-sunshades/
http://www.yofab.com/third-3rd-gen-c...des-1982-1992/
The Hawks ones look nice but I'm not sure how much they reflect the sunlight to keep the heat down. Also at $105 after shipping is included that seems pretty steep. Another possibility is to find a local interior shop that would make some for me when I get my headliner redone this summer. What would you guys recommend?
#2
Senior Member
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I brought the ones from Hawks and they work great for me and I am in Florida.
They seem to help keep the heat down.
They seem to help keep the heat down.
#3
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I have the hawks ones, they helped keep sun/heat out about 80% better than what it was before. It's actually enjoyable to drive now with the sun out in full force. Before my scalp used to be on fire lol.
Word of caution, they are flimsy as hell. You will need to add longer strips of velcro to support the center and sides better. I haven't done this yet, and they like to sag in the middle and fall out sometimes.
Word of caution, they are flimsy as hell. You will need to add longer strips of velcro to support the center and sides better. I haven't done this yet, and they like to sag in the middle and fall out sometimes.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
#5
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hollywood, FL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 Black GTA, T-tops, digital dash
Engine: 5.7 TPI w/custom chip
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 327 posi
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: L31-R 350 w/ EBL P4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mantua NJ
Posts: 5,848
Received 74 Likes
on
66 Posts
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I got mine from 1A Perfect match.
https://www.1aauto.com/1982-92-chevy...=948077&y=1986
https://www.1aauto.com/1982-92-chevy...=948077&y=1986
#10
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hollywood, FL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 Black GTA, T-tops, digital dash
Engine: 5.7 TPI w/custom chip
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 327 posi
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Those look nice. How long have you guys had them?
#11
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Montana
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: '84 Firebird TA & '87 Camaro LT
Engine: 350 V-8 & V-6
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 & 3.42
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I got mine from 1A Perfect match.
https://www.1aauto.com/1982-92-chevy...=948077&y=1986
https://www.1aauto.com/1982-92-chevy...=948077&y=1986
#12
Moderator
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I purchased originals from CoverCraft years ago that were already "dead". What I mean by that is the headliner material on the backer board is dead, so they are worthless, but the board makes a perfect template for a shop to make new ones. When I got my headliner replaced, I had the shop make me the shades with the same material and lot number. CoverCraft was the original manufacturer of the OEM shades.
If anybody wants an original as a template, let me know. I paid $60 for 6 of the originals. Some of the boxes are still sealed, so not sure what condition they are in.
If anybody wants an original as a template, let me know. I paid $60 for 6 of the originals. Some of the boxes are still sealed, so not sure what condition they are in.
#14
Moderator
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Sorry. I forgot to mention that they are all one side. For the template, if you remove the failed headliner, you can recreate new ones using the same shade backing. That's what I did. I removed the headliner material and used the same board for both sides, just flipped it over. I did like Drew said and used the heavy black cardboard for my new ones.
Let me know if you're still interested in one or more than one
Let me know if you're still interested in one or more than one
#15
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hollywood, FL
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 Black GTA, T-tops, digital dash
Engine: 5.7 TPI w/custom chip
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 327 posi
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Yes. I'm still interested in two of them.
#19
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
I got the YoFab ones for my 1986 with factory T-tops. Wouldn't recommend them. They fit... OK. They look pretty cheap. It's just black plastic, and they intend for you to put adhesive on the glass to help support the plastic from sagging. Meh. There was zero reduction in heat, which you could just feel radiate from the black plastic which then gets soft and melty. I cut up an old reflective foil windshield screen to put between the top and the black plastic. That helped a lot.
#20
Moderator
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Davidgou, I apologize for not responding to your request. I've been busy and the shades are in storage. If you're not in a hurry, I'll try to get them out this week and get you a quote. Otherwise, if you get up to Orlando, I can get them to you without shipping costs.
#23
On Probation
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
My 84 Z came with a set of hard plastic shades that look exactly like
these GM units:
(on-line pic)
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
these GM units:
(on-line pic)
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
Last edited by sonjaab; 06-09-2018 at 06:02 PM.
#24
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,669
Received 810 Likes
on
615 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
My 84 Z came with a set of hard plastic shades that look exactly like
these GM units:
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
these GM units:
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
Interesting. I've never seen those before. So do they extend between the weatherstrip and the glass?
#25
On Probation
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
YES,
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
YES,
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
YES,
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
Last edited by sonjaab; 06-10-2018 at 08:08 AM.
#26
Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Well that’s interesting. No drooping fabric problems there. The other oddity that came up
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exte...ogic-soft.html
Searched around a bit and while board not plastic these seem pretty cost effective vs all the $80/100 versions.
https://www.camarocentral.com/1982_1...p/dwn-1013.htm
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exte...ogic-soft.html
Searched around a bit and while board not plastic these seem pretty cost effective vs all the $80/100 versions.
https://www.camarocentral.com/1982_1...p/dwn-1013.htm
#27
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,669
Received 810 Likes
on
615 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Searched around a bit and while board not plastic these seem pretty cost effective vs all the $80/100 versions.
https://www.camarocentral.com/1982_1...p/dwn-1013.htm
https://www.camarocentral.com/1982_1...p/dwn-1013.htm
$39.95 is certainly cheap enough.
#28
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Ms
Posts: 4,476
Received 753 Likes
on
516 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Friend of mine got mine and his wife is going to make us a few sets. They help when the temps reach 100 down here. You can't beat that $39.95 set though that's a good deal well worth it i m sure.
#32
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mantua NJ
Posts: 5,848
Received 74 Likes
on
66 Posts
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
The ones from Camarocentral are shaped different then the stock version That 1a offers.are Camaros different then the Firebirds?
Last edited by mantaguy; 06-11-2018 at 06:57 PM.
#35
Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Camaro and Firebird t-tops should be identical to my knowledge.
Camarocentral:
Snaps into place without the use of tools or clips.
So I suspect the shape may mean it clumps in so ya don’t have to use the Velcro stickies.
...or it could be cheap ill-fitting ****.
Camarocentral:
Snaps into place without the use of tools or clips.
So I suspect the shape may mean it clumps in so ya don’t have to use the Velcro stickies.
...or it could be cheap ill-fitting ****.
#37
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Technically, you don't need to use the velcro dots with the factory shades. Mine still have the peel off backings on them, never been peeled and stuck to the glass, er... Plastic... The outer edge slips under the plastic trim, and the inner edge will sit on top of the T-bar. The Velcro just helps keep them from falling out when you remove the tops.
#40
Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: Best T-Top Sunsahdes
Well the 40 buckers arrived from camarocentral. Nice medium gray fabric as ordered, solid stitching..no velcro I wouldn’t use..pretty sturdy...great!
...until I flip them over:
Bare cardboard! Lol. I think you could definitely see this through normal t-top tint.
Well ya get what ya pay for. I’ll save my final verdict since fit is pending (my shop is dragging *** on a slew of mods) but a can of black spray paint and hopefully these should do fine.
...until I flip them over:
Bare cardboard! Lol. I think you could definitely see this through normal t-top tint.
Well ya get what ya pay for. I’ll save my final verdict since fit is pending (my shop is dragging *** on a slew of mods) but a can of black spray paint and hopefully these should do fine.