No T-tops? What's the point?

[vanbibber]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

and yes, there are plenty of t-top 4th gens that run 9s or faster.

[DAS BOOT]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

Because when you cut the roof off a car, it weakens the structure. So GM had to compensate for the T-tops by strengthening the body. That's where the added weight comes from.

So of all the engineers, aftermarket companies and enthiusts have not found one thing to back up what you just said.

The cars are made as t-top cars from the factory... then they get 2 pieces of metal, put them in, then put a few spot welds.

No increaseing in structural integrity happens whatsoever. NONE, only cars that recieve structural reinforcement, are convertables.


the strenght of the car, comes from the bar in the middle.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

i don't want to deal with t-tops, which is in part why i don't have them.

i think it would be awesome take off the panel on the roof, and put a big piece of tinted plexi-glass or glass just so you can see out the top of hte car, because that's the only reason i like moonroofs/sunroofs/t-tops

[kala]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

T-tops ... FTL :tdown:

1st car ..camaro convertible

2nd car ..camaro t-tops

next car ...take a wild guess ..... ;)

I think i have unhooked my camaro's t-tops once in my life ..thats it....it just too much work....

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

.it just too much work....

so's taking a big dump, and it smells more too.

[JusFlyinBy]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

Those of you dissapointed of the new Camaro not having T-tops, just take a second and picture it with T-tops. Ughhh, It'd be horrible looking. Be happy it won't offer them. Lol.

[Everglades W68]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

Wow - so many folks who did not know that all hard top 4th gens are actually t tops cars. It is true folks. There is negligible "structural integrity" in a hard top because the hard top panel is held in place by tiny welds - roughly the same structural value as the t top locking mechanism.

That is why so many people have been able to convert their hard top to a t top - the car is already built for it.

Yes, verts have weight and structural issues, but not 4th gen t tops.

The dumbest thing I've seen is a few hard top 4th gens that had sun soofs cut into them. Now THAT hurts the structural integrity of the car and it does not end as good as a t top. I can't understand why people do that.

[DAS BOOT]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

Those of you dissapointed of the new Camaro not having T-tops, just take a second and picture it with T-tops. Ughhh, It'd be horrible looking. Be happy it won't offer them. Lol.

As much as I love t-tops I was thinking the same thing... doesn't fit the lines... Maybe a targa top but even that might look wierd.

[keithert]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

NO TEE'S, NO GOOD. That's what I say to myself every time I see an F-body without t-tops. The only F-body I would own without t-tops is an early 70s one before t-tops were offered. The t's in my 90 Camaro leaked a little but not enough to make me wish I didn't have them. The great thing about t-tops is that they improve the car year round. When they are out you have 99% of the experience of a convertible, with them in you still get more light in the car so it feels more open.

[Fbody3400]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

NO TEE'S, NO GOOD. That's what I say to myself every time I see an F-body without t-tops. The only F-body I would own without t-tops is an early 70s one before t-tops were offered. The t's in my 90 Camaro leaked a little but not enough to make me wish I didn't have them. The great thing about t-tops is that they improve the car year round. When they are out you have 99% of the experience of a convertible, with them in you still get more light in the car so it feels more open.

And when its hot out and you have leather your seats are on fire. And when its cold out and you have leather your *** touches sub zero temps.

[CDNFB]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

No Tee top in my 99 or 72 and I'm glad that I don't have them.

Had them in my 82 TA and although they looked great and it was cool to have that glass ceiling, didn't remove them enough times and they always leaked no matter how much I tried to adjust them. Same thing with my buddies 86 IROC, and the 80 Z28. 2nd and 3rd gens were definitely structurally weaker than hard top versions. I see no diff (stucturally) in the 4th gen.

[V6Bob]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

When they are out you have 99% of the experience of a convertible

Says a man without a convertible. If that was true I would have saved myself a few thousand bucks, made the car more secure, the chassis stiffer, and not exposed myself to potential top repair. It's more like 50%. You've not only got the top frame but also the rear sidepanels/glass. Big difference.

Bob 2000 Firebird vert

[DAS BOOT]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

And when its hot out and you have leather your seats are on fire. And when its cold out and you have leather your *** touches sub zero temps.

FYI... coming from someone that has had 3 hardtop camros... that **** still happens in a hardtop.


besides ever heard of t-top shades?

Says a man without a convertible. If that was true I would have saved myself a few thousand bucks, made the car more secure, the chassis stiffer, and not exposed myself to potential top repair. It's more like 50%. You've not only got the top frame but also the rear sidepanels/glass. Big difference.

Bob 2000 Firebird vert

I agree somewhat with that...

BUT, t-tops on > ragtop roof up. Especially if t-top shades are in.



I love having no roof, but I also like the fact, my car is like a real car when UI want it to be one too.

[Fbody3400]

Re: No T-tops? What's the point?

FYI... coming from someone that has had 3 hardtop camros... that **** still happens in a hardtop.


besides ever heard of t-top shades?

FYI... I had a hardtop 3.4. Not nearly as evident.