Coupe to T-Tops Conversion?

[Magellan3]

I have a 1998 Firebird coupe and I would love to have t-tops. Have you ever heard of this being done? Do you know of any sites that'll help me research this or any shops that'll specialize in this? I live in the metro Atlanta area, but anything helps. thanks

[98V6REDCAMARO]

You are better off trading it in. I'm sure someone will try it but you lack the rienforcement bar in the middle of the tops. this would weaken your body greatly. Go for a sunroof, but be warned, it will eventually leak.

[black97cam]

dont even bother doing a conversion. It'll cost you too much for something that will eventually leak and actually weaken the suspension of your car.

If it were meant to happen you'd see Ttop Conversion Kits EVERYWHERE.

[MTMike]

Actually, you're wrong, 98V6REDCAMARO.

All 4th Gen F-bodies have T-tops. The only difference between a hardtop and a T-top F-body is a fiberglass roof and to beams to glue the roof down to. And if you don't believe me pull down your headliner and look for yourself.

It's been done twice that I'm aware of and can be seen here:
http://www.dw-zone.com/t-tops/t-top.asp
and
http://www.geek-racing.com/curt/T-top_conversion/

Good luck if you decide to do it!

-Mike

[ February 21, 2002: Message edited by: MTMike ]</p>

[black34v6]

i just love it when people say its not worth it...anyone consider that maybe he/she REALLY REALLY likes his/her car and DOESNT wanna trade it in?

Magellan3 -- dont listen to those two. first off. you DO have the right center channel for a T-top conversion. EVERY F-BODY HAS THIS CENTER CHANNEL IN THE ROOF. even mine, which is non-ttop. i have seen it done on a website, including specific details. check up on f-body.org, look for Brent Frankers installation guide, or go to www.projecttransam.com and look for it in their install database, im sure you'll find it somewhere..

as for cost, i have a friend thats doing it -- i think he said that after looking up all the parts, its something like 700.00 for everything.

as for labor..well be careful, you do have to cut the roof off, and that can be a little unnerving..heheh..i dont think i could ever cut into my car, id pass out or something lol

[QuasarBlue95]

i ordered the t-top kit from www.speedautomotive.com for $400. i will probbaly start the install this weekend!!! the toughest part will be the first cut!

and yes, it will be worth it!!! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[camaro_zach]

sweet man, good luck. Everyone told me not to do the manual conversion, because it would cost too much, and i should just get a new car. hahaha, it wound up costing me 450, parts cost 700, and i sold the auto tranny for 250 out of my car. And i did the labor myself. and im with russel, its my car, i dont wanna trade my baby in.

[img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[MTMike]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by wilsoncj6:
i ordered the t-top kit from www.speedautomotive.com for $400. i will probbaly start the install this weekend!!! the toughest part will be the first cut! <hr></blockquote>

Awesome!!! Keep us updated!

-Mike

[jmeccia]

Yes Wilsoncj6- keep us updated!! ;)

This summer im ordering the kit from speedautomotive and having a reputable local shop install them.

I also agree w/ Russell. My car is paid off, so why bother with another loan! Besides you know how much i've put into my baby?.. can't get rid of it [img]smile.gif[/img]

It's possible! The question is, do you wanna do it?

I'll definatly let everyone know how it goes this summer. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[whiteshark]

i want t-tops soooo bad, but there is no way i could cut into my bird, i don't trust myself at all. and i don't know of anywhere around here to get it installed, so looks like i'm gonna have to save up for a new bird. good luck with the installs guys [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]