T-Tops... True or False???????
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
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From: New Paltz, New York USA
T-Tops... True or False???????
Just talked to another corvette guy to get directions to tomorrows show. Told him I would meet him in the morning with to tops off. he said I should not drive a long distance without the T-tops in place because it creates more stress cracks. True or not?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Cruising somewhere in St. Louis, Missouri
I say it doesn't matter, but if the frame is weak then it might make a difference.
As far as i know, the only time you concider taking the t-top off is when you have the car on a jack or lift.
Jim
As far as i know, the only time you concider taking the t-top off is when you have the car on a jack or lift.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Oh my God.
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by turtlevette
Oh my God.
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
They don't provide structural support, but they will crack if the body / frame is put under enough strain. This goes for the glass ones. If they are fiberglass, I wouldn't worry about them in any condition.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Was there a warning sticker on the sunvisor that I missed seeing?" Do Not Remove T-Tops Due to Lack of Support!"
I agree that these cars flex but if that little pin in the rear of my T-top is all that holds it together, I'm selling them both.
I guess next someone is going to tell me that it's OK to take the T-tops out only if you run convertible doors with the extra lock pin and hasp...........
I agree that these cars flex but if that little pin in the rear of my T-top is all that holds it together, I'm selling them both.
I guess next someone is going to tell me that it's OK to take the T-tops out only if you run convertible doors with the extra lock pin and hasp...........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
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From: Sydney
Originally Posted by turtlevette
Oh my God.
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
Thats probably the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard about a C3.
Do you really think 2 thin fiberglass panels connected to your car by thick weatherstrip provide any structural support of the birdcage?
I love T tops, I love corvettes!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
it prolly is Corz, but I'd rather take the 5 seconds it takes to do it and be safe than to pop one.. i know, i'm a little on the eccentric side... 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
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Funny.Ever since my Vette was dropped off a lift (May 2003),I've been "conditioned" to this crack stuff....went in for clutch...came out with new SA paint,decals,shocks,hood release cable,new leather seats,and some other stuff plus I had 1993 6 speed for a loner while repairs were made...learned a few things,to...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by BSeery
Well, they will stress crack if you put too much stress and strain on the frame. They will crack if you lift the car by the frame such as with a jack or frame lift instead of a drive on lift. Also if you tweak the frame by going in and out of some severe angle driveways you may get them to pop.
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my **** retentive meter is showing a tightness factor of 9.5. It only goes to 10.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Originally Posted by turtlevette
wow, my **** retentive meter is showing a tightness factor of 9.5. It only goes to 10.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 181
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From: New Port Richey FL.
What happens if you have a convertible? Does the car brake in half? I've seen those in the junk yards before, but not all of them convertibles or t-tops. Homer Simpson's school of engineering," That's a load bearing glass t-top."