I'm sure I could if I had one to take a look at. Would you guys like them if they had the GM hardware?

 

Great thread answered a lot of questions for me thanks everyone.

sgm

 

Hell yeah. I'm borrowing these pics from "81 Vette"'s post here since I'm too lazy to take pics myself... he did change the rear a little (screwed them in), but the hardware that's attached to the top is the same.

 

I like how much light they seem to let it. Plus, the extra 2 inches of head room would help a 6'4" per son like me too.

I just am still on the fence with a AstroTop purchase though. That back bracket just looks...well, chinsey to me. Perhaps it's fine but...Hmmmmm...


maybe next year.

 

OV80, the rear brackets are chinsey. they don't just look it, they live it in all of chinsey'ness' glory. if they could figure out a better idea (maybe they could call me, hint, hint), it would be a much better product.

 

Would love to have something like GM latches
would even pay more

 

I do think that part of the reason they have this design is so it's a universal fit though. If you were using GM style latches, aren't there a few variances from year to year?

 

If there was some demand, you guys could have them shipped to me and I'd do that for you if you guys were okay with me making a little bit for my time. I've done business with a few guys on the forum. I've done stuff like this before. I started to make a convertible roof for my car, but my materials are with a guy in Williamsburg that I don't get along with anymore.

 

I would send you mine, but it's the only top I have, we
have been having some rain here. can you make a
drawing so we can see what your plans are.

 

Just a quick review from an A-Top newbie.

I am fully aware of the feelings some folks have about this aftermarket installation, so just take it for what it's worth to you. I have no personal feelings about it one way or the other - my purchase decision was made on the price point and the one-piece design.


I have had the Astro Top installed exclusively for a few weeks now and I really do like it. Love the open canopy feel and the look from both the inside and the outside is awesome. Nothing but compliments. I have had the car in the shop twice for suspension upgrades and I loosened the top slightly when it was raised on lifts to avoid any tension cracking. No issues whatsoever. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase. You will get a suntan, and a hat may be desired by some... or you can just slide your sun visor to block the sun from above.

I will say that there is noticeable wind noise at highway speeds (65 mph +). My paricular vette also had some wind noise with the OEM fiberglass tops as well. Also, I added a very small, 1" piece of weatherstripping in the front, top corners to reduce wind noise and that worked out great. So I would guess some folks may need to make adjustments if your windows are old and slightly mis-aligned like mine are. The A-Tops side weatherstripping is adjustable, so you can contour it to your windows as needed.

But overall I am very pleased with it. No worries about it flying off. I have not driven in the rain yet.... but it fits my side windows much better than my stock tops did.

I totally agree that the rear bracket mounts belong in a bag of Cheetos. but with a little creativity you can make this a cool addition to your t-top options.

 

The only complaint I have about the one I have on the 81 (purchased in 1999 - I assume the design hasn't changed) is that at highway speeds the center lifts up enough to let both air AND water in because the acrylic material flexes.

 

I could do that. Sorry about the delay -- I've been kind of swamped at work.