T-Top Problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
T-Top Problem
Hello all,
A couple of weeks ago, I listed a post about one of my T-Tops on my 77 vette not laying flat when in place on the top of the car as compared to the other side. I was referred to another post called "T-Top Warp" that described what sounds like the same problem I have on my car. The only suggested fix I was able to find was to pad the warped top and load some weight on top of it for a period of time to hopefully straighten it out. I am a little concerned about trying to do this as I am afraid it will cause some damage to the finish of my top. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so do you have any other suggested solutions to resolve the issue? What about a new T-Top? What would the cost be and where is the best place to purchase one? Please advise and thanks in advance for your help.
A couple of weeks ago, I listed a post about one of my T-Tops on my 77 vette not laying flat when in place on the top of the car as compared to the other side. I was referred to another post called "T-Top Warp" that described what sounds like the same problem I have on my car. The only suggested fix I was able to find was to pad the warped top and load some weight on top of it for a period of time to hopefully straighten it out. I am a little concerned about trying to do this as I am afraid it will cause some damage to the finish of my top. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so do you have any other suggested solutions to resolve the issue? What about a new T-Top? What would the cost be and where is the best place to purchase one? Please advise and thanks in advance for your help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Is the top wavy or just high in one spot. My 75 passenger side sat high and turned out that the top was starting to separate from the frame. If this is the problem I was told that you can rebound the loose section.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
thx
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
It is not wavy, but just high in the center of the T-Top. You can see it from the front and also from the rear. Any additional info regarding how to rebind the top to the frame? Is it easy to tell if this is the problem? I have not taken the inside cover off the T-Top to inspect it closely, but it sounds like this could very well be the problem.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
This is the warp being discussed.
I suggested the weights on the top.
After another several weeks with a 15lb weight on the front, the warp is less than before. However, I think it needs more time, weight or both. I don't have the headliners on my tops and recently replaced the weatherstripping, so I'm certain that my tops are not separating.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Another problem with these cars are the trim pieces. I can see the trim piece in the picture is like mine....far from straight, dipping just about where the top is going up and making the T-top look even more out of whack then it probably is. I am not saying you don't have some sort of warp but with a slight warp and the trim being less than straight, things can start to look really screwy really quick. This looks almost identical to my '80.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
My gut tells me once fiberglass has warped it's going to stay that way. You might want to try putting weight on it as described near a good heat source like your furnace so it warms up, but not hot. Put a blanket or something to protect the T-Top surface. Let it sit a week or two. If still warped then I'd just replace it.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
This is the warp being discussed.
I suggested the weights on the top.
After another several weeks with a 15lb weight on the front, the warp is less than before. However, I think it needs more time, weight or both. I don't have the headliners on my tops and recently replaced the weatherstripping, so I'm certain that my tops are not separating.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
This is the warp being discussed.
I suggested the weights on the top.
After another several weeks with a 15lb weight on the front, the warp is less than before. However, I think it needs more time, weight or both. I don't have the headliners on my tops and recently replaced the weatherstripping, so I'm certain that my tops are not separating.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
If it were only cosmetic, I really wouldn't waste much time worrying about it. But, the bow keeps the weatherstripping from sealing across the front. I did just replace it before winter, but even after months of the top being on the car, the WS doesn't seem to be smashing down allowing all the gap to close.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
If it were only cosmetic, I really wouldn't waste much time worrying about it. But, the bow keeps the weatherstripping from sealing across the front. I did just replace it before winter, but even after months of the top being on the car, the WS doesn't seem to be smashing down allowing all the gap to close.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
It is not wavy, but just high in the center of the T-Top. You can see it from the front and also from the rear. Any additional info regarding how to rebind the top to the frame? Is it easy to tell if this is the problem? I have not taken the inside cover off the T-Top to inspect it closely, but it sounds like this could very well be the problem.
