T-top glass
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
T-top glass
I have searched the forum and found a lot of info on t-tops and convertible installation/modifications. My wife and I were driving to the beach last night and we both noticed the sound of wind coming from somewhere as if a window was down. We checked and the windows were all up and the t-top locks were in place. All of a sudden, the glass flew off of the passenger side and shattered behind us about 200 feet. We were only cruising along at 55 so luckily it didnt hit the car behind us. I know you can by the set of tops for a pretty penny. Any suggestions on just the glass? The frame and everything is still good and I am going to get new window sealant and stripping as well. Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar FL
I'm looking at the Thompson Astro T Tops for my '79. Looks like 509 + shipping/handling and you shed about 10 - 15 lbs per panel. I did a search on the tops and some guys on here give them good reviews as opposed to mixed for the one piece top they also sell. Haven't made up my mind yet but leaning towards going that route. They claim it is the same material found on the c6's and I like the one on my '08.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,392
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
i highly discourage you from attempting to install new glass on the old frame yourself unless you already have some kind of experience with it. i was fortunate and caught mine before it divorced itself from the frame but i know exactly what you're talking about. mine started separating a couple years ago and now i don't drive the car with the tops on because of it.
at first, i tried using some industrial grade glass adhesive and it worked, for about six months. then it started separating all over again. you might have better luck considering you're going to have complete access to prepare the surfaces, but if you don't once again you're out several hundred dollars.
as for the astro top, i purchased one used from a member a couple years back (because my glass was separating). it was mediocre. good idea but only so-so execution. the latching means is weak to say the least and getting a good seal would take some serious time and attention. i'm not exactly knocking the astro top. it's a great idea but an iffy product.
at first, i tried using some industrial grade glass adhesive and it worked, for about six months. then it started separating all over again. you might have better luck considering you're going to have complete access to prepare the surfaces, but if you don't once again you're out several hundred dollars.
as for the astro top, i purchased one used from a member a couple years back (because my glass was separating). it was mediocre. good idea but only so-so execution. the latching means is weak to say the least and getting a good seal would take some serious time and attention. i'm not exactly knocking the astro top. it's a great idea but an iffy product.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
I got a quote from the above company and it was $425 plus shipping for a new, frame up top for the passenger side only. That really isnt bad considering ecklers had the pair for $1125. I think I am going to go ahead and get the top though...Although it is fun riding around with the tops off in 50 degree weather and the heat blasting, I would prefer to have the option of rolling up the windows when the top of my head starts getting cold. 
Thanks for the info and help.
Thanks for the info and help.