T_Top question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO TX
T_Top question
Sorry if this is a dumb ? but, here goes.
I have a 81 model and the PO attempted to use dual latch tops. I have since learned that you cannot modify these to fit so I'm searching for the correct ones.
My question is:
Are all single latch tops the same? I see the different year models for the early C3's but they are single latch. Will they work on the 81?
I know saratoga tops are not compatible and would like a set of mirrored/glass tops but dont want to buy the wrong ones.
Thx
I have a 81 model and the PO attempted to use dual latch tops. I have since learned that you cannot modify these to fit so I'm searching for the correct ones.
My question is:
Are all single latch tops the same? I see the different year models for the early C3's but they are single latch. Will they work on the 81?
I know saratoga tops are not compatible and would like a set of mirrored/glass tops but dont want to buy the wrong ones.
Thx
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Sherwood OR
The t-tops from 78-82 all are the same. I see in the c3 parts for sale section someone is trying to sell his mirrored t-tops from an 81. Looks like he is also in Texas so you might want to check it out. Bottom line the mirrored tops from any 78-82 car should fit your 81 unless the previous owner modified the car. Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas NV
Its a matter of changing the receiving plate on the "B" pillar. If i remember correctly, the front ("A" pillar) is the same for all years.
68-early 77 has a triangle shaped bolt screwed into the receiving plate.
Late 77-82 has a hole with a plastic bushing in which the T-top "pin" slides into.
To install single latch tops on an early car, change out this plate.
68-early 77 has a triangle shaped bolt screwed into the receiving plate.
Late 77-82 has a hole with a plastic bushing in which the T-top "pin" slides into.
To install single latch tops on an early car, change out this plate.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Did the PO swap the halo panel hardware to the older style or did he/she leave the original receivers? If you have the 81 hardware, all you will need is to look for a pair of tops.
You have the 81 AIM. UPC C01-C12 Sheet 17 shows the halo panel hardware.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...78-1982-a.html
You have the 81 AIM. UPC C01-C12 Sheet 17 shows the halo panel hardware.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...78-1982-a.html
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 24, 2013 at 09:33 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO TX
Halo is original. I think. Just wondering if the early C3 tops were the same as 77-82 but it appears not. I have a set of dual latch tops that came with the car however they do not work. I am new to vettes so not sure how all of these work. But if I am reading DaBo's post correctly, I can change out the halo panel and these tops will work?
Is the halo panel the same as the trim panel?
Thx
Is the halo panel the same as the trim panel?
Thx
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
78-82 Socket:
68-77 Old Style triangle:
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 25, 2013 at 02:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO TX
I see that. Got home and took a couple of pics. It looks like the PO tried to do a conversion so the tops would work. Not sure if it will unless I swap out the rear latch to the type that "pushes" the pin into the panel.
The PO removed the triangular pin and this is what I have now.
The PO removed the triangular pin and this is what I have now.
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Former Vendor
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The triangle wasn't used on your car.. like Mike showed above, the car used a different striker designed to accept a pin that came out of the rear of the top when the handle was locked.
It's easy to make t-top panels from a 78-82 fit a 1968-1977 style car but going the other way is pretty darn hard.
You see, that hole you have in the roof panel was designed to accept this plate...
To install the triangle bolt you would need something under the fiberglass to hold it... right now there is nothing. Getting inside that panel to put a plate in there for the triangle bolt is pretty hard.
I like your last statement.. I'd go looking for some glass tops that will fit the car vs. trying to modify your car.
IMHO,
Willcox
It's easy to make t-top panels from a 78-82 fit a 1968-1977 style car but going the other way is pretty darn hard.
You see, that hole you have in the roof panel was designed to accept this plate...
To install the triangle bolt you would need something under the fiberglass to hold it... right now there is nothing. Getting inside that panel to put a plate in there for the triangle bolt is pretty hard.
I like your last statement.. I'd go looking for some glass tops that will fit the car vs. trying to modify your car.
IMHO,
Willcox
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
