T Top question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
T Top question
Hi everybody! I'm new to the forum and I recently got a 1982 Corvette (White with Red interior) and I have a question. I love driving with the T-Tops off in nice weather. I stow them in the back with the covers and the tie down but what I wanted to know is is there a way to secure or actually lock them so that I can leave them off when I'm not with the car so no one can just walk up and steal the T-Tops?
I've tried to find locks for them online but haven't found anything.
Thank you for you help and concern.
I've tried to find locks for them online but haven't found anything.
Thank you for you help and concern.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
That is actually a good question, but I am not aware of any accessories that solve this problem - so, we'll see if any of our forum brethren have come up with a creative solution through the years.
Welcome to the forum, by the way. Be sure to post when you figure things out along the way 😊
Welcome to the forum, by the way. Be sure to post when you figure things out along the way 😊
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 28
From: Baytown Texas
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
White with Red 82 , my fav...yeah , I'm kinda partial , LoL
Don't know of any locks ...
Put em back on , roll up Windows , lock doors ... Bam , T- Top locks ...lol
Don't know of any locks ...
Put em back on , roll up Windows , lock doors ... Bam , T- Top locks ...lol
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
With them in the covers and secured in the back just roll up the windows and lock the doors. If there is a concern then with someone breaking the windows or climbing over to unlock the doors you should rethink where you are leaving the car anyway.
No special lock on the tops where they are needed.
Otherwise you could install an alarm system with the sonar sensors that sense when someone reaches in the interior and goes off like many new cars have.
No special lock on the tops where they are needed.
Otherwise you could install an alarm system with the sonar sensors that sense when someone reaches in the interior and goes off like many new cars have.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Either you guys worry to much or I live in a much better neighborhood as I leave mine out and stored all the time when in restaurants, shopping and such.
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
I'm not sure...need to try this on my 82 next time I'm where she's parked (was just there this morning) but try this test of the factory security system. Tops out, door locked with key. Now, reach in through window and open door by pulling lock or pulling interior door handle. Does factory alarm activate? I seem to recall that it should.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Either you guys worry to much or I live in a much better neighborhood as I leave mine out and stored all the time when in restaurants, shopping and such.
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
Gees, even if your car is locked two thieves working together can smash your windows and steal your t-tops in less than 3 seconds. BOOM, unlatch, and run away with them. That quick.
Rather than storing them out in the open at least cover them with a blanket or something.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Hi frater 3, I have never seen one but perhaps you could be the first forum member to come up with a blind to hide the tops when they are stowed in the back. Maybe there is a lift back car out there with the correct width blind that could be adapted? Me, I have an alarm with a movement sensor, if you reach into the car it triggers the alarm but hiding stuff from view is always a good idea.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Either you guys worry to much or I live in a much better neighborhood as I leave mine out and stored all the time when in restaurants, shopping and such.
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
I have two thoughts on the subject, first being is if someone really wants your tops they are gone as any thief worry of the title can unlock your car and remove the tops in 30 seconds. Second thought is that's why I have insurance. YMMV
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 530
Likes: 10
The poor-man's remedy to this is to zip-tie the handle when the T-Tops are on, which will only slow down a determined thief (they can cut the zip tie). Someone used to make locks that would slip over the handles and lock in place so the latch couldn't be opened without a key. I have not seen those for sale in a while. I haven't looked though since my original T-Tops are all cracked up and I have an Astro-Top on my C3 which has a completely different latching method using thumb screws.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 530
Likes: 10
... Someone used to make locks that would slip over the handles and lock in place so the latch couldn't be opened without a key. I have not seen those for sale in a while. I haven't looked though since my original T-Tops are all cracked up and I have an Astro-Top on my C3 which has a completely different latching method using thumb screws.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1968-1982.html