T-top flew off, how best to replace?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
T-top flew off, how best to replace?
So within about 15 minutes of driving my new car off the lot (as is, no warranty) my husband was driving the car on the interstate and I watched from behind as the passenger side t-top flew off into a Mack truck and was run over.
Thankfully no one was hurt. My husband retrieved the broken top from the highway. We filed an insurance claim, which we had to fight because they thought we were trying to commit fraud. They are giving us about $550 (plus our $250 deductible) but in almost every case I can find, I have to buy a pair.
Anyway, I have one top which actually has no key, and one that's smashed to bits. I'm seeing a few places charge a "core" charge, if I send them my top, which I assume is for reusing my frame (that's also broken). I have to replace both tops, I believe, because the frame of the window is pretty much toasted, but maybe there's less to it than I think and y'all can give me some insight.
What would be the advantage of getting acrylic over glass aside from price? Would acrylic scratch?
What would be your recommendation in this situation? I've been watching eBay for weeks now and haven't found anything that's viable yet.
Thankfully no one was hurt. My husband retrieved the broken top from the highway. We filed an insurance claim, which we had to fight because they thought we were trying to commit fraud. They are giving us about $550 (plus our $250 deductible) but in almost every case I can find, I have to buy a pair.
Anyway, I have one top which actually has no key, and one that's smashed to bits. I'm seeing a few places charge a "core" charge, if I send them my top, which I assume is for reusing my frame (that's also broken). I have to replace both tops, I believe, because the frame of the window is pretty much toasted, but maybe there's less to it than I think and y'all can give me some insight.
What would be the advantage of getting acrylic over glass aside from price? Would acrylic scratch?
What would be your recommendation in this situation? I've been watching eBay for weeks now and haven't found anything that's viable yet.
Last edited by Tradingabird; May 25, 2017 at 07:56 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,250
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
That's unfortunate, joined the flying roof too Early!. Fairly big club. They are bard to find, and probably will not match the original tint. Plus the condition is questionable on many of them. Is it passenger side? Shipping can also be costly. Here is one link to a new pair of tops. eBay also have some available. I went through this and the used replacement was a poor fit, worn trim and hardware. Should have purchased new pair for the difference in price. Just my opinion.
https://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corv...07QxoCgNHw_wcB
https://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corv...07QxoCgNHw_wcB
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 193
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
That's unfortunate, joined the flying roof too Early!. Fairly big club. They are bard to find, and probably will not match the original tint. Plus the condition is questionable on many of them. Is it passenger side? Shipping can also be costly. Here is one link to a new pair of tops. eBay also have some available. I went through this and the used replacement was a poor fit, worn trim and hardware. Should have purchased new pair for the difference in price. Just my opinion.
It is passenger side.
I've not come across that particular site yet, but that's about the price I'm finding everywhere. Maybe someone will run a Memorial Day sale and I can get a little better deal on a new pair.
I appreciate the first hand experience. I want to do the right thing because either way, this is a lot of money.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,250
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
Really? There's a t-tops went flying club? Nuts!
It is passenger side.
I've not come across that particular site yet, but that's about the price I'm finding everywhere. Maybe someone will run a Memorial Day sale and I can get a little better deal on a new pair.
I appreciate the first hand experience. I want to do the right thing because either way, this is a lot of money.
It is passenger side.
I've not come across that particular site yet, but that's about the price I'm finding everywhere. Maybe someone will run a Memorial Day sale and I can get a little better deal on a new pair.
I appreciate the first hand experience. I want to do the right thing because either way, this is a lot of money.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Really? There's a t-tops went flying club? Nuts!
It is passenger side.
I've not come across that particular site yet, but that's about the price I'm finding everywhere. Maybe someone will run a Memorial Day sale and I can get a little better deal on a new pair.
I appreciate the first hand experience. I want to do the right thing because either way, this is a lot of money.
It is passenger side.
I've not come across that particular site yet, but that's about the price I'm finding everywhere. Maybe someone will run a Memorial Day sale and I can get a little better deal on a new pair.
I appreciate the first hand experience. I want to do the right thing because either way, this is a lot of money.
Willcox
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...so-68-77-78-82
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-82-also-68-77
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
I had to replace a cracked T-Top on my '81, here's my experience:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-matching.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-matching.html
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
I had to replace a cracked T-Top on my '81, here's my experience:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-matching.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-matching.html
Im on the eastern coast of NC. I don't think we have anything here as far as salvage goes. I'm finding this whole situation really frustrating and disheartening. I sincerely appreciate all the suggestions.
Last edited by Tradingabird; May 25, 2017 at 03:19 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
I got to thinking as I was looking around today, the remaining top is mirrored, but I was pretty sure the code on the window was M11something. I went to go see. Sure enough, I have blue tops. /sigh It sounds like I'm going to have to replace both either way. I love that deep blue - looking at the photos in PeterC3's thread, the replacement blue is really washed out.
Im on the eastern coast of NC. I don't think we have anything here as far as salvage goes. I'm finding this whole situation really frustrating and disheartening. I sincerely appreciate all the suggestions.
Im on the eastern coast of NC. I don't think we have anything here as far as salvage goes. I'm finding this whole situation really frustrating and disheartening. I sincerely appreciate all the suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,698
Likes: 1,835
From: Huntsville AL
Yep, you are not special
1987, I was in the pass seat of my roommate's brand new Buick Grand National and at about 60-70 MPH watched the pass T-Top go flying off the car. I turned around just in time to see it shatter on the road.
1987, I was in the pass seat of my roommate's brand new Buick Grand National and at about 60-70 MPH watched the pass T-Top go flying off the car. I turned around just in time to see it shatter on the road.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,250
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
I got to thinking as I was looking around today, the remaining top is mirrored, but I was pretty sure the code on the window was M11something. I went to go see. Sure enough, I have blue tops. /sigh It sounds like I'm going to have to replace both either way. I love that deep blue - looking at the photos in PeterC3's thread, the replacement blue is really washed out.
Im on the eastern coast of NC. I don't think we have anything here as far as salvage goes. I'm finding this whole situation really frustrating and disheartening. I sincerely appreciate all the suggestions.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
At this point I almost have to sell it. It's one of those damned if I do, damned if I don't. Cause lord knows as soon as I sell it, a perfect match will come along for a steal!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
Pro
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 646
Likes: 93
From: MA
Possible T Top ?
hello sorry to here of your misfortune! I live in Mass and check my local Bostoncraigslist and saw that a guy has exact situation as you he has listed one Gorgeous roof with a broken one but does not specify which roof is Gorgeous this is link mailto:k6cgm-6137001217%40sale.craigslist.org?subject =Corvette%20T- Tops%20C3%20Glass&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F% 2Fboston.craigslist.org%2Fgbs%2Fpts%2F61 37001217.html%0aIha
i have no conection to seller but I think he is asking $350. Which is very reasonable considering what the market is Demanding for a set ! Hey good luck was just trying to give you an option and that is asking price
i have no conection to seller but I think he is asking $350. Which is very reasonable considering what the market is Demanding for a set ! Hey good luck was just trying to give you an option and that is asking price
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 12
From: Eastern NC
hello sorry to here of your misfortune! I live in Mass and check my local Bostoncraigslist and saw that a guy has exact situation as you he has listed one Gorgeous roof with a broken one but does not specify which roof is Gorgeous this is link mailto:k6cgm-6137001217%40sale.craigslist.org?subject =Corvette%20T- Tops%20C3%20Glass&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F% 2Fboston.craigslist.org%2Fgbs%2Fpts%2F61 37001217.html%0aIha
i have no conection to seller but I think he is asking $350. Which is very reasonable considering what the market is Demanding for a set ! Hey good luck was just trying to give you an option and that is asking price
i have no conection to seller but I think he is asking $350. Which is very reasonable considering what the market is Demanding for a set ! Hey good luck was just trying to give you an option and that is asking price
Pro
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 646
Likes: 93
From: MA
Possible T-Top ?
hello just looked at post it is still listed and in my previous message I gave you the craigslist link it started with k6cgm
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