T-tops alternative for an 82; Your thoughts?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
T-tops alternative for an 82; Your thoughts?
Does anyone have feedback on one piece T-Tops as the one pictured? For a 1982. The manufacturer claims the following:
Patented one piece engineered for a custom fit replacement right over the "T" bar of your Corvette, eliminating center gap air and water leaks. Lightweight (only 17 lbs.) and stores neatly behind the seats when not in use.
1. No modification or painting
2. Newly designed anti-theft fastening system
3. 10% more viewing area
4. Custom molded, high performance, cast acrylic
5. The top has had a successful history of being manufactured for 30 years!" $399
Your thoughts???
Patented one piece engineered for a custom fit replacement right over the "T" bar of your Corvette, eliminating center gap air and water leaks. Lightweight (only 17 lbs.) and stores neatly behind the seats when not in use.
1. No modification or painting
2. Newly designed anti-theft fastening system
3. 10% more viewing area
4. Custom molded, high performance, cast acrylic
5. The top has had a successful history of being manufactured for 30 years!" $399
Your thoughts???
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
I've got it, came with the car, and like it a lot! My factory Fiberglass T-Tops are mal-adjusted and allow water to creep in... This top only allows a drop or two when in a monsoon and traveling 80-85mph... Perhaps it too needs a little adjustment... Overall, it's easy to take on / off... The mounting mechanism perhaps could have been a little more ingenuitive.. But overall, I'm happy with mine... Especially since it came with the car.
It does tend to acquire some new scratches that inexplicably match the color of my interior trim... Weird... Still haven't tried to buff those out... But will need to do something soon. Lol
It does tend to acquire some new scratches that inexplicably match the color of my interior trim... Weird... Still haven't tried to buff those out... But will need to do something soon. Lol
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
I've got it, came with the car, and like it a lot! My factory Fiberglass T-Tops are mal-adjusted and allow water to creep in... This top only allows a drop or two when in a monsoon and traveling 80-85mph... Perhaps it too needs a little adjustment... Overall, it's easy to take on / off... The mounting mechanism perhaps could have been a little more ingenuitive.. But overall, I'm happy with mine... Especially since it came with the car.
It does tend to acquire some new scratches that inexplicably match the color of my interior trim... Weird... Still haven't tried to buff those out... But will need to do something soon. Lol
It does tend to acquire some new scratches that inexplicably match the color of my interior trim... Weird... Still haven't tried to buff those out... But will need to do something soon. Lol
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
My interior is blue...
I don't notice any warping so to speak... It does have some 'flex' to it... I can tell that it 'dimples' down right where it connects into the T-Top holes... But that's just me trying to keep the fit snug.
It's awesome being able to see through it... I'm 6'3"... And sometimes I need to look up/through the moon roof to watch the changing of the signal lights if I'm the first one there..
I don't notice any warping so to speak... It does have some 'flex' to it... I can tell that it 'dimples' down right where it connects into the T-Top holes... But that's just me trying to keep the fit snug.
It's awesome being able to see through it... I'm 6'3"... And sometimes I need to look up/through the moon roof to watch the changing of the signal lights if I'm the first one there..
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
My interior is blue...
I don't notice any warping so to speak... It does have some 'flex' to it... I can tell that it 'dimples' down right where it connects into the T-Top holes... But that's just me trying to keep the fit snug.
It's awesome being able to see through it... I'm 6'3"... And sometimes I need to look up/through the moon roof to watch the changing of the signal lights if I'm the first one there..
I don't notice any warping so to speak... It does have some 'flex' to it... I can tell that it 'dimples' down right where it connects into the T-Top holes... But that's just me trying to keep the fit snug.
It's awesome being able to see through it... I'm 6'3"... And sometimes I need to look up/through the moon roof to watch the changing of the signal lights if I'm the first one there..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I have one also, I got it cheap though. It looks great but fits like crap where the windows seal up at the top. I may try some new weatherstrips on day, maybe some factory style strips on the sides. I like it thouh. Takes a lot longer to get on and of compared to t tops thogh
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
I'm thinking that I need to adjust my power window 'stops' cause the passenger side will stay on the outside of the moonroof unless I close the door by pushing the window... Or just lower it a tiny bit before passengers get in/out...
My seal at the windows is surprisingly tight... But the moonroof and weatherstripping on it look brand new...
I'd say that removing the hardware, and sliding it into the rear compartment take the same amount of time as popping off the T-tops and getting them into their bags and strapping them down... All in all the time difference is a wash...
I do however REALLY like my acrylic wind jammer! Looks like a bug shield that screws into the t-top pillars... Pushes all the air up/over the cab when driving with the tops off... Very happy with that thing!
My seal at the windows is surprisingly tight... But the moonroof and weatherstripping on it look brand new...
I'd say that removing the hardware, and sliding it into the rear compartment take the same amount of time as popping off the T-tops and getting them into their bags and strapping them down... All in all the time difference is a wash...
I do however REALLY like my acrylic wind jammer! Looks like a bug shield that screws into the t-top pillars... Pushes all the air up/over the cab when driving with the tops off... Very happy with that thing!
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 1
From: Grafton WV
I have a Astro Top on my 81 and like it. Got it on E Bay for like $150 V/S a Grand for a T Top that got broke on the drivers side. Like mentioned above the sides don't keep water out I took it through a touchless car wash and I got a wash as well. Overall was impressed with it
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
You wash your car in a touch less automated wash!?! Lol. Braver man than me!
I only see a little precipitation in the cab when driving 85 mph in a monsoon... Otherwise, it's all good for my situation... I'm running my moonroof more than anything else on my car ..
I only see a little precipitation in the cab when driving 85 mph in a monsoon... Otherwise, it's all good for my situation... I'm running my moonroof more than anything else on my car ..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,914
Likes: 836
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i had one on another corvette and liked it. i may get one for this one too. i am 6' 4" and i have the factory glass tops,like you said i look up through the top to see traffic lights at times. the only issue i see with it is storing it when its off takes up a lot of space.
on another note i had a heat reflective clear film put on the windshield and glass tops it worked so well i did all the windows in my SUV.
on another note i had a heat reflective clear film put on the windshield and glass tops it worked so well i did all the windows in my SUV.
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Hill Country Texas
One Piece Top
I had one on my 1st Vette back in 79-80 and I really liked it a lot and I'm thinking of getting another as my 82 only has solid painted tops.
Back in the day, I don't remember ever having any trouble with leaking, but maybe cause my Vette was only 3 years old at the time and the weather-stripping was still like new.
I give it a big thumbs UP
Back in the day, I don't remember ever having any trouble with leaking, but maybe cause my Vette was only 3 years old at the time and the weather-stripping was still like new.
I give it a big thumbs UP
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Hill Country Texas
I'm thinking that I need to adjust my power window 'stops' cause the passenger side will stay on the outside of the moonroof unless I close the door by pushing the window... Or just lower it a tiny bit before passengers get in/out...
My seal at the windows is surprisingly tight... But the moonroof and weatherstripping on it look brand new...
I'd say that removing the hardware, and sliding it into the rear compartment take the same amount of time as popping off the T-tops and getting them into their bags and strapping them down... All in all the time difference is a wash...
I do however REALLY like my acrylic wind jammer! Looks like a bug shield that screws into the t-top pillars... Pushes all the air up/over the cab when driving with the tops off... Very happy with that thing!
My seal at the windows is surprisingly tight... But the moonroof and weatherstripping on it look brand new...
I'd say that removing the hardware, and sliding it into the rear compartment take the same amount of time as popping off the T-tops and getting them into their bags and strapping them down... All in all the time difference is a wash...
I do however REALLY like my acrylic wind jammer! Looks like a bug shield that screws into the t-top pillars... Pushes all the air up/over the cab when driving with the tops off... Very happy with that thing!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C3-Corvette-Windjammer-1968-82-Bronze-Dupont-Acrylic-/251123192514?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACorvette&hash=item3a781bd2c2&vxp=mtr
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
I'm gonna pull the tops off today and put the jammer on... 70 and sunny today for my work commute! ;-)
Think I found mine for a good deal from another c3 owner, that's when I picked up my cragar rear window louvers($300), bra($75), jammer($100), and cup holders($25).. Lol.
The front bra however doesn't fit my year... So... Someday it'll find a new home...
Think I found mine for a good deal from another c3 owner, that's when I picked up my cragar rear window louvers($300), bra($75), jammer($100), and cup holders($25).. Lol.
The front bra however doesn't fit my year... So... Someday it'll find a new home...
Last edited by FireballXL5; May 30, 2014 at 03:03 PM.
