Astro tops, How do you like it?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 235
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Astro tops, How do you like it?
I am looking at buying an astro top for my 80 vette. Both my T-tops are cracked and are starting to leak. I am wondering if anyone has used the astro top. What do you like or dislike about it? How much space does it take up in the rear of the car. Anything you can tell me would be great. I have checked out the website, but I am looking for real world opinions. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (IRON WILL)
There's quite few guys here who has it. Others say it's great and others say it sucks big time. Regardless I just ordered one from Corvette Central and looking forward to find out how it turns out. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (IRON WILL)
I have one and like it. I think it looks better from the outside than the original tops. And it makes the inside look completely different. My origianl tops were fiberglass so I wasnt usded to the top being see-through. It fits nicely in the back and its also very lite weight.
I only wish they used the same latching system as the originals.
P.S. dont forget to order the storage bag.
I only wish they used the same latching system as the originals.
P.S. dont forget to order the storage bag.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Morinville Alberta
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (IRON WILL)
I seem to be a minority when it comes to this subject however I love mine may be it is the way it fits on a black car I'm not sure but it is great the only thing is that it sqeeks a little but I will get around to fixing that.
here are som pic's
here are som pic's
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (IRON WILL)
Looks: 10 out of 10! I love the one piece look and the fact that the whole roof is see through. It also adds some headroom.
Function: 0 out of 10. A complete turd. Leaks and squeaks horribly. Fixing this means unsightly addition of foam and sealing products. It does not fit behind the seats unless you slide them forward until your knees are in the dash, literally to the first position. I've had mine for a few years now and not only has it warped, but the rubber moulding around it is falling off.
Overall: Save up for some glass t-tops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryan
Function: 0 out of 10. A complete turd. Leaks and squeaks horribly. Fixing this means unsightly addition of foam and sealing products. It does not fit behind the seats unless you slide them forward until your knees are in the dash, literally to the first position. I've had mine for a few years now and not only has it warped, but the rubber moulding around it is falling off.
Overall: Save up for some glass t-tops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryan
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 591
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From: Morinville Alberta
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (77Dream)
hey 77Dream how did you fix your squeeks It might give me some ideas
as far as it leaking I haven't had a problem.
and I am going to install a luggage rack and I have a friend who re-enginered those t top carriers for the rack and he says that he will help me make a bracket for the astro top that will solve the storage problem.
:cheers:
as far as it leaking I haven't had a problem.
and I am going to install a luggage rack and I have a friend who re-enginered those t top carriers for the rack and he says that he will help me make a bracket for the astro top that will solve the storage problem.
:cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (Aaron76)
hey 77Dream how did you fix your squeeks It might give me some ideas.
The old ones were woreout. When I installed I smeared a little mobile1 motor oil on it so it would not squeek. I also put a thin coat of mobile1 on the few places where the t-top hardware touches car metal. I also used some weatherstrip restorer to moisten up the weatherstripping on the top.
As far as leaks I never had a problem and it fits behind my seats with them all the way back, no problems.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (77Dream)
Are there different brands being talked about here? seems like vastly different issues being faced, like the behind the seat thing? I'm considering one of these too!
-Chris
-Chris
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 591
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From: Morinville Alberta
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (RUXperienced)
Are there different brands being talked about here? seems like vastly different issues being faced, like the behind the seat thing? I'm considering one of these too!
-Chris
-Chris
I don't know about Corvette central perhaps the best ones come from Thomson's themselevs being what I would assume to be the latest version.
I do know that they are not all a like for instance the older model required you to install 2 more retainers on the center bar along with the ones pre fitted on the top. This would be a PITA but mine ( bought last year) has only 2 on one side that slide in before attaching the four corners.
just some info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (IRON WILL)
I have the one piece top. It is ok but the side windows do not seal at the front corner. Thompson said to pull the seal off and reposition it so the window touches it. I haven't done this. Also where the roof rolls down the plastic has a wavy appearance that distorts the view looking out.
I just put on my need-reconditioning moonroofs and enjoy them for the nice non-rainy weather. I like the colored border that the moonroofs have better than the all black appearance of the Astro tops.
Roger
I just put on my need-reconditioning moonroofs and enjoy them for the nice non-rainy weather. I like the colored border that the moonroofs have better than the all black appearance of the Astro tops.
Roger
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,577
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From: I live in my Hubby's little world
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (RMS73)
I have an astro-top as well....never been on the car.
I got it from a friend that didn't like it and went back to the t-tops.
I don't have all the hardware for it.
Does anyone know if you can get the hardware separately???
I got it from a friend that didn't like it and went back to the t-tops.
I don't have all the hardware for it.
Does anyone know if you can get the hardware separately???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (LakotasRose)
I'm certain Thompson will sell it to you. The screw-on ***** used to secure the tops are available at Lowes in the hardware section. The rear plastic blocks could be made from any hard plastic.
Roger
Roger
Roger
Roger
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,577
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From: I live in my Hubby's little world
Re: Astro tops, How do you like it? (RMS73)
I'm certain Thompson will sell it to you. The screw-on ***** used to secure the tops are available at Lowes in the hardware section. The rear plastic blocks could be made from any hard plastic.
Roger
Roger
Roger
Roger
