t-top install

[transamguy79]

im picking up a 79 firebird body this upcoming weekend but it doesnt have t-tops. im a huge fan of them but it doesnt have them. is there anyway i can have a shop cut and modify the roof of the car for t-tops? or will it just ruin the car trying this?

[opnwide]

I'm not sure about the fisher tops, but the hurst tops were installed with a sawsall and some sealer. It was a real hackjob back then at the hurst factory. I'm sure GM did a nicer job.

I'd talk to Restore a MuscleCar. Those guys have had more TAs apart than anyone, and they're probably more familiar with GM's construction techniques than most people.

[transamguy79]

ok, thanks for the advice

[BonzoHansen]

poke around transamcountry.com as well

[68Formula]

I'm not sure about the fisher tops, but the hurst tops were installed with a sawsall and some sealer. It was a real hackjob back then at the hurst factory. I'm sure GM did a nicer job.

IIRC they were prone to leaking as well. If you're trying to put 600hp down, losing structural integrity by cutting the roof is not a good idea.

[formula]

IIRC they were prone to leaking as well. If you're trying to put 600hp down, losing structural integrity by cutting the roof is not a good idea.

Ditto--very fast car + t-tops - cage (since you said in another thread that you're not planning to run a cage) = flex = leaks + possibility of cracks/rippling/etc.

[justasquid]

The hurst t-tops were some of the worst looking tops I have ever seen. I had a car with them and hated them. They looked ok while the tops were one, but looked like azz with the tops off. Plus as already said, a complete hack job.I also had a car with factory t-tops and loved them, and they never leaked on me. but as said, the structural integrety is much less with a t-top car. I still remember one time having to park up on an embankment with one wheel. The door would drag as I opened it due to the chassis flexing so much. This car was basically rust free, and it still flexed. Of course, the extremely heavy doors didnt help either, as they were starting to sag a little, but would close fine with the car level. A set of frame connectors fixed the issue, but it was still suprising.

My suggestion, if you really want to have t-tops, is to do some searching and find a donor car (77-81) with t-tops, cut the roof off the donor car and put the entire roof onto your car. Depending on your area, there a quite a few junk yards that may have a body with a good roof. then at the very least install frame connectors.

[formula]

or, since you haven't bought the car yet--just find a t-top car instead of chopping up one of the hardtops....

[cheapthrillz]

I would much rather have a hardtop car than t-tops. After having an '86 Z28 with t-tops that leaked and made the interior boil if left in the sun, I would not want another. They're just too much hassle for the benefit of a convertible "feel".

[Tony_SS]

I have t-tops and while they don't rattle or leak.. I really don't find myself taking them off much. I'd rather have the structural integrity of a hardtop IMO.

[redfire69]

Donor car with good Fisher tops is the best bet. Get all the little interior bits as well. Seams are in the normal place on a and c pillars.

[transamguy79]

i don't want to put a cage in unless i have to, but will if needed. and i did find a car, i'm getting it this weekend. That's how the question came up because this one doesn't have them. I can live without them, but figured i'd ask if it was able to done and if it would weaken it.

[MonzaRacer]

Try looking at the sun roof from Fords Fox mustangs, the glass come out and the whole thing CAN be swapped int oseveral types of cars.

[avewhtboy]

this is a common swap, has been done many times to these cars.

you can find a donor roof all over the internet and any competent body shop could do it for you.

[406 Q-ship]

If you plan on making this a serious handling car you either need to cage the car or forget the T-tops. I worked at a Pontiac Dealer in the mid 80's and we got a super clean 81 Trans Am trade in with GM T-tops I had to put the car on a lift (center post one) and it sagged so bad the door would not latch. To me a not leaking and structually sound vehicle is much more important, so T-top are a deal breaker for me.

[cheapthrillz]

If you plan on making this a serious handling car you either need to cage the car or forget the T-tops. I worked at a Pontiac Dealer in the mid 80's and we got a super clean 81 Trans Am trade in with GM T-tops I had to put the car on a lift (center post one) and it sagged so bad the door would not latch. To me a not leaking and structually sound vehicle is much more important, so T-top are a deal breaker for me.

I wonder why this is the consensus at p-t.com? lol

[Verboten]

My buddy has a set of the factory T-Tops he bought for his '79 Z28, but he sold the car.... I sent a PM to you with pictures.