88 hardtops have factory T Top cutouts in roof frame? True? (Page 2/4)
82-T/A [At Work] AUG 17, 12:27 PM
I would add that my C&C TTOPs on my 81 TransAm, never leaked. The pictures above are of my car. This is not my backyard picture... haha... this was what the car looked like when I first bought it, in the previous owner's back yard. I went through a pretty detailed restoration (up to a point) and then ended up selling the car when my daughter was born.



Anyway... the C&C TTOPs I had were considered to be a better TTOP design than Fischer or the Hurst designed TTOPs that the other TransAms and Camaros came with. It never leaked. The large square designed panels allowed the water to go into a catch tray which then poured it down the outside of the window. If the actual rubber seals between the glass and the frame were bad though, they would leak.
hyperv6 AUG 17, 01:30 PM
Many original TTopS had the seals on the roof top. It would get damaged and often they did not seal well.

The C&C style like the Fiero put the seal on the frame and it held up better and if glued in right would not let water in.

Some Inwould expect we’re not installed well and adjusted right. No they are not simple to adjust.

The Corvettes and Hurst were the reverse like seal and most leaked from day one. The Corvette could opened with a blow to the right spot.

The weakest spot on C&C is the plastic caps. If broken worn and loose you can leak. I knew early they were a problem and kept extra sets. Some one made a softer set I bought and yet to try yet.
Patrick AUG 17, 04:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by hyperv6:

Not sure what the drama is about.

There is no hate. It is what it is



Why do you have such a problem with a couple of us simply warning a new member about the very real and potential pitfalls of having T-Tops? Of course there are going to be vehicles with T-Tops that don't leak... great! However, that's of little consolation to the owners of T-Top equipped cars who cannot get their T-Tops to stop leaking. It's a major hindrance to be owning such a vehicle if living in a wet climate.
jelly2m8 AUG 18, 03:18 AM

quote
Originally posted by hyperv6:

Not sure what the drama is about. I am sue some may leak but I do know not all do.


The weakest spot on C&C is the plastic caps. If broken worn and loose you can leak. I knew early they were a problem and kept extra sets.




There is no hate and Drama our friend. it's simply a fact. Old cars with un obtainable water seals that need them due to age / past history. Alot of us are not privy to be able to get prime examples of, those that do, we are super happy you can.


Years ago I posted a long term solution of broken plastic end caps, it's still searchable on the forums, the problem 35+ years later is the non- existent supply of new chassis seals. I will still stand by that the majority of T-Top Fiero's this day and age will leak if left out in the elements.


Honest question for you, does your T-top car live inside a shelter, or does it live outside in the elements. keep in mind not everyone has the luxury of keeps car's under a roof. That's a simple fact of life.

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 08-18-2024).]

jelly2m8 AUG 18, 03:36 AM
Delete

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 08-18-2024).]

hyperv6 AUG 18, 12:15 PM
Look part if buying a car is yo make sure of the condition.

If buying a convertible is the hop good and non leaking. The same applies to TTop. Check them out run water if you are willing to buy. If they leak walk away.

The truth is these tops did not leak if and when installed new. If there is seal damage and part damage walk away.

This is just another case where you should buy the best car you can. Restoration of a Fiero often cost more than its value if you are going for original. Parts are getting harder to find and many never will be reproduced. A hood paint is more than a 4 cylinders value anymore.

While the Fiero is cheap in terms of the car hobby it is still not cheap if done right. Sadly many are priced out of the hobby anymore. Many even restoring GTO’s take a loss. Best to buy a finished or clean original car.

Anyways back to my point. You two made it sound as if they all leak. No they don’t. Some do many don’t just do your diligence when buying to access condition. To find a hood one may take more time but it is not impossible.
Raydar AUG 18, 12:38 PM
I had a Formula with T-tops. I don't remember any serious leaks. Any that I found were easily repairable.

But I found T-tops to be a pain in the ass, in general. This was true of my Formula, as well as my 88 Firebird.
If you want the "experience", you need to remove and store the panels. Then, if you get caught in a sudden rain squall, you're likely gonna get wet, unless you can find a convenient bridge or awning to park under.
With a sunroof, all you have to do is reach up and "pop" the latch, to raise it. Closing it is just as easy. You can remove it if you want, but I seldom completely remove mine.

Not trying to talk you out of T-tops. They do have their allure. But do go in with eyes wide open.
Patrick AUG 18, 04:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by hyperv6:

Some do (leak) many don’t just do your diligence when buying to access condition. To find a hood one may take more time but it is not impossible.



The OP was expressing interest in installing T-Tops in a Fiero re-body that doesn't have them. So not only would he need to track down the basic T-Top hardware required (readily available I'm sure ), but he'd also have to hope that after going through all that trouble that the T-Tops wouldn't leak. All I can say is good luck!

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-18-2024).]

hyperv6 AUG 18, 06:13 PM
It is what it is. If you looking for an argument find someone else.

I just provided the rest of the story.
Patrick AUG 18, 06:28 PM

And I was just stating my opinion.

Maybe the OP could chime in again to say how they feel about installing T-Tops now.