I have two sets of plastic ttops for my car. (one set to "toss" around,,...and one good set) Both sets have a GM sticker that says somthing like refer to owner's manual for proper care of your acrylic ttops....

Since we all know that those owners manuals are hard to come by,....What did they say about the plastic ttops?

One set of ttops looks hazed over. The other set has the driver's side in very good condition, but the passenger side is hazed over.

Did this happen because of a certain cleaning chemical they tried to use?

What steps do you all take to take care of your plastic ttops? (hopefully not throwing them in the back seat instead of the ttop bag)

What do you use to clean them?

....and on a side note, (and a bit off-this-thread's-topic)....what years came with plastic ttops, and is it true that they have bigger pins or something?....(because both glass and plastic fit on my 88 ta)

 

I actually had no idea GM produced "Plastic" T-Tops. However, Meguiars makes some serious stuff called "PlastX", here's a blurb about it:

Meguiars PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish
This easy to use, rich gel formula quickly restores optical clarity to both rigid and flexible plastics. Cutting-edge advancements in Meguiar's exclusive Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, (MDAT), removes light oxidation, chemical degradation, surface contamination, stains and light surface scratches with ease. In addition, because our microscopic diminishing abrasives breakdown as you use them, PlastX is safe on plastic rear windows on convertible tops, aircraft windows, motorcycle fairings, face shields, headlights and taillights, instrument panels, all clear plastic boat surfaces and aquariums. Meguiar's PlastX also contains highly water-resistant polymers. These specialized hi-tech polymers provide long lasting durable protection to keep your clear plastics clear and beautiful longer. PlastX is non-toxic and does not contain any harsh solvents.

 

I think 4mul8r is referring to Lexan (plexiglass) t-tops. The Lexans first came out in 1989. They weigh less than glass and are tinted darker. However, supposidly, they don't hold up as well and they are also more dome-shaped than the glass ones. So, GM replaced them with glass tops under warranty if you wanted. The Lexans were available until 1992 (the end of the third generation).

I think all the owners manual says about t-tops is probably just to stpre them safetly. I don't think it's anything that common sense won't tell you. You know, don't jump on top of them, don't take a hammer to them, don't just toss them in the back of your hatch and drive fast over bumps...

You might want to try a plexiglass cleaner. A simple glass cleaner will streak plexiglass. I, however, have never used a special cleaner on the Lexan tops. [bad girl ] I just use water. Don't know if that's good or not.

As far as the pins goes... there were two styles -
the hook latch (on earlier fbodies) and the pin ones (on later ones). Supposidly, there are larger pins (which are supposed to only fit the later years) and smaller pins. But, I also have never had a problem with this.

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If any of this info is wrong, please correct me guyz.

 

Great info!