Well, I admit it, I'm a newbie. Not only that, I really havent taken a closely look to any f-body before I bought mine a couple of months ago. There arent many of them here¨either..

It may sound like a really stupid question, but I seem to be putting the tops into the bag differently each time i do it.

Also, I'm a bit confused about the foamed cardboard pieces. Wich way are they supposed to go? The foam downwards or upwards, or perhaps both? On the upperside of the top, or under?

Is there an ideal way to put the tops in the bag? I mean, to not make scraches and such. At the moment I'm a bit worried I'm doing it wrong, and maybe crack them going over bumps...

 

When I was using Lexan t-tops, I would put them in the bag so that their glass was facing in opposite directions. One t-top would go in glass down, then fold down the leather divider and the other t-top would go in the reverse with the glass up (and the handle/lock/plastic area on the opposite side).

Now that I have glass, I just put them both in the same way. Glass up on both. Handle/lock/plastic area facing the same way (towards the back of the car). On the bag, I believe it shows them stowed this way.

I've never obtained scratches or cracks stowing them either way. The only way I cracked one was by *not* stowing them in the bag.

Make sure you pull the straps tight and they should be fine.


Oh! As far as the sunshades (the foamed cardboard pieces) go, you can just squish them inbetween the t-tops like the cream in an Oreo. I put them in with foam facing eachother on the inside and the cardboard touching the t-tops (like they are in the car). But, I really don't think it matters all that much as long as everything's in the bag.

 

So the "foamed cardboardpieces" is actually meant to be inside the car under the tops...? Gees... I actually thought they were some kind of very nice "cushion" for the tops...*lol* color matched and all....

I have mostly put them in the bag like you did with your glass ones. And by the way, mine are glass too. Is there any particular reason they also came in acrylic?

We really have two ways to do it, as I see it, either with the Handle/lock/plastic on top of each other, or opposite another. Being scared to drop and crush them, it falls most natural to just put it in as I hold them, and thus, on top of each other.

But is it any smart way to use the "cuishoned cardboard" to protect the tops the most?

Anyone have any better way to do it?

 

The foamed cardboard pieces are Sunshades. The sunshades are meant to fit underneath your t-tops while the tops are in the roof. They are meant to block the sun out to keep you cooler and to prevent fading by blocking the uv rays. The fabric side faces the inside of the car. It's the same material and colour (or at least should be) as your headliner.

The glass t-tops are heavier than the Lexan (acrylic) ones. The Lexan tops were put on 1989 cars (but not all of them from what I've heard on this board ) and are darker and slightly more domed than the glass ones.

 

The directions in the bag recommend the above method.

 

DAM YOU GUYS! you got sunshades... errr... i put driver side in with glass edge in first, then pass. side in with handle side in first.. and of course, the fabric sheet between the two and zip it up.

 

Technically, if you stow them the same way, it would put too much pressure on the glass ends where they touch and could cause little cracks. The actual correct way is to do how he described in the beginning. Put one side in upside down with the handle facing the front of the car. The second one goes right side up with the handle facing the rear of the car. You'll notice that when you zip it up, it kinda forms a box shape and keeps equal pressure on both sides. Also, always remember to tighten your straps otherwise they'll bounce in the back there.

 

Yup, this is the method I prefer right now. Not that I've had the tops off too much this rainy summer. But it seems to keep the stress equal throughout the t-tops.

 

I use the opposite direction method. Seems to work just fine. What are these sunshade item's everyone is speaking of. anyone got pics and are they for Camaro's or just 'birds?

 

Here is a picture of sunshades. They were RPO DE4.

 

I put the passenger side in first (on bottom with the glass edge facing the back seat. Then I pull the divider down and put in the driver side with the glass edge to the seat. Both "outside face" up and the handle enclosure to the back. Zip the bag and pull the straps tight. I worry more about it shattering if I put the bottom one in face down. I guess it is a matter of preference.

My '89 has glass tops, but they were equipped with Lexan in '89. My brother bought an '89 brand new and it had the Lexan tops. After many leaks and unsuccessful dealership fixes, they installed glass ones on his. I had a '92 with Lexan tops and wished I had the glass. Mine looked like they were shattered after about 40,000 miles and the tinting peeled off!! The dealer told me the only way to fix it is to buy a new pair at $900!! Yeah right.

 

Here's the sticker inside the bag. I stagger mine, not following their instructions.

 

I put mine in with the handles both twords the rear of the car. Haven't had any problems.

It hasn't rained around here for a long time. I took my tops off in April and haven't put the on since

 

I know this is an old old thread, but maybe there's still some interest in storage questions

The detail drawing from the instructions SEEMS to indicate that both handles go to the rear, with outside of glass facing UP. But when I tried this, there seems to be too much width to get the zipper closed easily. SO, I tried the staggered method, but always with the outside surfaces facing up--the first one with handle toward the seat and the second with handle toward the back. I don't like the idea of putting either piece in upside down, because this could put downward pressure on the center and/or corners of glass, causing flexing.

Remembering to put that flap between them is important, too, AND checking for any grit that might be between the glass and the flap or case. Reason being, I have gotten some nasty little scratches through the tint that must've come from debris.

AND NOW THE QUESTION:

Anybody know how to hide these little scratches? I'm tempted to touch them up with a felt tip or something, but maybe someone knows of a bonafied repair that works?

 

I always face the outside up.

As for repairing.. You know that stuff you see on commercials to repair scratches in glasses?

 

Do you have the glass tops? If so, try this...
This may sound strange and don't ask how I found out, but Mothers aluminum wheel polish will remove fine scratches and acid rain etching. Take a small amount on a rag and buff/ polish. Does a very nice job.

 

Thanks, they are the glass tops--but the scratches are on the inside through the tint only. I haven't found anything for small touch-ups.

The scratches are only visible from inside the car looking through the top, and are naturally more noticeable in sunlight.

I'm tempted to try a felt tip marker, but thought there might be something made specifically for touching up tint.