Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Weird T-tops

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 28, 2003 | 08:36 PM
  #1  
D's89rs's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chino
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Automatic 4
Weird T-tops

I have an 89 RS and have T-tops that I've never seen before......

They are smaller than the GM versions, there is a bigger gap between the windshield and the start of the t-tops, and it has a "C&C, Cars & Concepts," logo on them. I also don't have the hooks in the hump area to secure the tops, but I do have a seatbelt in the hatch pocket with a hook.

I'm guessing this isn't factory, but I'm not sure. Also, the seals are starting to go (I have a red rubber tubular string that flies all over the place, but is still attached in the middle), and I'm going to have to find replacements some how.

Anybody have any info on these? Or where I can find seals and/or new tops?
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2003 | 09:45 PM
  #2  
Steve86TA's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (57)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 18
From: Annapolis Maryland
Car: To many to list
You are correct.Those are aftermarket.I thought that there was a place that sold the weathersripping for them,but I cant remember the name right now.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2003 | 11:07 PM
  #3  
PONTIACGTA88's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I
Transmission: 700 R 4
HEY I HAVE THE SAME TOPS THE WEB SITE YOU NEED IS THIS ONE http://www.sunroofdoctor.com/
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 01:08 AM
  #4  
D's89rs's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chino
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Automatic 4
cool, thank you, that helps alot.....
although finding out they are aftermarket is kinda dissapointing :-/
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 12:28 PM
  #5  
Agent13's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
My '82 has those T-Tops too.
Attached Thumbnails Weird T-tops-dash2-053.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 03:19 PM
  #6  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Yes, the Sun Roof Dr. will have everything you need to repair your C&C T-tops. My '88 has the C&C tops as well, but mine go one further in that they also flip open like some sunroofs. It's a very cool feature.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 05:55 PM
  #7  
mw66nova's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
pics of that please?
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 09:16 PM
  #8  
D's89rs's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chino
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Automatic 4
So I'm guessing that the nice new pre-formed headliners for a standard t-top will not fit. I haven't seen any for the C&C tops so I'm guessing (again) that I have to have a custom headliner made, right?
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 10:04 PM
  #9  
Agent13's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally posted by BretD 88GTA
Yes, the Sun Roof Dr. will have everything you need to repair your C&C T-tops. My '88 has the C&C tops as well, but mine go one further in that they also flip open like some sunroofs. It's a very cool feature.
I noticed that on your car. Very cool. I would love to find a set like that and put them on my car.

Here is a picture of his T-tops.
Attached Thumbnails Weird T-tops-fv1-50-.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2003 | 10:54 PM
  #10  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by D's89rs
So I'm guessing that the nice new pre-formed headliners for a standard t-top will not fit. I haven't seen any for the C&C tops so I'm guessing (again) that I have to have a custom headliner made, right?
You are correct, you'll have to go custom on the headliner. Since the C&C tops are shorter than the factory T-tops, the standard T-top stuff some companies offer will not work.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 01:25 PM
  #11  
yankeecarman's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 21
From: Melbourne Australia but from South Carolina
Car: 1991 Trans Am convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Auto
I have the C & C tops also. I live in Australia and I have only ever seen one top like this here. Someone on EBAY is selling a used set in case you would like a spare set. I would get on it right away but the costs to bring them over here is really expensive and may not make the trip in one piece. EBAY #2445681708. Maybe youre interested.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 06:45 PM
  #12  
mw66nova's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
hmm, those tops look like they would leak like mad....
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 07:38 PM
  #13  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by mw66nova
hmm, those tops look like they would leak like mad....
Nope. I have only one very minor leak and it's due to worn weather stripping along the window edge. I've heard people with factory T-tops complain about far worse leaks.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 08:16 PM
  #14  
mw66nova's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
wow, very cool!
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 11:00 PM
  #15  
D's89rs's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chino
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Automatic 4
No leaks with mine either. The only complaint are the aformentioned red weatherstripping that flaps in the wind, and wind coming into the car at high speeds (60+ mph).
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 11:39 PM
  #16  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by D's89rs
No leaks with mine either. The only complaint are the aformentioned red weatherstripping that flaps in the wind, and wind coming into the car at high speeds (60+ mph).
The red weatherstripping is called the "P" seal for the C&C tops. They are $43.50 each from www.sunroofdoctor.com for the front and rear seals. My P seals are in need of replacement as well.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2003 | 11:43 PM
  #17  
PONTIACGTA88's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I
Transmission: 700 R 4
the red felt weather strip does wear out, hey after 16 years of use thats pretty good.too get them back like new the kit costs $297.90 and comes with six pieces,not too bad
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 12:13 AM
  #18  
yankeecarman's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 21
From: Melbourne Australia but from South Carolina
Car: 1991 Trans Am convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Auto
The guy who sold the replacement weatherstrip didnt have the p-seal for the longest time. He then sent these felt-like seals. They seem to be doing the job so I guess they are alright. Are the red seals more rubbery? Under $300 sound ok to me.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 12:15 AM
  #19  
Agent13's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Does anyone have a picture of the "P Seal" I think the t-tops on my 82 are missing parts.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 12:50 AM
  #20  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by yankeecarman
Are the red seals more rubbery?
The seals on my tops are a long, round red rubber piece (like a strand of spaghetti) that is wrapped in a felt material with a flat edge that gets riveted to the T-top frame. It basically looks like the letter P from the side.

It's the felt material that fails and starts to fall apart as the car ages. The rubber inserts then start to come out and flop around or fall out completely.

Here is a diagram of the C&C T-tops and their various parts. I've flagged the "P" seals.


Last edited by BretD 88GTA; Dec 1, 2003 at 12:55 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 08:59 AM
  #21  
SHAGME's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
From: The Garden State?? Bergan County
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 355ci TPI WORKED TO THE BALLS!
Transmission: 700R4 T-56 coming
where do i but those?
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 03:19 PM
  #22  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by SHAGME
where do i but those?
www.sunroofdoctor.com
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2003 | 07:56 PM
  #23  
PONTIACGTA88's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I
Transmission: 700 R 4
do they call them p seals cause once they go bad water pee's inside....but i need to figure out first how to fix my sagging door since it doesnt sit right on the weatherstripping so i get a leak thru there the door hinges are welded looks like a big big job.....
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 02:35 AM
  #24  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by PONTIACGTA88
i need to figure out first how to fix my sagging door since it doesnt sit right on the weatherstripping so i get a leak thru there the door hinges are welded looks like a big big job.....
How to fix your sagging door:
http://www.top-downsolutions.com/pro...products_id=33
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 10:50 AM
  #25  
theratdude64's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Ogden, UT
Car: 95 Z28
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Built 4L60E with 3000 Stall
Axle/Gears: 3.23? I'm not sure
How much would it be to add em? I love t tops but dont have em... If you can, do you do it or ship it somewhere like marks customs or whatever their name is that does the nightrider conversions... Id go with them, but 1500 is a little much , lol
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 12:43 PM
  #26  
okfoz's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,293
Likes: 195
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
I almost bought a set of the opening type T-tops a few years back, the salvage yard could not get rid of them, I could have gotten them for $20 for the pair, but when I tried to put them on my FORMULA they would not fit... so I left them there I wish I would have snagged them to sell to someone who needs them, I think they went into the dumptser (

John
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 03:47 PM
  #27  
PONTIACGTA88's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I
Transmission: 700 R 4
bret thanks for the link,i was almost considering welding the doors shut and doing a "dukes of hazard" entrance.lol thanks
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 11:39 PM
  #28  
87CIZ's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Car: 88' Iroc-Z
Engine: LQ9
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
those are cool that flip open like a sunroof! Has anyone thought about a targa top? one piece that folds in half to be about the same size as the t-tops? just my imagination but it would be pretty cool
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 11:46 PM
  #29  
Agent13's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Damn... Looks like I am missing parts for my t-tops. Anyone know where I can get the covers that cover the rivets on the top of the car?
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 04:59 PM
  #30  
PONTIACGTA88's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I
Transmission: 700 R 4
DID YOU TRY WWW.SUNROOFDOCTOR.COM 82FIREBIRDTA?
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2003 | 07:43 AM
  #31  
okfoz's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,293
Likes: 195
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Originally posted by PONTIACGTA88
DID YOU TRY WWW.SUNROOFDOCTOR.COM 82FIREBIRDTA?
Just an FYI, when you LEAVE YOUR CAPS ON IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR YELLING. I do it sometimes and have to re write what I just typed because I was just doing some Technical Drawings where its appropriate.

Dont take this personal, just keep it in mind.

John
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2003 | 04:53 PM
  #32  
89cmrodriver's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
From: chesapeake va
Car: 08 Sierra, 08 Silverado, 91 z28
Engine: 5.3, 4.3, 5.7
Transmission: autos
Originally posted by 87CIZ
those are cool that flip open like a sunroof! Has anyone thought about a targa top? one piece that folds in half to be about the same size as the t-tops? just my imagination but it would be pretty cool
where have u been? 85sportcoupeto89rs is doing a 82 z28 targe. tpi383 is doing a 92 z28 targa.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2004 | 06:19 PM
  #33  
solstone's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car: Black 91Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 (from factory T5)
Hey, I'm in the same C&C boat with my 91Z and have been wondering about structural integrity since the roof of the car was altered by whoever install the C&C t-tops. Do they do anything in reinforce the roof of the car or is that why they spaced the tops a bit further back from the front windshield than the factory t-tops - hoping it would be enough. Is it enough?

Just wondering: if the car ever flipped, should i seriously consider DUCKING?!
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2004 | 11:03 PM
  #34  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Originally posted by solstone
Hey, I'm in the same C&C boat with my 91Z and have been wondering about structural integrity since the roof of the car was altered by whoever install the C&C t-tops. Do they do anything in reinforce the roof of the car or is that why they spaced the tops a bit further back from the front windshield than the factory t-tops - hoping it would be enough. Is it enough?

Just wondering: if the car ever flipped, should i seriously consider DUCKING?!
I don't think the C&C tops are any less structurely sound than factory T-tops. Factory T-top or aftermarket T-top, you flip the car over and you'll probably kiss some pavement.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:34 AM
  #35  
okfoz's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,293
Likes: 195
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Even the Factory T-tops you you would have to "duck" if you fliped your car...

There was one in a junkyard, looked like it slid for a while on the top... The windshield was pushed down, but what probably saved the driver was B pillar roof section.

John
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2004 | 12:28 PM
  #36  
solstone's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car: Black 91Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 (from factory T5)
Oh, i had heard from a bodyshop guy that t-tops from the factory weren't just holes cut out - the structure along side the windshield was most likely reinforced. He said that since the C&C were aftermarket, they probably didn't reinforce the supports; that's why they cut the holes smaller and further from the front windshield. I was thinking that's why you can't buy a "complete" kit anymore, cause of some legal thing because they're unsafe...

no?
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2004 | 02:54 PM
  #37  
solstone's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car: Black 91Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 (from factory T5)
To Top..

Can anyone confirm that the factory T-tops had reinforced supports?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jorlain
Exterior Parts Wanted
8
Jun 29, 2017 11:04 PM
1Aauto
Sponsored Vendors
1
Jan 15, 2016 06:26 AM
Thirdgen89GTA
NW Indiana and South Chicago Suburb
4
Nov 26, 2015 11:04 PM
meeklay812
Camaros for Sale
1
Oct 1, 2015 03:46 PM
1Aauto
Sponsored Vendors
0
Sep 10, 2015 02:02 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:07 AM.