I just purchased a 1992 Firebird. There is no key for the t-tops and they are in the locked position. Any suggestions about how to remove them?

 

I'm assuming you tried the door key? Should be the same key for the doors, trunk, t-tops and cargo storage.

Otherwise you're in for some fun. I'd probably call a lock smith.

 

Its been awhile, but I remember a guy removing t-tops by taking the plastic cover off and then you can see the rods. You should be able to move the rods enough to get the top off, atleast he did.

 

It's been a while but i think you can take the plastic piece off, and drill out the rivets that hold the lock. Then, just open it. I did this a long time ago, so i might be wrong.

 

If the door key does not fit, go to a GOOD locksmith. If you can not afford a locksmith, just leave them on until you save up enough money to pay one, you do not want to hack up your t-top panels. Just my

 

If you do this, you will have to pay for more than just a lock. As far as security goes, the t-tops are how thieves break in, keep 'em locked and possibly keep your stuff.

I +1 the locksmith.

 

The pin that keep the t-top on goes thru the panel so you cant remove it and access the lock

The lock aint complicated at all

Same thing as your lil rear cargo area lock

Locksmith or a paperclip, not a major deal

Theives get in by peeling your window away until it pops off track and removing the t-top to get to the door lock, or just go strait for the lock if they're skinny enuff

Locking the t-tops was a feature because theives used to rob the t-tops themselves, not necessarily security of the car's contents

 

Three screws and the trim panel is off of the top itself. Then you can peak and see what needs to be done. T-tops are certainly cheap enough, I even have a set in great shape for $60. If they aren't in good shape you could just cut the locking bars and pull each top off. Also, alot of these t-tops are not original to the car so the door key may not work.

 

My t-tops were so easy to pick with some basic tools that it was almost funny. I'm very inexperienced with lock picking, but it took me less than 1 minute per t-top to get mine off.

 

My t top lock fell out in my 96 when i was parking the car to go to a concert

 

i removed a set of t tops at the junkayrd once by taking off the handle with a torx 15 or 20, then drilled the rivit ouf and pulled the lock cyl out and the t tops were liberated of the parts car.

 

"i removed a set of t tops at the junkayrd once by taking off the handle with a torx 15 or 20, then drilled the rivit ouf and pulled the lock cyl out and the t tops were liberated of the parts car."

That's what i said, or was trying at least. Then to get it to lock, you just need to run a bolt or screw threw the place for the rivet. If someone really wants in your car, the t-top being locked will not stop them.

 

I love it when people try to tell me my profession is easy! Paper clips's and you had them off in one minute. You are lieing thru your finger tips.

It has taken me many years to learn how to pick the GM sidebar cylinder with any kind of regularity even with the proper tools(rake and tension tool). Every jackass I have met that has told me paper clips work has never been able to pick even a basic padlock in front of me.

Do not discount my profession it funds my 3rd gen habits.

 

I have listen to a lot of people with their "couple of paper clips" crap, but when someone locks their keys in the car those paper clip people end up with bent clothes hangers down the door crack trying to reach the keys, scratching up the paint and ripping the weather stripping.

 

I for one did not use a paperclip, but with a basic amateur lockpick set, I was able to release the lock in less than 1 minute per top. Whether it was dumb luck or what, it really was that quick and painless.

I don't understand why you take it so personally, especially when in all reality no one here told you your profession is easy.

I can't be sure, but perhaps it makes a difference that these t-top locks have been used or even unused for 14 - 24 years.

 

i say drill them out and buy new t-tops off ebay they seem to be pretty cheap at times. make sure you get the key with them though!

 

Old post but I have a ? for you sir. I just purchased an 89 RS yesterday and the car has C&C t-tops. The door key does not open the t-tops locks and basically as I was trying to unlock them and the tumbler fell out of both t-top locks. What do you suggest I do as I need to get them off to replace the headliner?