Who else hates their hardtop
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From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I'm beginning to wonder how many ppl who dislike their TTop cars had OLD seals on them. My 91Z has spent a fair portion of its life in a garage and my TTop seals feel great and don't leak. I still plan on replacing all of the seals when I paint the car, but I'm not guessing they're going to leak with new seals either.
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From: Melbourne Australia
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: Ls1
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From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
No thank you.
I will be designing a T-Top storage solution similar to the 4thgens which hopefully will be available during this year.
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Build it as a 2-piece targa. If you started with a t-top car, attach the center bar to one of the t-tops. That side goes in first, ten pop n the other side/standard t-top. Then you'd basically only be fabbing the center bar into a removable piece. And new seals for the center section.
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From: Oakland, CA
Car: 2000 Camaro SS/86 Iroc/89 Iroc(x2)
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I'm beginning to wonder how many ppl who dislike their TTop cars had OLD seals on them. My 91Z has spent a fair portion of its life in a garage and my TTop seals feel great and don't leak. I still plan on replacing all of the seals when I paint the car, but I'm not guessing they're going to leak with new seals either.
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From: Chicago, IL
Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
If you want t-tops, don't be lazy like some people complaining about the routine things. Keep them well maintained and they will hardly leak. I love my t-tops but I would love a hardtop. Damm headliners....
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From: Melbourne Australia
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: Ls1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
My boss is one of those guys that knows that nothing is impossible and having been in the fiberglass/fab business for 30+ years, I was seriously thinking about doing a true 3rdgen targa top. I don't think anyone has thought about the implications of what to do with the top - We already struggle with the stupid T-top bags and storage; where the HELL would we put a Targa Top?!!?!
No thank you.
I will be designing a T-Top storage solution similar to the 4thgens which hopefully will be available during this year.
No thank you.
I will be designing a T-Top storage solution similar to the 4thgens which hopefully will be available during this year.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Peoria, AZ
Car: 1991 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I have liked the look of T-tops since my brother had his 1980 Vette with them. I love being able to take them out when the weather is nice. I will have to replace my weatherstripping at some point but the TA doesn't get driven in the rain that often. My only annoyance is that I need to either recover or replace my sunshades since the fabric has come loose on them. Other than that, I just prefer the look of T-tops to a hard top.
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From: Los Angeles (310)
Car: 89 IROC-VERT
Engine: TPI 305
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: 2.77
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
My hard top has grown on me now. At first I wanted t-tops. The only benefit to me would be driving with them off on a hot summer night here in LA. During the day its not cool IMO having the sun beating down on you.
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
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From: greenfield indiana
Car: 86' IROC-Z....and 5 other 3rdgens
Engine: 383 hsr
Transmission: built 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock 3.23, 10bolt
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
yeah t-tops look "fun" on a warm summer night and all. but to me, it looks like an "incomplete" car! i absolutely HATE seeing a colored car (other than black) to NOT have paint on the top. when i was in search for my first 3rd gen, i made a mental list in my head of what the car HAD to have. and sure enough at the top of my mental list was to have a HARD top. lol. if i ever ended up with a t-top car, it HAS to be black. so that way it looks cosmeticaly "complete" or just get a damn convertable. 
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From: St. Louis
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Gotta be a hardtop. Looked for a long time and only found one's with t's. Finally bought one from Kid Rock's twin brother in Minnesota.
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Mine are all hard tops, and this was not a coincidence, I hate t tops.
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I have one hard top car, and that was my cheap DD. The rest have some form of t-top, either GM or C&C
As with above, this is not by chance... I've passed on many hard top cars.
As with above, this is not by chance... I've passed on many hard top cars.
Last edited by AmorgetRS; Jul 12, 2010 at 11:57 AM. Reason: Wow, I must of been tired this morning
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From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
Engine: L98
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
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From: Albertville AL
Car: 85 TA TTA clone
Engine: 355sbc (turbo planned)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt rear disk
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
IF properly sealed up T tops shouldn't leak. I wanted t tops on my bird because of the car i have recently fell in love with but don't want to modify a real one so starting with a base 85 TA
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From: Sacramento, California
Car: 92 RS
Engine: a slow one
Transmission: a crunchy one
Axle/Gears: a whiny one
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I live in California, my t-tops are off 6 months out of the year. I see people driving around in hardtop cars and always assumed they were jealous, didn't know some of them were actually crazy enough to like them more. LOL
With the Alston Sub Frame Connectors my car is 10 times stiffer than any hardtop without SFC's would be off the showroom floor. Guaranteed.
They can leak. But most don't know to adjust them on the t-top itself AND behind the trim on the A and B pillar. Sagging door hinges and/or old and worn out/misadjusted window guides can make people fiddle with the weatherstripping and t-top adjustments for years never realizing to look elsewhere. They will seal up even with very questionable rubber if you know the problem.
So now that you're enlightened, feel free to love t-tops once again, LOL
With the Alston Sub Frame Connectors my car is 10 times stiffer than any hardtop without SFC's would be off the showroom floor. Guaranteed.
They can leak. But most don't know to adjust them on the t-top itself AND behind the trim on the A and B pillar. Sagging door hinges and/or old and worn out/misadjusted window guides can make people fiddle with the weatherstripping and t-top adjustments for years never realizing to look elsewhere. They will seal up even with very questionable rubber if you know the problem.
So now that you're enlightened, feel free to love t-tops once again, LOL
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
Engine: 4.3 CPI , LS1
Transmission: NV3500, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.42
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From: Austin, Tx
Car: 92 Formula
Engine: L98
Transmission: A4
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
As with others, I love the t-tops on my 99 Z... They look great, don't leak, and the car still looks sleek with them off.
On the '92 formula, Hardtop 100%!! Thirdgen birds look slick with a hard top.... The design of the t-tops on the thirdgen's break up the lines of the roof too much and take away from the fantastic profile. Add to that the issues with leaking and chassis flex.... No thanks!
4th gen - YES!!!
3rd gen - NO!!
2nd gen bird - Yeah, okay... take it or leave it.
2nd gen camaro - I prefer not to think of those years....
On the '92 formula, Hardtop 100%!! Thirdgen birds look slick with a hard top.... The design of the t-tops on the thirdgen's break up the lines of the roof too much and take away from the fantastic profile. Add to that the issues with leaking and chassis flex.... No thanks!
4th gen - YES!!!
3rd gen - NO!!
2nd gen bird - Yeah, okay... take it or leave it.
2nd gen camaro - I prefer not to think of those years....
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
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From: Chicago
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: Built TH-700 R4 (Vilgilante 2800)
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
If could do it over again I would have gotten a T-tops.
Plain and simple hardtops cracks. Ask a majority of hardtop owners it is an all to familiar reality.
Plain and simple hardtops cracks. Ask a majority of hardtop owners it is an all to familiar reality.
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From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: LT1 350
Transmission: T56 6 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LSD
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I've owned all three. The hardtop was my least favorite but you can definitely notice the difference of stiffness. The convertible is fun but the wind noise can be overwhelming at times. The t-tops were my favorite, the best of both worlds.
Jay
Jay
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From: Vancouver Island BC
Car: 1987 Camaro Sport Coupe
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
T-tops are hype... They're OK when they're out, but if the sun is out, like on a nice summer day when you think it'd be cool to have the tops out, the sun beats down in your eyes and you need a hat anyway. With the tops in, without the liners, the sun still beats down on you through the glass. The plastic tops are tinted darker, so they aren't as bad, but they have their own issues. About the only time they're really 'Cool' is when other people see the car with the tops out, or at night.
Did I mention they rattle, creak, leak, and make the body more flexible? Yeah, all that too. There's also that dance of unlocking the car, opening the door, rolling down both windows, opening the hatch, unlatching the tops and storing them in the bag, strap them down tight, close the hatch... Ok, now you can drive away. But when you get where you're going, reverse the process... Or just leave the car open and hope some hood doesn't steal anything that's not buttoned down, or toss their garbage in your interior.
I LOVED my first thirdgen with ttops. I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Until I took a corner and the water dripped all over my knee. It still wasn't bad though, just something to keep in mind. But then I got a daily driver beater thirdgen with ttops... The novelty wears off really fast when you have to deal with the annoyances EVERY DAY!
Now that I've got both a hardtop with subframe connectors, and a convertible, Ttops are kind of half-***, with every drawback in the book. Don't get me started on sun-roofs. I had one of those too, but the leaks were in a worse spot.
I LOVE my hardtop.
Did I mention they rattle, creak, leak, and make the body more flexible? Yeah, all that too. There's also that dance of unlocking the car, opening the door, rolling down both windows, opening the hatch, unlatching the tops and storing them in the bag, strap them down tight, close the hatch... Ok, now you can drive away. But when you get where you're going, reverse the process... Or just leave the car open and hope some hood doesn't steal anything that's not buttoned down, or toss their garbage in your interior.
I LOVED my first thirdgen with ttops. I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Until I took a corner and the water dripped all over my knee. It still wasn't bad though, just something to keep in mind. But then I got a daily driver beater thirdgen with ttops... The novelty wears off really fast when you have to deal with the annoyances EVERY DAY!
Now that I've got both a hardtop with subframe connectors, and a convertible, Ttops are kind of half-***, with every drawback in the book. Don't get me started on sun-roofs. I had one of those too, but the leaks were in a worse spot.
I LOVE my hardtop.
I've also never even felt the sun through the t-tops. My T-tops also doesn't rattle or creak. Though, if I don't cover it before raining I will get some water dripping on my knee when I take a corner.
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Car: 99 Formula
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
after having them on my '86, there was no way I'd buy another 3rd Gen if they didn't have T-tops.
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From: Illinois
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Previous car was a hardtop and now I have a T-top car. Looks cool and is a neat feature to have, but I like the simplicity and rigidity of a hardtop. Taking the time to convert one to another or even targa is just a crazy idea.
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From: cemetary in NY
Car: 85 z28,01 sonoma,05 envoy
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
i like the t-tops, however i cant go through a car wash, water pours in front corner on me (big aggervating suprise the first and last time) but it does not leak when it rains or if i wash the car. only in a car wash..
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From: beaver dams new york
Car: 86 firebird t/a
Engine: 305
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
i love my t-tops and they dont leak not sure if the seals were replaced or if there stock any way to tell if there factory?
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From: Summerfield Fl
Car: 1986 Firebird, 1992 camaro
Engine: 79' 350, 89 305
Transmission: TH400, 700r4
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
i will honestly never buy another solid top camaro or firebird, the 86 firebird doesnt leak, and once i replaced the plastic tops in the 92 with glass they stopped leaking. The 98 camaro i owned was boring without t-tops....
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I have T-Tops on all my cars except the 2 verts, they all leak. I still dig them tho. I do keep mine in the garage 90% of the time.
A little water never hurt anyone. Its really just part of the fun !
A little water never hurt anyone. Its really just part of the fun !
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From: Central NJ
Car: 86 Trans Am
Engine: 408 stroker sbc
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
how can you hate a hard top car? preference one way or the other sure, but hate?
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From: New York
Car: 1988 Camaro IrocZ
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I kind've wish I had a hard top now not a TTop.. but will i ever sell the car to get a hard top? Never
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Car: 1984 Camaro
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I love the hard top, I have not once ever desired T-tops in my third gen. Simple, dry, looks good, and lightweight. I've had t-tops in a previously owned 4th gen, and once the novelty wore off I never removed 'em. Enjoy your t-tops, they're just not for me.
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From: Maryville, TN
Car: 1987 IROC Z/28
Engine: 5.0L TPI. Custom Tune
Transmission: 5 Speed/ Pro5.0 short /hurst stick
Axle/Gears: 1LE 10 bolt Rear/T2R 3.45 PBR/disc
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
i would MUCH rather have a hardtop car than a T-Top car. Sadly, my car is T-Top and I've spend a LOT of time and money building it up -- too late now.
if I had to do it over again, it'd be a FIRST GEN HARDTOP. that's the way to go.
if I had to do it over again, it'd be a FIRST GEN HARDTOP. that's the way to go.
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
First car with t tops was an 87 aeroback montecarlo ss. Left a sour taste in my mouth, it was a worst case scenario though. The metal strip that holds the center of the t tops down was rusting off and was actually about a half an inch higher than what its supposed to be, but only the front half. You would drive and the t tops would literally levitate a bit, allowing air and water in if it was raining. I got rid of it and years later I bought my trans am... with ttops. Honestly I would prefer a hardtop. The sun is a pain, I never really take em' off, and because of bodyflex, I'm expecting to go into a dip the wrong way and just have one or both of the t tops break. Sometimes it sounds like glass being crushed. Not to mention my driver side t top doesn't quite align straight.
.....Never was a big fan of T's.... 
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From: Coeur d' Alene
Car: 89 GTA & 76 T/A
Engine: 5.7/455
Transmission: GTA Auto/76 T/A 4speed
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I have owned several t-top cars like a 77 Bandit with Hurst r-tops, a 79 Bandit with Fisher t-tops and a 89 GTA with t-tops. ( My current cars are a 73 T/A and an 87 GTA both with hard tops). I cannot say I prefer one over another. I always roll with which car is in the best shape for the price, rather than if it has t-tops or not. I'd say I look at Iroc's and T/A's all the time and it's harder to find a clean t-top model than a hard top. Usually t-roofs have more moisture issues and rusted floors from leaks. My 89 GTA rattled like a pile of junk when the side windows were down and that car was babied. Yes having them out is cool and looking up through them and having added head room is great. Leaks dripping get old fast though and the weatherstripping is just another added expense and there is NO guarantee it will fix any issues. My 77 Bandit required 400.00 for repo Hurst Hatch seals and they still leaked. I added subframe connectors too and it helped but not enough. I'd recommend just getting the best car you can for the money and unless you can deal with the t-top issues or have a garaged car that rarely sees rain maybe go with a solid roof.
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From: Coeur d' Alene
Car: 89 GTA & 76 T/A
Engine: 5.7/455
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Might I also add if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall (like where I lived in Seattle) or snow, the inside t-top glass gets a lot of moisture and when you turn the heater in makes water blisters on the inside. I used to keep a towel in my 79 T/A to wipe them off! If the t-top car has AC it really helps dehumidify the inside and dry it out. No AC and you don't live in the southwest?...... Carry a towel.
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From: Renton, WA
Car: 1988 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7 litre
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi with 4 wheel disc brakes
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Might I also add if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall (like where I lived in Seattle) or snow, the inside t-top glass gets a lot of moisture and when you turn the heater in makes water blisters on the inside. I used to keep a towel in my 79 T/A to wipe them off! If the t-top car has AC it really helps dehumidify the inside and dry it out. No AC and you don't live in the southwest?...... Carry a towel.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Wellington, Fl
Car: 2012 camaro vert
Engine: v6
Transmission: manual
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
t-tops come factory with a water leak you get pontiac towels from dealer....lol
love t-tops hate hard tops...just drill few hole in floor board and you be strait
only leak on nasty days any way rest of time they in trunk and we enjoying sun and the girls.....
nexts step take it to the max.... a 3rd gen vert....now thats the ticket....
love t-tops hate hard tops...just drill few hole in floor board and you be strait
only leak on nasty days any way rest of time they in trunk and we enjoying sun and the girls.....
nexts step take it to the max.... a 3rd gen vert....now thats the ticket....
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From: Mass
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: A4
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Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I am now on my 6th fbody, 5th third gen and this one is a hardtop. I hate the look of ttops on our cars. They do look better both on and off on the 4th gens though. I have been looking for a hardtop third gen for a while now that has no rot on it but all I ever find is ttop cars!!!!
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Too hot here in Florida to have T-Tops. I would only be able to take them off for 2 or 3 months. If I was in a cooler state then I wouldn't mind t-tops.
[/IMG] 
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From: Marietta, GA
Car: '84 Z28
Engine: L69
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Yes, my view exactly. Working at a GM dealer starting in the '80's I can't tell you how many 3rd gen F-cars I've seen come in with t-tops leaking. So I started looking for hard top cars. My current '84 hardtop Z28 took me almost a year to find in decent condition. I refuse to put up with the leaks, rattles, and squeaks that come with a t-top car. Also it seems that a hardtop car is much more high mileage friendly.
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From: Los Angeles, California
Car: 1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 Overdrive Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1 Positraction
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I've seen t-tops leak but never a hardtop, I own 2 hardtops, a 3rd gen Camaro & a 4th gen T/A, I never owned a t-top and went out of my way to get a hardtop when I purchased my LT1 Trans Am GT, too many t-tops out there IMO since by the 4th gen time period they were more popular and more produced than hard solid rigid roofs, and I've searched for another Trans Am the same year the same body and the same color as mine and while I found a few they're all T tops, I think I've found maybe 1 hardtop '94 T/A GT in 2 years, so would I buy a t-top? Yes, but if I want the hardtop I'm going to get that one too. Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
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From: Los Angeles, California
Car: 1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 Overdrive Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1 Positraction
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
In Other Words, I'm going to buy the one I want how I picture it and not how I find one, Sure I may have to Search the Ends of The Earth to find it, But I Will not stop until I have it, if I want a 1997 Trans Am WS6 in Hardtop, which btw I think very few were made seeing as how the Majority for the last years were t-tops I'm still going to Look for the Hardtop until I find it and not settle for the thousands of '95 '96 & '97s that came with t-tops that are offered to me before I Get THAT hardtop. Unfortunately no 98-02 Trans Ams were made in hardtop.
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From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
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Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
I have owned several t-top cars like a 77 Bandit with Hurst r-tops, a 79 Bandit with Fisher t-tops and a 89 GTA with t-tops. ( My current cars are a 73 T/A and an 87 GTA both with hard tops). I cannot say I prefer one over another. I always roll with which car is in the best shape for the price, rather than if it has t-tops or not. I'd say I look at Iroc's and T/A's all the time and it's harder to find a clean t-top model than a hard top. Usually t-roofs have more moisture issues and rusted floors from leaks. My 89 GTA rattled like a pile of junk when the side windows were down and that car was babied. Yes having them out is cool and looking up through them and having added head room is great. Leaks dripping get old fast though and the weatherstripping is just another added expense and there is NO guarantee it will fix any issues. My 77 Bandit required 400.00 for repo Hurst Hatch seals and they still leaked. I added subframe connectors too and it helped but not enough. I'd recommend just getting the best car you can for the money and unless you can deal with the t-top issues or have a garaged car that rarely sees rain maybe go with a solid roof.
Not everyone has the luxury of a covered garage. So perhaps t-tops should be reserved for summer-driven garage queens?
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Car: 89 IROC Z28
Engine: 357 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Yes I love my T tops but the best time go topless is early spring and late fall here in So-Cal. The days in the heat of summer can be a killer but even in the winter there are some good days to take the tops off.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
Car: 1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 Overdrive Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1 Positraction
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 482
Likes: 3
From: UTAH
Car: 1982 Z28 & 1967 RS & 2002 Z28
Engine: 388 ci SB / 454 ci BB / LS1
Transmission: 4 speed / TH350 / T56
Axle/Gears: '91 "1LE" rear, posi w/ 3.23's
Re: Who else hates their hardtop
Love my Hardtop(s)
Most times my garage is full of:
My HARDTOP '82 Z28
My HARDTOP '02 Z28 (1SC)
GF's HARDTOP '99 FORMULA
... and she has *****
~DaVe
Most times my garage is full of:
My HARDTOP '82 Z28
My HARDTOP '02 Z28 (1SC)
GF's HARDTOP '99 FORMULA
... and she has *****
~DaVe