Hello guys,

I think this is my first thread since I first registered so please don't be too hard on me.

I did a search around the message board but I couldn't find anything related on my issue so this is my question: I ran into a pair of glass t-tops from a 91-92 style Firebird in a Spanish junk yard. These tops include a lock which its key is, as you may guess, missing.

Is there any easy way to open those so they stay in "open" position and can be taken on and off easily in the future? As my former Firebird had no lockable t-tops I never knew if keys from different sets are compatible or similar, any ideas? Has every t-top pair a totally different key?

Many thanks in advance

 

If you remove the plastic cover and handle, you will have access to the back of the lock. It is held in place by a small horseshoe shaped clip. Remove that clip and the lock cylinder will be easy to remove. Then you can put the plastic cover and handle back on.just be carefull with the screw that retains the handl, the are very sort and like to stripout.

 

Thank you so much dirtywhiteZ28

 

On mine the key that locks/unlocks the doors also lock/unlock the tops.

 

Thanks for the feedback on that too

 

The problem is that you can't get the plastic or the handle off while it's locked. You need to take them to a locksmith or try picking the lock. Once you get it open, then you have the lock rekeyed to your door key or remove it altogether. I would get them rekeyed.

 

The latch handle is held on by a single screw that points to the floor. The handle is keyway'd and splined. Removing the single screw and then pulling straight down with a gentle rocking motion will usually be enough to work it off. Removing the cover screws will let the cover flex enough to get access to the back of the bracket that holds the lock assembly, a long flat blade screwdriver can reach in the couple of inches needed to slip the lock clip out of its grove. You can then rotate the lock assembly to line up with the 3key slots that let it push forward and out. Often the thin fragile face of the tumbler will easily pop off the lock when you first start prying things around anyways, and the cover will drop on your seat before you can get your screw driver out of your pocket. Push the handle back on the splines and turn the latch rods. The lock is not necesary to keep the t-tops on but it is good peice of mind that the latch won't open while your driving, letting the tops hit the road.

If I can get my camera back from my sister, I'll try to put up pictures, I have mine apart right now because I bought NEW tumbler assemblies.

 

Thank you so much guys for the additional backup, I really appreciate it

BTW, Scott, I'd never seen your car pics, my goodness, that's a real survivor and a pleasure to watch

I know of an '89 350 loaded GTA which was brought to my country from Italy 3 years ago with less than 3,600 original miles (pic1 & 2) Sadly it was turned into a Knight Rider replica later on, totally spoiling its original value