hemicudakidd

Hi from England
I have a top spec low mile 1988 T/A GTA and I was wondering what extra bracing was in the car to make up for lack of strength in the roof, and where it was at in the car?
I know when you tick the T /Top option when you ordered these cars new, there was another RPO option that got you some extra bracing somewhere if I remember correctly?????

My car wasn't built a T/Top car, and someone has welded a T/Top roof on it. I am a perfectionist and have acquired another shell which is a T/Top shell (No weld marks on any of the pillars) and totally rust free and was going to get it blasted and painted and transfer everything over, but this extra body bracing is bothering me.
I need to try to find it before I go to the time and expense of all this

Someone please advise me
Thank you very much in advance

Jacobaxeman

Why not just body work the welds down? Grind them down . Maybe little bit of bondo and you won't even notice.

hemicudakidd

I have thought about that, but it doesn't give the car the strength it needs. All it does is pass it off as a factory T/Top car, which it isn't.
I don't even need to do that really, because to be fair to who ever did it, its a pretty good job, and with the interior trim in place, you cant see anything untoward anyway, but as I said, I am a perfectionist, and I want it all to be right

Jorlain

iTrader: (4)

With whichever way you go, I would highly suggest putting in subframe connectors. There's a few different vendors, and everyone has an opinion on which ones are best, but I'm concerned less with the brand and more with just having them. It's pretty much a must on these cars.

Aside from that, the only other bracing I can think of is some triangulation pieces; fender to cowl, k-member to frame rails, and on very few there was a a steering brace\wonder bar (I can't remember if it was the IROCs or the Z28s that got these).

redneckjoe

i agree 100% about the subframe connectors.
it will make such a difference that you won't believe it.

vinny R

The only factory bracing added was to the convertibles and it was not done at the factory. They riveted angle to the outside behind the ground effects. Some earlier IROCS did use a "wonder Bar" but that was more of a steering brace than a body strengthener. Subframe connectors are what you want. As the OP said everyone has there opinion to what brand. I used the Alstons and had then welded in. No matter the brand make sure you get them welded. You will not believe the difference this makes.

hemicudakidd

Thank you for your advice guys
I really appreciate it

hemicudakidd

Can anyone shed any light on RPO Code YT1 Build up Door & Quarter? And does this have anything to do with the CC1 T/Top option?
Thanks again Third Gen Hero's

B4C5.7

iTrader: (2)

I think door build up and quarter has to do with interior trim?

jharrison5

I also suggest putting a set of sub-frame connectors. My '87 IROC has a set that just bolted in, however the previous owner also welded them in a few key places so they are in there for good. From what I can tell mine have been in there for a while and the condition of the body shows it.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

You all missed something here....

Am I the only person that had to verify this is a real word?

Usually the people at this site do not stretch my vocabulary but you got me on that one.