T-Top question
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: CT
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Trans Am GTA
Transmission: Auto
T-Top question
Hello,
My 88 GTA has T-Tops. There was no bag for the tops included with the car. I plan to get one by the spring. The strange thing is the carpet in my car has no cutouts for anything for the straps to secure to, so I'm assuming that a new carpet was put in at some point. I also plan to replace that soon, as I clean up the interior. My question is, is there anything I am missing that the straps need to secure to? Or are there just clips of some sort for them under the carpeting? The photo below is not my car, just a photo I found that shows what I am talking about to use as a guide. Any advice or help is appreciated, thank you in advance.
My 88 GTA has T-Tops. There was no bag for the tops included with the car. I plan to get one by the spring. The strange thing is the carpet in my car has no cutouts for anything for the straps to secure to, so I'm assuming that a new carpet was put in at some point. I also plan to replace that soon, as I clean up the interior. My question is, is there anything I am missing that the straps need to secure to? Or are there just clips of some sort for them under the carpeting? The photo below is not my car, just a photo I found that shows what I am talking about to use as a guide. Any advice or help is appreciated, thank you in advance.
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: In the paint booth!
Posts: 2,656
Received 1,160 Likes
on
653 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro Drag Car
Engine: 383 on Ethanol
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Currie 9 inch
Re: T-Top question
There are 4 little metal hooks that screw down in the car that the t top bag straps latch on to. 2 go on the hatch floor, and 2 stick out of the rear cargo compartment plastic cover. I have all 4 of them, with the factory mounting screws if you want to buy them. I also have a t top bag. $75 for everything plus shipping.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: *member since 1999, I think - just can't remember my old name, and the big site crash...*
Posts: 1,199
Received 151 Likes
on
105 Posts
Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: T-Top question
My assumption is not that you have new carpet, but rather that you have aftermarket T tops in your 1988. Do you have pictures of your T tops? Or pictures of your car?
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,637
Received 751 Likes
on
577 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: T-Top question
Your back trim panel should have two slots in it for the rear hoops. Here, with the trim loose and leaning forward, you can see the silencing pad cut away around the slots on each side, and can just see the slots at the tops of those openings in the pad.
Here with that trim panel installed, you can see the black metal hoop on the passenger side sticking through that slot in the trim. The long straps from the bag extend across the cargo well, and hook into those hoops.
Here with that trim panel installed, you can see the black metal hoop on the passenger side sticking through that slot in the trim. The long straps from the bag extend across the cargo well, and hook into those hoops.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: CT
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Trans Am GTA
Transmission: Auto
Re: T-Top question
I don't have pics of the tops themselves but I can try to take some tomorrow. PIcs of the car itself, yes I have many. What specifically do you need to see?
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,637
Received 751 Likes
on
577 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: T-Top question
Oh good...the rear ones are there. So your trim and all is good. Just need the ones under the carpet.
#9
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,637
Received 751 Likes
on
577 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: T-Top question
No, it's an ancient ratcheting screwdriver. That big ball is the grip. The steel shaft comes out, and goes in the other end to reverse direction. The tip is changeable. This came from a Buffalo Tools sale (if any of you are old enough to remember them) and would qualify as a cheap, low grade tool. And I've had it since I was 16 or so (that's pushing 40 years), and it still works great. It's the best for leverage when you want to make sure NOT to strip the head off a Philips trim screw, especially rocker trim or step well trim. Cheap yes, but super effective, and I hope it lasts the rest of my lifetime.
#12
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: South Windsor, CT
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 212 Likes
on
178 Posts
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: ZZ6TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: T-Top question
You have the 2 metal loops in the rear panel, so it's more than likely a factory T-top car (unless someone added them, which is highly doubtful). You are missing the 2 additional loops just behind the rear seat backs. You can see where they should be from the photo you posted. There should be brackets with threaded holes underneath the carpet. You can probably feel them as bumps under the carpet, or just pull the carpet back to see if they are there. You will need to source those metal loops and the screws. I've seen them show up on Ebay, or one of the Thirdgen junkyards would have them.
#13
Member
Re: T-Top question
I got mine off of ebay for like $20 with all the hardware. The PO took them out to install a ridiculously large speaker box that has now been removed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post