I have heard that there were changes to the convertible top in 1988 but have not been able to determine what they were. The pivot section of my 88 IROC is broken (https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...rt-family.html) and I have located a 91 RS from which I may be able to obtain a replacement for the broken part. If you know what the differences in the top are or whether that pivot mounting piece will work for me, please let me know.

 

I'm not sure what all could have changed between those 2 frames, but at some point in the convertible run, I have heard that ASC started putting this little rod on the frame piece that goes above the windows to help the top pull back so it folds into it's storage hole. If that isn't there, then when you try to lower the top, it will get hung up on the top of the rear seat. Other than that, I'm not sure of any pther changes.

 

I have an 88 camaro and would like to know too! There is a 91 frame locally for $250. Would hate to buy it if it doesn't work. Does anyone know FOR SURE if they are interchangeable?

 

I dont know whats different about them , but when I went to buy a new top, there were different widths for the material. the top that was on my car was a replacement and it was to big and the door glass hit it everytime you would close the door. I bought one that was narrower and it fits perfect. the catalog that the tops were in at the shop didnt list by year but by size, different widths and lenghts.

 

I would not bet on this, but I always assumed that the mounting points were the same for both tops, If you swapped out a 91 frame and used 91 materials it should bolt up the same as an 88... I am not sure, I am guessing but it would only seem logical as they appear the same...

Of course appearances can be decieving.

John

 

Aren't the latches different?

 

Guess we'll know for sure by the end of the week. I'm going to go ahead and buy the 92 RS frame. It's suppose to be perfect and comes with the latches. For $250, I figure it's worth converting (if needed). The only problem I might have is the latch plate. Could someone post a pic of their 92 latch plate?

 

87,88 latches are the screw in style and 89to92 have the lever style.

 

I purchased my IROC new in June of 1988 and it has levers. I've heard the lever style changed at some point. Odd, I've had my vert for 20 years and have never been up close to any other; sad.

I expect my pivot section any day. I'll post if it's the same as my broken one.

At any rate, I've learned a lesson. Make sure all screws are in and tightened (found some missing when I took the frame off) and that the frame is properly aligned.

 

What do you mean Lever style vs Screw Style? My 89 I twist them 180° to release them. I remember my 1995 Formula Vert that there was a Toggle clamp that was really nice.

John

 

my 88 has pins(screws) that go into holes(top of the windshield) and they twist down with handles and lock.

 

I just bought a 92 RS top for my 88. The frame bolted up to the body like the original. The problem lies in the latch plates. I also bought the latch plates and garnished header panel from the same 92. The latch plates do not mount up the same. It's going to be very easy to do though. Was thinking about submitting a tech article on how to convert an 87-88 frame to the 88-92 latch style...

 

There was also a recall (campain # 90007) on the lever handle type latches. I found this out on my '89. Might apply to other model years. Apparently the screws used for the latches were not corrosion resistant enough and could pose a weakness and possibly failure over time. They replaced mine with stronger higher grade stainless screws. I had this done, but it was about 8 years ago . . .

 

Since I have a spare top for my '91 ragtop that came from an '88, I'm very interested in an article about how to do the conversion.

 

Here is what I can tell you. My friend and I (aka Tendog) purchased two new tops from ASC. His is Tan and mine is black....ASC had new-old stock on hand for the Tan top and had to send out to have the Black top made from the original templates.

The Tan top, which arrived first, had a mfg date of 1987 stamped on it. Tendog attempted to put it on his 1991 and the material that runs across the top and trailing edge of the passenger windows was about 1 inch too short all the way around. No level of pulling or stretching would resolve this problem, so he removed the top to send back to ASC.

A couple of weeks later the newly made black top arrived as promised from ASC. The back window was about 2 inches wider and it had a side hold-down strap on each side panel.

The black top is a perfect fit (made for a 91/92) and he Tan original new-old stock top, which was made for an late 80's TA/Camaro would not fit and in short was too small.

I suspect when GM made the 3rd Gen convertible an "Offical" GM option for 91 and 92 I suspect GM made some modifications made for safety, warrenty or legal considerations....making the top slightly larger from the earlier version......thats my guess anyway.

So...I think there are some differences....based on my recent expirence with two different tops, from two different timeframes, I believe the 91/92 tops have slightly larger frames and rear windows.

 

I posted my conclusions here:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...8-vs-91-a.html