I was always under the impression that the old style t-tops were replaced with the rod-type before the 85 model year. My 85 IROC and my friend's 85 Z28 both have the rod-type t-tops. A friend is parting out an 85 Trans Am, and it's got the t-tops with a molding all the way around the glass, and instead of the rods, it's got little hooks that swing out. It appears to be a completely stock setup (i.e. not a C&C conversion), but I've never seen an 85 like this. Anybody have info on it?

 

Jim, I was under the impression that the switch from the hook style to the pin style took place during the 83 model year. My 83 T/A had the hook style, while my 84 T/A had the pin style. (Both were stock CC1 cars). Both cars were built at Norwood.

I have heared of 83's with the pin style t-top. So I dont really know, id like to see if someone has an explanation!

 

I am pretty sure this is how it went:

1982-1992 Camaro/Firebird T-Top Identification Guide

1982-1983___________Factory Installed
LOF Gray 08 glass, plastic edge trim around 3 sides. Hook type latching system.

1984-Mid 1985____ Factory_ Installed
LOF Gray 08 glass, plastic edge trim around 3 sides.
_Pin type latching system.
Fisher*

Late 1985-1988____Factory_ Installed
LOF Gray 08 glass, exposed glass edge on 3 sides._ Same key that fits door will fit t-top locks.
Fisher*

1989-1992________ Factory Installed
LOF Gray 08 glass or LEXAMAR acrylic.
Same key that fits door will fit t-top locks.__

 

GM changed the ttop designs often enough that I don't even pretend to know the differences. In addition to the above listed variations, there are also the glass ttops with the 91.5-92 weatherstripping that were issued as warranty replacements for lexan, and there are two varieties of lexan, one with each weatherstripping style.

For those that don't know, GM changed the weatherstripping in the middle of the 91 production run. A ttop with the old style weatherstripping will not fit in a car with the new style. Incidently the new style weatherstripping seals much better then the earlier style.

 

How do I know which to buy when I replace the t-top weatherstrippping on my 91?

 

The current GM weatherstripping kits (or at least the ones that were recently discontinued) were/are the latest style used. They supercede all earlier weatherstripping.

 

Question answered. I popped the tops off on Friday and found that the chassis has the conventional 84+ latch receivers in the roof. Apparently some clown just put the old style t-tops on without changing over the rest of the hardware. No wonder the water poured in.

 

Some 83's had the pin type, with the plastic on 3 sides and the lock that used the same key as the door/rear hatch key. My son has one. It's a late 83, mar or apr (can't remember which) according to the door sticker.

 

my 89 has glass tops.

thanks
anthony