So, since my T-Tops were vandalized when the car got stolen, I've been playing around with them, and am to the point where they're gonna get a full restoration. I have two of the panels in mint, two handles, the outer screws, yadda yadda yadda. Gonna be great. I just need to know what to do about the hard (plastic) frame on the outside. They're all patchy from the sun like most are, and I was wondering what the "factory" finish was, or if I should just have that part painted the same color black I'm gonna have the louvers/headlight pockets/etc done in.

Thanks for the help!

 

I found that SEM and Duplicolor have trim paints that are almost perfect. I lightly sanded my rear window louvers and repainted them with the Duplicolor trim paint and it has the correct sheen to it. The match was not perfect to the ABS side portions of the louvers, but it was close. Plus the ABS side pieces have no treatment to them and are slightly dull right now. I heard the SEM is a better match. Sand off any rough areas, and put 3 or 4 light coats of trim paint and it'll look as good as new.

 

Awesome. Thanks Scott.


Edit: Seems that SEM makes Trim Gloss Black, Charcoal Metallic, Black, and Trim Clear. Looks like my local Sherwin Williams carries their products, so I might just check them all out.

 

I have used the SEM stuff before, I like it. Although I must admit over the past several years they are cheepening up their products.

Actually I ahve had luck with using JUST the SEM trim black paint over bare metal, it sticks well enough, BUT keep in mind my car does not see rain, or snow unless I am in an unforseeable circumstance (like going to a car show across state lines.

ONe thing to consider is that the weatherstrip pieces for mid 1991 & up are different than the 1982-mid1991 pieces. If you bought new they would not be the same as what you have unless you have purchased the retrofit kit (which I think is embarking in the $300 range any more.) THe gaskets are slightly different (and better) than the previous type, really nice if you have leaking issues.

Good luck.

John

 

So you're saying the mid-91 and later seals are better than the other more expensive ones, and they'd fit on? Awesome. Would these be on Hawk's, or would GM still have them available?

 

WEll actually they are the more expensive ones... Gm sells a conversion kit for around $400... I bought mine for $175 10 years ago. If you look at GMpartsdirect you can still get the individual seal pieces for the mid 1991 & 1992 cars, they have the same part numbers as the pieces I have from my kit has on them.

Although expensive, if your doing a paint job or redoing your interior its worth the money especially to save the work you have done on other things.

The OER stuff is ok, pretty good at best, the original GM stuff is Awesome, much better fit & finish. I have seen some pretty decent OER stuff but its not as nice in some cases.

John

 

Make sure to check the fit of the seals as soon as you can. I purchased a new set from GM some years ago and one of the sides (I forget which) was way too short from the center bar to the A-pillar. The replacement I got was fine.

 

okfoz, is this what you were talking about for a retrofit kit, or is this just the old style stripping? I figure I might as well go all out and get the newer stuff and the retrofit kit, especially if it works better. If you have any parts numbers, I'd gladly take them.

GM PART # 10164133
CATEGORY: Lift off roof window-WE DO NOT SHIP GLASS if part is not glass email us the number to fix
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $518.86
OUR PRICE: $318.38



DESCRIPTION: Weatherstrip kit for 82-91 f-body w/t-tops NEW T-TOP WEATHERSTRIPS WITH DRAIN PROVISIONS AT BUTT JOINT #91-10-37 Subject: NEW T-TOP WEATHERSTRIPS WITH DRAIN PROVISIONS AT BUTT JOINTS (NEW SERVICE KIT AVAILABLE) Models Affected: 1 982-91 FIREBIRD MODELS WITH (CC1 OPTION) There is a new service kit available for past models, (1982-1991), with CC1 option (Weatherstrips, "Awnings" and Retainers). 1991 Firebird vehicles built after VIN breakpoint ML245243 will use new T-Top roof opening and panel weatherstrips. These new weatherstrips have a drain system added to the butt joint contact areas on the opening portion of the weatherstrip, and use a new butt joint angle at the contact areas, see Figure 1. The new panel weatherstrip also mounts in a new retainer. The new retainer is slightly longer than previous styles and has slots in the outboard surfaces to better retain the tabs on the outer ends of the weatherstrip. Due to the change in butt joint angles, these new components MUST NOT BE INTERMIXED WITH PREVIOUS MODEL MATERIALS: OPENING WEATHERSTRIPS - 10165494 - 5 (RIGHT AND LEFT) PANEL WEATHERSTRIPS - 10165496 - (COMMON TO RIGHT OR LEFT) WEATHERSTRIP RETAINERS - 10198230 - 1 (RIGHT AND LEFT) This new weatherstrip is retained to the roof with new type locating brackets at the butt joints on the roof opening. Figure 2 will provide some basic dimensions for bracket location. Parts are expected to be available on September 2, 1991. Until then normal part orders will not be accepted by GMSPO. Only verifiable emergency VIP orders will be accepted. SPO will make every effort to obtain parts. All parts will be placed on 400 control to waive VIP surcharges. However, the part will be shipped premium transportation at dealer's expense. All other order types will be cancelled as incorrectly ordered while the 400 control is in place. While it is possible to use the new weatherstrips and retainers to replace past model materials, it is NOT necessary to use the latest mounting brackets if repairing earlier models with this latest material. 1. Keep in mind that the opening and panel weatherstrips must be used AS A SET due to changes in butt joint angles. 2. The upper ends of the garnish moldings will need some material removed to clear the new butt joint shapes. In addition to the above information, a new service kit is available from GMSPO, P/N 10164133 and contains the following: Right and left roof opening weatherstrips Right and left panel weatherstrips Right and left panel weatherstrip retainers Right and left sealing strips (awnings) Instruction sheets Labor Information: For individual components, use published allowances. For Kit Install * Use T 1754 Allowance: 4.7 Hours * Vehicles In Warranty Note: Additional material allowance of $15.00 for adhesives, sealers, cleaners, etc. should be entered in net amount column when installing kit. Figure 1 Figure 2 General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

 

I stopped by my local dealer Saturday and got pricing for GM TTop weatherstripping at $129 per side. I think I'll stick with GM

 

That's the GM Kit off of GM parts direct. I was just wondering if that was the "retrofit kit" that he was talking about. I took apart a T-Top that I had laying around, and restoring them is looking easier and easier. The three pieces of weatherstripping, a little cleaning, and a little paint, and they'll look better than brand new.

 

Keep in mind that you cant just replace one section of the kit and have it work as advertised. The entire system is completely different and the seal on the 82-91 tops will not work as well as the 91 - 92 seals.

IF you buy everything for JUST the drivers side, then yes it will work, but if you buy just the piece that bonds to the car and use your old tops or vise verse then no it probably will leak like a Son of a Gun.

John

 

Oh, I know what you mean. I read the little bit afterwards, and saw that the door and all three pieces of T-Top stripping need to be replaced.

They used a screwdriver to break into my car, and destroyed the T-Top stripping AND the door stripping, so both of those on the driver side need to go, and then they popped the handle off of the passenger T-Top, so I need to replace all of the weatherstrip on it to change the hold-down pin assembly because they broke the gear off of the end. The only piece I'd be changing that doesn't need it is the passenger door.

But that is the kit, right?

 

any updates?