Hello all,
First of all, I was wondering who has C&C tops AND the deluxe overhead console in their third gen? Second, if you do have both, did C&C do the install or did you do it? Third, if you meet the criteria in the last 2 questions, what did you do about your swivel map light?
I just installed a t-top console, it fits really well but it will not fit with the socket for the map light installed If you can take a picture of the front area with the console removed I would appreciate it, I was thinking about drilling a 1" hole so the socket would fit
Thanks.

 

You need an overhead console from a non t-top car. They are slightly different.

My old IROC had the overhead console installed from the factory, and the C&C tops were installed aftermarket locally back when the car was new.

 

OK, I know there are differences in the consoles, so this leads to another question. Is the hard top console deeper than the t-top console, I don't think so. Look at the pic below, you will see the cutout area on a factory t-top car, the C&C T-Top cars do not have this area cut out hence the socket will not allow the console to sit flush. The t-top console I installed fits like a glove with the exception stated above.

 

Here's a pic of the differences, to include the reinforcement piece used in a coupe (given the difference in curvature, I'd find it hard to believe that the t-top version would fit a coupe like a glove):

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...types-side.jpg

JamesC

 

Guys, my issue IS NOT with the type of console I am installing, please reread my original post and reply if you have either installed a console in a C&C car or have one

 

I have to disagree. Mine had the C&C tops with the original hardtop overhead console installed by whoever installed the tops. If you look at the pic that JamesC posted, take notice where the socket is in relation to the hight of the mounting legs. The socket on the hardtop console will not have a clearance issue.
Now, as to why a hardtop console doesn't match up to the contours of your headliner is beyond me.

 

OK, here is the situation:
GM made two over head consoles, hard top and t-top which are obviously for their respective models. Now GM made a hard top car which was converted by C&C to a t-top car which would essentially make it a t-top car. Regardless of which console you believe should be installed, the car is infact a t-top car. The roof was removed along with the curvature and this makes the center bar flat, just like a factory t-top car. I already installed a t-top console with no issues, I will post pics tomorrow. If you notice the picture I posted, the bar has a hole cut out to accommodate the socket for the map swivel light. The C&C installed bar does not have that hole; I should have just drilled a hole instead of opening up this can of worms. All I wanted to see was perhaps a picture or get some feedback from someone who had actually done the install before.

 

Interesting thread. I thought I'd dump some more worms on it . The following link, which you're a part of, twice mentions the use of the hardtop console as well as other hardtop interior pieces in the conversion:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...ion-c-c-t.html

I wonder if there was more than one conversion process? Let us know what you ultimately discover.

JamesC

 

I am really curious and would like to see some pictures, I did a through search and came up with vey little. I am sure the easiest thing for C&C to do was reuse the headliner instead of having to fabricate and have one produced. That's what got me thinking, I was looking at the roof after I recovered my headliner and thought it looked rather flat, there is actually a great amount of curvature on the hardtop console. Who knows, I could be totally wrong in thinking the hardtop console won't fit but I don't have one to compare Maybe someone who has C&C tops also has both consoles and could take a picture of both consoles just by holding them up in the car

 

This isn't a conversion, but it is a hardtop and "may" provide a bit of insight:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...es-overhed.jpg

At any rate, good luck with your search. For personal interest, I'd very much like to know the outcome.

JamesC

 

Thanks for the help James; you see where the console starts to curve right behind the pocket, on the C&C cars that area is still flat. If there is any slope left after the conversion is doesn't start until you get past the map light, I am thinking neither console will fit "perfectly" because there isn't a console designed for the conversion? Pics will help out tremendously

 

OK, here is the T-TOP console I installed yesterday, now look closely and tell me how a hard top console would fit for those of you who insist I need a hard top console I could always just drill my hole for the map light socket and be done with it, but it would be very interesting to see what C&C did.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

 

In that picture, the console is being flexed so it will fit correctly. On a t-top car, they are perfectly flat when installed. Looks to me like a hardtop console will fit just fine (well, maybe not fine, but just like an original C&C/console). Or you can just drill a hole and hope that the plastic doesn't crack from the stress.

 

Good points you have, there is very little stress on the console and I am very confident it will not crack. What we have here is something between a hard top and a t-top car. I suppose both consoles would work but neither are going to be an exact fit, now I am curious so I guess I am going to have to buy a hard top console (or find one in the JY and do a comparison.)

 

My GTA has the C&C tops, and a hardtop console, it's not that they took the curve out because you still use hardtop sunvisors, I tried to put a t-top console and it looked wrong, but the hardtop fits like it should.

 

Just the man I am looking for, please take a pic so I can compare

 

i have the deluxe overhead console but how do i know if i have c&c tops?

 

Hi,Was it hard to install? I have a 91GTA with C&C tops that I have a overhead console out of a 87TA w/tops that I want to install. Also where did you get the cloth for the headliner? Thanks for your help.
Shannon

 

Hello Shannon, it was PITA to install, I knew I should have written it up and taken pictures as I went. I started out using the tech article found on the home page:
https://www.thirdgen.org/step-by-ste...e-installation

I made two templates, one to cut the headliner, and another to make the holes for the studs, our cars do not have the holes pre drilled for the support studs. When I used the templates, I made small holes where the dome light screws attach to the car, I slid the template under the headliner and screwed the template into the holes.(you might not be able to because your headliner should be wrapped around the metal bar) After I marked the 4 spots for the studs I used a self tapping screw to make the holes, backed it out and installed the studs. I had to splice wires, use longer screws for the front mounts, adjust the headliner etc Make a note here, the two studs nearest to the rear are so close to a channel you only get one shot at either drilling them or self tapping them, take it slow. let me know if you have any other questions.
----------
I bought it at Joannes fabric store, here are a few pics.


https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...ew-visors.html

 

This is TGO, someone here has to have C&C tops, an overhead console, and pics

 

Please if you can, Pics

 

 

Iron Duke I apologize for this sidetrack of your thread.The pictures above of the t-top inner roof panel with cutout for the maplight as you point out had me thinking about my '83 Z28.She has the cutout for the maplight and the harness for the upper console(2 of the mounting studs but no console when I got her).She is a late '83 build(June-3rd week)and I've wondered if Chevy released the options(DK7 - roof console)prior to the end of '83 production.

 

I parted a 86 T/A with C&C T-tops, and knew a guy with a 85 T/A with C&C T-tops. Both cars had the standard hardtop overhead console. Hope it helps.

 

i knew a 87 firebird with C+C T-tops
No overhead console
it was bought in Canada

 

Well I guess I need to find a hard top console just to check the fitment, I wish I hadn't thrown away those 3 bare bone skeletons

 

BUMP

 

OOps