I've noted that some people are unaware of the differences between the two.

First, is the general shape. The coupe version is not only much more curved to fit the roofline but also has a reinforcement piece that slips under the headliner. Also, note that the area just in front of the dome light (the area that houses the flashlight) is wider.

 

A second difference is how the console mounts. In the pic, the t-top version is on top.

The mounting 'slots' are not only in different positions but also slide onto the mounting studs from an opposite direction.

 

Here's a better pic.

 

ive been wanting to get one of those for my t tops car.whats involved in installing one of those?what kid of hardware,if any is needed?and are they too hard to wire up?thanks!

 

Check the tech articles for installation, which is straightforward (In my 85 IROC, for example, the holes were pre-drilled for the mounting hardware. I have several consoles, complete and otherwise, that I'll list in the classifieds soon.

JamesC

 

So James, which one is which? Is the curved one for hard top or t-tops? I have 3 of em, and theyre all straight ones, and I havent tried to put it on my GTA yet.

 

The curved version fits the coupe/hardtop. I've read on this board that some guys have used the t-top version on a coupe, but given the differences, I would think that conversion would be very difficult.

JamesC

 

You should ask to add these pix and descriptions to the tech article.

Just an idea,
Steve

 

Please note that in the first pic, there are no sun glass pouches. This area would be an excellent for mounting switches and/or switch boxes of varying sorts. Blocking off the hole for the flash light would provide yet another option.

JamesC

 

i am looking for the light and the retaining ring that goes in the front of the counsle. anyone have one or know where to get one? thanks.

 

In answer to a couple of questions: The mounting hardware consists of four mounting studs, two screws (dome light), and one screw for ground. On the coupe version, the reinforcement piece goes in foam side up. The console can be mounted without removing the headliner. I made a simple cardboard cutout (put the console on the cardboard and draw around it, marking where all the holes should be), then used the two dome light screws as positioning guides. When you cut the headliner cloth, cut X's so that the material can be tucked under the headliner. Cut a little at a time and you can't really go wrong. Mine below.

JamesC

 

All of that posting and nobody mentioned the Pacman going on in the background?! :lala: Sorry dude, had to do it!

 

Hey, I would like to put one of those in my 89 RS. Would I have drill holes or are they already there for me, just have to get the console and cut the headliner? I got the domelight and thats it

 

USA-1, PacMan rules (and you know it!).

Disturb, my IROC had the holes pre-drilled, so it should be a simple matter of finding an appropriate console, cutting the headliner, splicing a bit of wiring, and mounting. I'm unsure that I read you right, but the stock dome light is removed and replaced with the overhead, which contains a dome light.

JamesC

 

Thanx for the info JamesC. How much would one of those cost new from a GM dealer? I'm not really fond of putting stuff out of junkyards in my car unless I'm POSITIVE that they are in excellent condition.

 

Disturb,

Unfortunately, the overheads have long been discontinued from GM.

JamesC

 

Its sooo easy! there are four little clips. and 2 screws that are in the Light cover... then the power clips right up... i could take mine down, run a mile, and have it back up in 6.5mins! theres nothing to it!

 

Since I've had some e-mails, I'll run this through a final time.

JamesC

 

Mounting hardware (the wiring can be seen above) and flash light.

JamesC

 

Ok, here are the pics one more time.

JamesC

 

does anyony have the map light and the ring? if so, please email me. thanks

 

JamesC,
Do you still have any for a non T-top car? I will be making a good amount of money this summer (bout $3500 ) and would like to buy one from you if you have one in good condition, black, and would like to have the camaro flashlight if possible in it. thanx for any info.

 

LilJayV10,

Check my ad in the classifieds for the map light.

Disturb,

I don't currently have a coupe version. I'll let you know if something should turn up.

JamesC

 

tt for the sake of those who have questions.

JamesC

 

Whoa, old thread. Does any one know where I can find these mounting bolts? The 4 silver ones that are used to hold the biggest part of the console in place?!?!? I bought a console, but it did not come with the hardware and I am now out of luck.Thanks fellas

Will

 

anyone in canada want to trade a hardtop console for a t-top console(my hardtop console, looking for a t-top console) it doesnt have the camaro flashlight, but u may keep yours if u have one...PM me if intersted

 

Good info...

 

Pac Man rocks!:rockon:

 

Very informative (and old) post! I'd love to get my hands on one of these, but they seem to be hard to find!

 

James C

This puzzles me. I am almost 100% positive that GM manufactured all camaros as hardtop. Then the ones that were going to be a t top were cut out and a t top kit was put in. For convertables they just chopped the whole top off. So if all camaros were hartop in the begining why would there be two different roof consoles? Is it a difference in what year it was made or is it a Norwood Ohio plant vs. a Van Nuys California plant difference? Please give me some feed back on what you think about this.

Speedmachine

 

Not sure why they did it, but GM wouldn't have tooled up two different consoles if it wasn't necessary.
I just scored another overhead console yesterday (for a hardtop)...missing the lamp and the flashlight, and the lens was brittle, but otherwise perfect. I think we're up to about 10-12 of them now! I always grab them, complete or not. Gotta love Pull-A-Part! Got a 5 speed shift plate from a bird and a Wonderbar in the same trip!

 

The shapes of the overhead consoles reflect the rooflines: the curve of the hardtop and the more straight line of the T-top. GM produced both types of cars (the T-top is not a bastard child of the hardtop--nor is the vert, which I believe is structurally somewhat different than the hardtop/T-top cars).

By the way, this link is also on the FAQs page.

JamesC

 

I have a question for you. I have the overhead console in my 86 T/A. I currently have NO headliner, just metal.The console is up there, but no headliner. what is needed to install this console on a new headliner???

 

Cut some holes.

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...dconsole.shtml

JamesC

 

dont have pics right now. I got another one from an autowrecker because I was missing the tally dials. Ill have to go find it and look at it but i think thats it. Ther may be a small rip in the baggy too, im unsure. one thing i know is that it is missing the flashlight. In fact so is the newer one I got. IF anyone can dig me up a flashlight id glady trade the console for the flashlight. The console I have is not cracked or anything....looks decent....but is missing some components. post pics once i know theres interest....

 

does anyone have pictures of where to drill the holes for the screws to mount it for a t-top car btw. i just got one last night and i cant seem to figure out where/how to mount it.

 

I suspect the holes have been pre-drilled.

JamesC

 

i got it in there i looked at it late last night and it was kinda dark i found the holes today when i looked at it. i had to drill the holes out to make them bigger though

 

does the wire by the rearview mirror power the overhead console? 88gta

 

Yes. The wires are probably white and orange.

JamesC