T-tops

**blkSS98** · 09-07-2008, 11:18 AM

I hope this is the right forum to put this in.

I probably sound like a dumbass but...
Are our cars stronger w/ the t-tops in? Somebody tried to tell me that there was less likely of a chance for our cars to flex w/ the t-tops in then out. It doesn't make sense to me because they are only engaged w/ 4 little hollow pins so...

**tonyjnjz** · 09-07-2008, 11:37 AM

i would guess stronger IN but who really gives a fuck..lol

**blkSS98** · 09-07-2008, 11:45 AM

I mean I don't want to be driving around w/ my t-tops off and somebody wants to race then end up with them leaking again after I just got them fixed.

**hamburger68** · 09-07-2008, 02:32 PM

i really don't think you should worry about that. i floor it all the time, tops in or out, and i don't notice any change in their fit. as you initially said, just four little pins...

**jray0305usa** · 09-07-2008, 04:38 PM

ive heard of stories about the old tune port 350s leaking because of the torque twisting and also crackin the windsheild... ive never seen it for myself and im not sure on the 4th gens... i run mine all the time with the tops off no leaks... if your worried sfc would stiff it up...

**blkSS98** · 09-08-2008, 09:18 AM

Thank you, I already got KB weld in double diamond SFC's. I got another stress dimple after I got them installed and haven't gotten any more since. Also, my t-tops used to leak air and my buddy fixed them and they don't leak anymore.

**1MileCrash** · 09-08-2008, 10:09 AM

my t-tops dribble on me in the rain

**ntimid8r7** · 09-08-2008, 01:46 PM

unless you are putting down a ton of wheel pulling torque I dont think you have anything to worry about. As far as structural benefits who knows. It is glass so if it was flexing that bad it would either pop them out or break them.

**00z28bubba** · 09-15-2008, 07:53 PM

the hard top and t-top cars aren't really different frame and chassis wise. they both have the t-bar roof, the only difference is the hard tops have the metal filling where the t-tops are located

**hamburger68** · 09-16-2008, 01:07 AM

the only really annoying thing is that the windows lift off the seal at high speeds, around 120 mph. gets really loud.

**silplu83** · 09-17-2008, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by jray0305usa

ive heard of stories about the old tune port 350s leaking because of the torque twisting and also crackin the windsheild... ive never seen it for myself and im not sure on the 4th gens... i run mine all the time with the tops off no leaks... if your worried sfc would stiff it up...

This is definately made up.

**Sarge91** · 09-17-2008, 05:46 PM

I dog it with them in and out, its just more fun with them out..

**blkSS98** · 09-18-2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by 00z28bubba

the hard top and t-top cars aren't really different frame and chassis wise. they both have the t-bar roof, the only difference is the hard tops have the metal filling where the t-tops are located

Yeah, but the hard tops have better side rails to above the windows, right?

**LT1 Hawk** · 09-18-2008, 11:04 AM

I know the car is a little heavier ttops vs hard top. I am not sure about performance/flexing issues though. What I would do though to keep them from leaking is just to treat the rubber with the aerospace protectant shit. You put in on there every couple of months. I have a 95 with the orginal everything as far as that stuff goes, and mine STILL DON'T leak in the rain.

**blkSS98** · 09-19-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by LT1 Hawk

I know the car is a little heavier ttops vs hard top. I am not sure about performance/flexing issues though. What I would do though to keep them from leaking is just to treat the rubber with the aerospace protectant shit. You put in on there every couple of months. I have a 95 with the orginal everything as far as that stuff goes, and mine STILL DON'T leak in the rain.

Does your car have stress dimples? Are you in the marines? I saw your avatar. I'm in the navy.

**LT1 Hawk** · 09-20-2008, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by blkSS98

Does your car have stress dimples? Are you in the marines? I saw your avatar. I'm in the navy.

No stress dimples, but my car is mostly stock, till I get home and use this deployment money.
Yes, I am a Marine at camp pendleton.

**00z28bubba** · 09-24-2008, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by blkSS98

Yeah, but the hard tops have better side rails to above the windows, right?

maybe, i never seen one w/o the interior on the roof so there is a chance.

**00z28bubba** · 09-24-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by LT1 Hawk

I know the car is a little heavier ttops vs hard top. I am not sure about performance/flexing issues though. What I would do though to keep them from leaking is just to treat the rubber with the aerospace protectant shit. You put in on there every couple of months. I have a 95 with the orginal everything as far as that stuff goes, and mine STILL DON'T leak in the rain.

i still dont believe the heavier part but then again i would like a time machine to go back steal a hard top, t-top, and vert to weigh them lol. i dont believe the weight thing because my car weighed 3350 when i dynoed it in january and i have no knowledge of any weight reduction. 3350 empty that is. with me add 200 lbs.

**hamburger68** · 09-25-2008, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by 00z28bubba

i still dont believe the heavier part but then again i would like a time machine to go back steal a hard top, t-top, and vert to weigh them lol. i dont believe the weight thing because my car weighed 3350 when i dynoed it in january and i have no knowledge of any weight reduction. 3350 empty that is. with me add 200 lbs.

the advertising brochure for the 98 model says 3437 for the z28 coupe/targa and 3571 for the vert. the difference between the hardtop and the t-top shouldn't be more than a few pounds, since they are structurally the same. and when i take out my tops, they don't feel overly heavy.

**davebowtie** · 09-25-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by blkSS98
Yeah, but the hard tops have better side rails to above the windows, right?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 00z28bubba
maybe, i never seen one w/o the interior on the roof so there is a chance.

I've seen a hardtop w/o interior, It looks like a couple of stamped steel pieces connecting the a-pillar to the c-pillar, not too elaborate or heavy i would guess.