T-tops

[DissT]

Will adding T-tops to a hardtop 87 GN now reduce the price if it wasn't optioned from the factory for it? I know there is some with factory installed that where not produced that way.

I have been searching high and low for the perfect car but there is always something not right in what I am looking for. Obviously finding T-tops from a 86-87 GN will be tough so using some aftermarket brand hurt the resale? Not that I will ever sell the car I buy, well I don't plan to.

Thanks

 

[kh440]

I'd keep searching. I don't trust major structual modifications such as that when done after the fact. Not to mention what do you do when the seals start leaking, or even if one of the panels cracks.

 

[DissT]

I'd keep searching. I don't trust major structual modifications such as that when done after the fact. Not to mention what do you do when the seals start leaking, or even if one of the panels cracks.

Well the factory ones "leak" also but I really want T-tops. Where the factory T-top roofs modified or cut out? or where they designed that way and fitted to the car off the line?

 

[kh440]

True, but replacement weatherstripping is readily available for the OE tops. From what I remember, they were cut in at the body plant (before heading onto the assembly line)

 

[strikeeagle]

The factory t-tops are NOT conversions of hard roof cars. No one would make such a conversion, then or now, as a practical matter.

The good news is that there are scads of t-top GNs - the factory made them in great numbers as it was a profitable option, because they perceive enthusiasts prefer open air motoring, and perhaps because they were trying to use up inventory as production of the G body wound down, so finding one shouldn't be too difficult.

strike

 

[DissT]

The factory t-tops are NOT conversions of hard roof cars. No one would make such a conversion, then or now, as a practical matter.

The good news is that there are scads of t-top GNs - the factory made them in great numbers as it was a profitable option, because they perceive enthusiasts prefer open air motoring, and perhaps because they were trying to use up inventory as production of the G body wound down, so finding one shouldn't be too difficult.

strike

Finding one is not a problem. Finding one that people don't want 20k plus for is another issue. Even 75k mile plus cars I have seen are 15k+ minus the one at Kirban which has like 50k. Also those are northern cars that are not taken care off properly especially with the inherent problems with the t-tops leaking from what I have seen.

There is one local with like 20k miles but ofcourse the asking price is for a mint car but unfortunatly this one has cracked bumper fillers and the usual frame rust associated with being in high heat and humidty. Just because it is garaged in anywhere except arizona or cali dosen't mean the elements can't eat at it.

Guess I will just keep looking but I refuse to pay over 17k for a car that everyone markets as rare, which it is not.

 

[strikeeagle]

Just out of curiosity, have you driven both a t-top and a hard roof TR?

strike

 

[DissT]

Just out of curiosity, have you driven both a t-top and a hard roof TR?

strike

Yea been awhile since I drove a hardtop till 2 weeks ago. I actually didn't drive it but rode in the backseat for a test drive. I have a motorcycle atm which is really nice to ride one, open air blah blah blah. I understand being surronded by a cage isn't exactly the same thing but it helps

From what I understand the main attraction to hardtops is extra rigidty from the car where as the t-top makes a weaker frame for launches etc. Not going to be drag racing anytime in the near future(never) Just going for a weekend cruiser with the family and the occasional car show.

 

[strikeeagle]

T-tops are viewed by some as undesirable. Thus, the selling price of a t-top GN -MAY- be less than that of an equivalent hard roof GN.

You should be able to find either for about $15K in good condition with reasonable miles, without too much legwork. $20K seems to be reserved for very low miles examples, essentially stock or with very few mods. These are generalities, of course.

strike

 

[onefastcar]

Hate to burst strikes bubble but these are cut cars had a body man check mine cause i saw the roof welded in and he said that is factory also said that these are done better than the mustang ttops cause they cut out and didn't put supports, anyhow what would really cost some major dinero would be to set up mach. to fab some 20g or more ttop regal cars for a set prod run over 2 to 3 yrs its toolin and design that costs the money easy to cut cars if ya know what your doin gm been doin it a long time check out monster garage that chopped and sectioned a car in a week my bad 5 days i believe thier avg. age appeared to be over 50, thats pretty amazin.

 

[turbo2nr]

There are T-tops all the time on Ebay, along with the center support, gaskets, etc.

I have heard that some T-top cars were done at the dealership! Not at the Factory. So i guess that would be a cut, for sure.

I love my T-top car, I would never accept a hard top. Nothing like cruising with the tops off. Just like a convertable. I've owned 2 GN T-tops. I do not see it affecting the value at all, whoever said that is wrong.

 

[onefastcar]

I'm right with ya ttops are great and i think it would enhance the value, just remember something is only worth what people will pay for it and right now these cars have no problem sellin. :biggrin:

 

[Garycar]

I ordered my 86 GN with T Tops and love driving the car in good weather with them off. However, with the panels in place there is still a feeling of openness as some light is able to filter in. In the early days we made countless runs in the 13's, 12's and 11's without adding any sort of reinforcement bars and fortunately there are no cracks along the side of the roof panels. Once the car got into the very low 11's and into the 10's I added the front supports from the engine cross member forward and reinforcement bars behind the rear seat. I also added a 6 point roll bar that significantly firmed up the body. Weather permitting I drive the car for several hours each weekend to and from car shows and to the track. Its especially enjoyable with the tops off.

 

[DissT]

So from what I gathered it is not going to affect the car if I have t-tops installed on a hard top if I buy one. I guess main concern is the roof still being rigid without needing extra bracing etc.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Renthorin]

My understanding is the cars were sent to Cars and Concepts in Brighton MI to have the roof cut for T-tops. Same with the Cutlass and Monte.

I drive a T-top Gn and love it. A solid roof G-body is just too big and dark inside with those tiny rear side windows, not that I sit in the back....

My car was in a serious downpour (flood warning for VA at the time) and there was 6 inches of water in the lot when I went out the next morning.....bone dry inside

Do not take a solid roof TR to somebody to cut up....get a T-top that is already a T-top. I saw a TR that had aftermarket t-tops installed and it looked like a$$.

 

[strikeeagle]

Well, if anyone has any specific information on how hard roof TRs were converted to T-tops I'd be grateful to learn it.

strike

 

[Renthorin]

alas, all I have is a fading memory :-(

I did a google search on Cars and Concepts and came up with a lot of hits where they did the roofs on mustangs, camaros, other convertibles....etc...but no mention of regals.

C&C also holds/held the patent on several roof and door designs for cars.

There is a sunroof company (can't recall the name at the moment) that works on t-tops and mentions C&C so I e-mailed them to ask if they have an answer.

 

[Drew L]

I've owned hard top and t-top cars and if I had to do it over again I'd wish I had a hard top car. Mine don't leak but they sure do rattle and I have 28K miles. I like the light that comes in the trade off is not worth it to me

my .02

 

[Gary Wells]

Will adding T-tops to a hardtop 87 GN now reduce the price if it wasn't optioned from the factory for it? I know there is some with factory installed that where not produced that way.
I have been searching high and low for the perfect car but there is always something not right in what I am looking for. Obviously finding T-tops from a 86-87 GN will be tough so using some aftermarket brand hurt the resale? Not that I will ever sell the car I buy, well I don't plan to.
Thanks

-------------------------------------
I don't want to be rude, crude, and socially unacceptable, but surely you jest, sir.

 

[conn84gn]

Why not put in a large removable sunroof instead
I would think it would be easier and more cost effective and you still get the open air feeling