Can I replace the T-Top glass?
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From: Kansas City, MO
Can I replace the T-Top glass? My dumb a$$ didn't lock the driver's side T-Top all the way, so the thing flew off while I was driving. 
So I've still got the T-top, it just doesn't have any glass because the stuff shattered everywhere. Question is: Do many glass stores do replacements for stuff like that? Or any specialty stores? Or finally, does anyone have a driver's side T-top for a 98+ Camaro/Firebird?
Help is much appreciated. Thanks.
So I've still got the T-top, it just doesn't have any glass because the stuff shattered everywhere. Question is: Do many glass stores do replacements for stuff like that? Or any specialty stores? Or finally, does anyone have a driver's side T-top for a 98+ Camaro/Firebird?
Help is much appreciated. Thanks.
I just did the same **** you did
I was thinking along the same lines about replacing just the glass but everywhere that I could think to try only sold the complete t-top. I didnt try the dealer but I'm sure they have a sky high price.
I endedup settling on 175 shipped for a used pass. t-top from an '01 WS6 from m1a2drvr on eBay. He had multiple t-tops and Ive got other parts from him on eBay so you night check him out. I got quotes from 424 from dealer, 300 from a glass co. and and 175 shipped on Ebay.
I got my t-top last week and the thing looks identical, actually a little better than my old one.
I was thinking along the same lines about replacing just the glass but everywhere that I could think to try only sold the complete t-top. I didnt try the dealer but I'm sure they have a sky high price.
I endedup settling on 175 shipped for a used pass. t-top from an '01 WS6 from m1a2drvr on eBay. He had multiple t-tops and Ive got other parts from him on eBay so you night check him out. I got quotes from 424 from dealer, 300 from a glass co. and and 175 shipped on Ebay.
I got my t-top last week and the thing looks identical, actually a little better than my old one.
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From: Finland
While your at it you could always try making "hard top" covers out of them, use maybe fiberglass and make them solid... If they came out good you could probally sell them on here. (I say both sides because I see alot of T-top sets on here for sale).
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From: Savannah, GA
Originally Posted by BrandonSS
how the hell do you guys do this? I have NEVER locked any of my t-tops. They stay latched and dont fly out... guess i should start locking them but how do they come unlatched??
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Originally Posted by ChevyChad
I think they mean "latch" by saying "lock"
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My g/f, at the time, didn't latch the passenger side on mine, needless to say. we got a divorce before we ever got married. I never lock mine, just make sure they latch nice. If anyone knows someone or does the "hard-top T-top", pm me or post it up, I'd be interested. I hate the T-Top, except when the girls wanna take it off and I say, "the car will take her tops off if you will too". Don't usally work but hey it's worth a shot.
BTW, I bought one at a local wrecking yard for $125, in OK shape.
BTW, I bought one at a local wrecking yard for $125, in OK shape.
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Originally Posted by 2000_LS1
My g/f, at the time, didn't latch the passenger side on mine, needless to say. we got a divorce before we ever got married....
I have the exact same story from my thirdgen days. Dropped her off, and I must have been driving for 10-15 miles and not even realized. Jumped on the highway, and as soon as I hit about 90 I heard this terrible *WOOOOOOOOOOSH*....... 
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LMAO, the EXACT same thing here...Dropped her off, she lived in the city, wasn't doing more than 30-40 MPH with her in there. On the way home I lived 50 miles away and was trying to "hurry up" on the freeway. I thought the wind noise was bad and at that time my power windows would go up for a few secs and then not work, you know how they do, so I figured I'd roll the window down and then back up...thinking the window was "stuck" and boy when I did. I was going about 80-90, it was raining, in the middle of Febuary, 3am in the morning, 34* that morning. I WAS CUSSING HER ALL THE WAY HOME, and when I got home...I called her and told her to eat **** and bark at the moon...stupid BIOTCH...that's what she gets for messing with my "other girlfriend"
Originally Posted by BrandonSS
how the hell do you guys do this? I have NEVER locked any of my t-tops. They stay latched and dont fly out... guess i should start locking them but how do they come unlatched??
There is a metal rod that slides when the latch is closed. The rod goes into a hole in that back panel of the car. The material surrounding that hole is not metal.
So if you miss that hole, one "forces" that rod into the plastic but not all the way. Unless the rod is in that VERY secure hole, the top is gonna come off.
I've traveled at speeds above 190 mph with the tops latched but unlocked; no problems.
Bottom line . . . make sure you find the hole
Originally Posted by 2000_LS1
We all have a problem finding that damned hole I guess...oh wait, you meant on the t-tops??? Well...n/m then...I was gonna...I can't share...she would get mad if I...awe the hell with it.
I forgot to latch my driver's side top down once. I drove 20 miles and never realized it wasn't latched until I rolled my window down doing 80mph. I grabbed up and actually touched the handle, but it flew just beyond my reach. Luckily this road is about 1 mile from my house, and I didn't hear the thing shatter. I looked for it that night but couldn't find it. I went out the next morning and found it still in one piece next to a fence in the ditch. I got real lucky on that one. I had to clean all this white paint off of the trim because it hit the white picket fence. Now there's a small scuff on it that reminds me of my stupidity every time I get in the car.
In the parts for sale forum, there is a person selling a set of t tops from a 2000 TA for 150 + shipping IIRC
Here is the Thread, its a great deal. I thought about jumping on it myself, but I still have my T Tops and should save my money
Here is the Thread, its a great deal. I thought about jumping on it myself, but I still have my T Tops and should save my money
I was an insurance adjuster for a couple of years and replaced several sets of T-top glass on TA's, Camaros, and a few other cars. Hail storms, vandalism, etc. The glass can be bought individually, just as a sunroof or some other glass on top of the car can. I'd take everyone else's advice about buying used though. Seems to be the cheaper route anyway.