Drag Racing Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ttop exploded on the track.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 09:13 PM
  #1  
2ktransam's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va
Default Ttop exploded on the track.

As the title says, I went to the track for the first time last night only to have my ttop explode at the 1000' mark. Anybody ever heard of that happening before. The ttop was latched and I have a 6 point bar so I have no clue how it came out. The ttop breaking didn't bother me too bad but it chewed up my hatch and spoiler. Anyway, my car seemed to be working well before I slammed on the brakes.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 09:27 PM
  #2  
DOUBT IT's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Central AL
Default

Originally Posted by 2ktransam
As the title says, I went to the track for the first time last night only to have my ttop explode at the 1000' mark. Anybody ever heard of that happening before. The ttop was latched and I have a 6 point bar so I have no clue how it came out. The ttop breaking didn't bother me too bad but it chewed up my hatch and spoiler. Anyway, my car seemed to be working well before I slammed on the brakes.
I had the exact same thing happen to me, except it was both t-tops. Same deal, t-top was latched, launched the car hard, both tops went flying around the 1000' mark. Both were latched when I picked them up off the track.

Here's the link to my thread when it happened:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/drag-racing-results/588281-new-personal-best-but-cost-me-my-t-tops.html

There is a way to adjust how far the pins in the tops go into the bracket that holds them. You have to take the trim pieces loose front and back, then you can adjust. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to before I put sticky tires back on the car.

Just out of curiosity, what did you run?

On the night I lost mine, I ran my best run ever... without the tops in the car.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 10:18 PM
  #3  
kp's Avatar
kp
8 Second Club
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,852
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, TN
Default

Make sure the pins go throgh the brackets all the way, even if you have to adjust them out until the plastic rubs its a lot better then the tops flying off.

Knock on wood 145-150mph in the 1/4 for a couple years and they havent come off yet but I did adjust them when I first bought the car. I have seen a lot of them come off on the highway and track over the years.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 10:47 PM
  #4  
2ktransam's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va
Default

Originally Posted by DOUBT IT
I had the exact same thing happen to me, except it was both t-tops. Same deal, t-top was latched, launched the car hard, both tops went flying around the 1000' mark. Both were latched when I picked them up off the track.

Here's the link to my thread when it happened:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=588281

There is a way to adjust how far the pins in the tops go into the bracket that holds them. You have to take the trim pieces loose front and back, then you can adjust. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to before I put sticky tires back on the car.

Just out of curiosity, what did you run?

On the night I lost mine, I ran my best run ever... without the tops in the car.
I already picked up a new ttop today so I am deffinitely going adjust them tomorrow. My run was ok for my first attempt but I only launched at 4k and it bogged then I hit the brakes when the top shattered. This was full weight (3725).

60' 1.799
330 4.983
1/8 7.614
mph 95.08
1000 9.894
1/4 11.96
mph 101.25
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 01:20 AM
  #5  
studderin's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,556
Likes: 6
From: Rochester, NY
Default

that sucks, I need to adjust mine asap
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 01:58 AM
  #6  
Gimp98TNT's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Bedford ,Ohio
Default

Damn man that sucks, I'm going to have to check mine. I bet mine are OK because they rub the plastic when i put them on.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 03:46 AM
  #7  
GEARHED's Avatar
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 0
Default

Rubbing the plastic isn't a sure way to know they won't fly off, you need to get those pins extended as far as possible as mentioned. Probably the first thing addressed when I got the TA, flying TT's are a tad dangerous.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:21 AM
  #8  
tektrans's Avatar
9 Second Club
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,377
Likes: 0
Default

I'll be checking mine as well.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-6

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 07:39 AM
  #9  
Duffster's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (103)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 1
From: South of West Point Iowa
Default

makes me consider duct tape prior to running. . .
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:04 AM
  #10  
tee-boy's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 0
Default

Also, watch for the retards at the track that like to push the yellow button for the hatch or unlatch the ttops while your not looking. these are the same guys that throw trash in carbuerators.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:05 PM
  #11  
2ktransam's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va
Default

Originally Posted by DOUBT IT
I had the exact same thing happen to me, except it was both t-tops. Same deal, t-top was latched, launched the car hard, both tops went flying around the 1000' mark. Both were latched when I picked them up off the track.

Here's the link to my thread when it happened:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=588281

There is a way to adjust how far the pins in the tops go into the bracket that holds them. You have to take the trim pieces loose front and back, then you can adjust. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to before I put sticky tires back on the car.

Just out of curiosity, what did you run?

On the night I lost mine, I ran my best run ever... without the tops in the car.
I pulled the assembly apart but I don't see any way to adjust the pins. Has anyone done this before?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 02:42 PM
  #12  
James Montigny's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 0
Default

Wow, I've never had that happen on any of my cars.
I suppose there's always a first time ... I'll be keeping on eye on that for sure.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 03:54 PM
  #13  
kp's Avatar
kp
8 Second Club
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,852
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, TN
Default

Originally Posted by 2ktransam
I pulled the assembly apart but I don't see any way to adjust the pins. Has anyone done this before?
You cant adjust the pins on the top itself, on the car side with the holes you can move out further so the pins engage more.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:26 PM
  #14  
DOUBT IT's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Central AL
Default

Originally Posted by 2ktransam
I pulled the assembly apart but I don't see any way to adjust the pins. Has anyone done this before?
What kp said. You have to drop the "A" pillar trim piece, as well as the rear sail piece (beside the rear seat), to get to the adjustment bolts, I believe that they're either 10mm or 8mm, loosen them, push the brackets in as far as they will go, then tighten. Repeat on both sides.

I'll probably do this on Sunday, while I'm waiting for my trans fluid to drain all the way out. I'll make sure that I get pics and do a writeup.

Sorry for any confusion.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 07:00 PM
  #15  
ShevrolayZ28's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

Originally Posted by 2ktransam
As the title says, I went to the track for the first time last night only to have my ttop explode at the 1000' mark. Anybody ever heard of that happening before. The ttop was latched and I have a 6 point bar so I have no clue how it came out. The ttop breaking didn't bother me too bad but it chewed up my hatch and spoiler. Anyway, my car seemed to be working well before I slammed on the brakes.
Yeah, I saw the same thing happen, expect the thing went way up in the air and then landed softly next to the track in the grass and did not break. Gotta lock those things in there!
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:34 PM
  #16  
Ryan K's Avatar
Pathological Modifier
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,626
Likes: 1
Default

http://rkarasek.com/video/WAHUSKER%20OOPS.wmv

Friend of mine...
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:38 PM
  #17  
2ktransam's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va
Default

Originally Posted by DOUBT IT
What kp said. You have to drop the "A" pillar trim piece, as well as the rear sail piece (beside the rear seat), to get to the adjustment bolts, I believe that they're either 10mm or 8mm, loosen them, push the brackets in as far as they will go, then tighten. Repeat on both sides.

I'll probably do this on Sunday, while I'm waiting for my trans fluid to drain all the way out. I'll make sure that I get pics and do a writeup.

Sorry for any confusion.
I misunderstood. Sounds easy enough to take care of. This should be a sticky in the drag racing section so everybody makes this adjustment before they go to the track. Thanks
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:45 PM
  #18  
2ktransam's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va
Default

Originally Posted by Ryan K
Your friend got lucky. My top broke as it came out and now my wing and hatch looks like a dog chewed on it. I'm just glad that the glass didn't cut down a tire on my car or the car in the other lane.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:56 PM
  #19  
I-10 b4c runner's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Sw OF Houston
Default

I had a 1985 IROC Z we put a bunch of work unto and it tweaked the frame enough that the right top launched on a WOT run too ...
Just for Sh#tz and giggles I had my pervertable launch on hwy 59 here in Htown 1989 z-28 Blk Blk IROC convertable ... One of the first and GM did not have a lock on the top latch. I was rolling along about 80 hit a bump, right latch came loose and whooooop off went the top completely left the car ... GM bought the car back after six months waiting for the solution and the repairs. I was happy while it sat Ias GM allowed me to drive anything in demo service from Tex-Star Chevy
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 11:34 PM
  #20  
Photochop's Avatar
11 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (74)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,742
Likes: 4
From: In the garage
Default

That is pretty wild, I didn't even know you could adjust them...gotta love the hardtop
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:57 PM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE