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History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Hey, I have this pair of t-tops I got when I obtained a batch of parts. The guy I got them from didn't know much about them so I am hoping you experts can help ID them. They are not in great shape but could be savable. What I can tell you beyond the pics is that they do NOT fit my '87 with CC1 tops as they are just a bit too large. I am guessing they are an early 3rd gen set but not sure. Any help appreciated.
This is on the inside of the T top bag. I don't know for sure if this is the original bag. Does this likely mean it's from an '83?
Based on an 84 I am working on these are 84 and up. They have the pin latching mechanism whereas my 83 has the pivoting, for lack of a better term, latch type. Not sure if they changed again in later years.
If that date on the bag is translates to Nov 17, 83 it would be an 84. Depending on how long the bag hung around after it was made I'd guess it's a Nov or Dec build.
Thanks for the reply. So 84+ makes sense based on the bag date, agreed, shoulda thought of that.
Are these a different option code than my CC1 '87 or did they just change shape by that year?
Also, my '87 has a zippered bag. What years used the velcro flap pictured above vs, the zippered?
CCI was an aftermarket T-Top installer. I don't believe they made them for the factory. Just dealer and owner installed I would imagine. There are several owners here that have these panels and would know more.
For reference, my 83 I bought new has the Velcro flap.
CCI was an aftermarket T-Top installer. I don't believe they made them for the factory. Just dealer and owner installed I would imagine. There are several owners here that have these panels and would know more.
For reference, my 83 I bought new has the Velcro flap.
Thanks for the reply. Would the aftermarket T-tops from cars n concepts have RPO CC1 on the SPID?
I did a preliminary thread search before posting initially. All I found was that there are hundreds of posts with "Ttops" or "T-tops" in the subject line and who knows how many threads might be just "tops" "Tee Tops" etc. However, since then I have been spending time sifting through the search results. I have found some interesting information:
I said these tops did not fit my '87. That is sort of true. I have learned that there are different latching mechanisms (hook, and two sizes of pin) as well as different weather stripping fitments. I believe these tops are the same molding width and glass shape after all but the weather strip is different. I also learned that the pin latching has adjustment to it which may be all these need to fit.
I found that Cars & Concepts versions are aftermarket whereas RPO CC1 on the SPID should indicate factory Ttops by Fisher. I also found that some Fisher Ttops had an edging around the front/rear/inside glass edges like the one pictured in my first post.
Here is what I found on IDing these top versions for 3rd gens:
Other threads tell me the "Lexan" tops are actually acryllic (Lexan is a trade name of similar material specific to the company holding the trademark) and were made by a company called Lexamar which is the likely source of confusion on that.
In conclusion, I believe the answer to my original question is that I have 1984-85 factory Ttops.
Both these and the tops from my '87 seem to have pins that measure about 0.38" in diameter. What remains unknown to me is: what is the diameter of the other size pins and what years were they available?
Last edited by Bow_Tied; 07-08-2022 at 09:05 PM.
Reason: Splel chacking
my 1990 Firebird T-Top bag does not have GM embossed on it. Its plain on the outside. Always wondered if that is Camaro specific, or year specific. Don't recall any markings on the inside. Will look closer next time....
CCI was an aftermarket T-Top installer. I don't believe they made them for the factory. Just dealer and owner installed I would imagine. There are several owners here that have these panels and would know more.
For reference, my 83 I bought new has the Velcro flap.
You're thinking of C&C (Cars & Concepts). CC1 is the RPO code for factory t-tops.
my 1990 Firebird T-Top bag does not have GM embossed on it. Its plain on the outside. Always wondered if that is Camaro specific, or year specific. Don't recall any markings on the inside. Will look closer next time....
It's year specific -- both my '91 RS and '91 T/A have the same plain, no logo zippered bag. Earlier ones (mid-late 80s?) will have logos on them (GM/Fisher Body), and the earliest ones have logos and velcro instead of a zipper.
C&C cars start as hardtop cars. They keep the hardtop visors and if equipped the HT OH console.
Those t-tops in the first post looks like G-body t-tops.
Dont quote this... but I was reading something that the pins on some are as stated larger than others, Some have a plastic sheathing on the pin or something to help guide the pin into the lock.... but any PIN GM t top is interchangeable.... but any of the 82-83 latch / hook style is not, and of course the aftermarket C and C t tops are not interchangeable as they are specific designs. . The trim around the glass varied from year to year and was cosmetic . and not important. C and C cars had a black trim piece on the back of the tops on the roof / body of the car right above where the door windows roll up to.
So supposedly, GM pin type t tops including Lexan tops would all be interchangeable regardless of pin size...... its just might be harder to close and lock the pins depending on what the car came with... ........supposedly. the pins / locks appear to be able to be removed and transferred over to other t tops as well to keep the cars original keys.
It's year specific -- both my '91 RS and '91 T/A have the same plain, no logo zippered bag. Earlier ones (mid-late 80s?) will have logos on them (GM/Fisher Body), and the earliest ones have logos and velcro instead of a zipper.
Dont quote this... but I was reading something that the pins on some are as stated larger than others, Some have a plastic sheathing on the pin or something to help guide the pin into the lock.... but any PIN GM t top is interchangeable.... but any of the 82-83 latch / hook style is not, and of course the aftermarket C and C t tops are not interchangeable as they are specific designs. . The trim around the glass varied from year to year and was cosmetic . and not important. C and C cars had a black trim piece on the back of the tops on the roof / body of the car right above where the door windows roll up to.
So supposedly, GM pin type t tops including Lexan tops would all be interchangeable regardless of pin size...... its just might be harder to close and lock the pins depending on what the car came with... ........supposedly. the pins / locks appear to be able to be removed and transferred over to other t tops as well to keep the cars original keys.
The ones I posted which I believe are 84/85 fit in my 87 but the weather stripping does not line properly. Maybe could be made to fit? Not sure.
07-07-2022, 12:14 PM
