Any disadvantages with having a t-top car?

[motorholmes]

OK assuming the center C channel is the key location for frame twist?

 

[pontiacgp]

Yes the c channel is the trouble spot and if you have a chance to pick up a rear corner of a frame you'll see how much it twists. I'm not the greatest to take pictures of what I do cause with building race cars and crewing on them it's just something basic that's needed (IMO) on these frames. The only problem I had was the frame bowed out on this one so I had to use ratchet straps to get it lined up with the body mount locations on the body. If I do another I'd weld a temporary strap across the c channel before I box it to prevent the bowing

 

[dogsht]

A well done criss cross thru the trunk helps. Without it on slicks and something that will do 1.6 60s will eventually crack your sail panels behind the back edges of your opera windows. At least on the GNs or Regals. I like the factory T-tops on my GN but all others will always be hardtops with no landau top.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

I boxed the fame, upgraded the factory welds and pick up points..I would have done that t-top or not and the frame doesn't twist and the body doesn't move on the frame. It's all nice and tight and one of the cheapest upgrades I've done on the car

Don't suppose you have any photos or diagrams? I'd be interested in doing some of that while the car is all tore apart

Here's a few pictures of the boxing I did on my '87's frame:

 

[Randy_W]

A lot have people's problem with T-Tops is that they don't have them!
Just kidding, I've owned both and there is no doubt better structural rigidity in a solid top, but I love the T's in a cruiser. 8)

 

[pencero]

I thought the t-tops on the 79MC I had were awesome, but I'm surprised nobody mentioned the obvious safety problem: a bad crash or hail storm could shower the driver / passengers with giant shards of glass

Another thing, one time the clip on mine acted like it wasnt going to close, but it gave in and did after some finagling and I WD40'd it after that. However, I heard a story from someone who had that problem in cold weather and left the clip open and then a winter storm ripped it off the car and left him getting snowed on in a blizzard

anyway if you're looking at a t-top car but not sure you want to buy it just check the middle bar and if it's rusted out dont buy the car then, but dont be scared to mess w/ a t-top car otherwise theyre very fun. Just make sure to tint it a little or the sun will kill you on a hot day