Does anyone know how many versions of OEM T tops were made?

[69hurstolds]

Stainless trim
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=163592163696

Look closely. It maynot be stainless channel. It's black on the bottom side.

Factory black channel is bevel cut on the corners as well. This one looks like the ends overlap or something. I'm not sure what's going on here. Could be factory, but

I have a set of NOS black channel. Grp 12.810, 20164509, four needed for the short sides, and 2016510, two needed for the long side. The parts book lists this from 1979 2nd design through partway through 86. They already come with a bevel cut, ready to attach. I'm assuming with some sort of butyl crap. Not sure what was going on for 1978 hatch roofs.

Parts books show there's a 1st design smaller glass T-top for 1978 and partway through 79. Then they went to the 2nd design in 79 which stayed that way through 1985 for the most part.

The whole channel set listed from GM for all 6 pieces $10.70 back in July of 1987.

 

[Silent viewer]

Here are the 4 different t tops that I have in my possession. These are all on factory t top cars

 

[84 W40]

All of gbody t-tops that I have seen had the plastic chanel on them. Even checked my spare tops those were plastic. Never seen ss but its possible back in 78. I cant see GM not using some kind of channels on the tops, what I mean is if there was a nick on the edge of the glass it would start cutting the seals from vibration . Its possible some t-tops left the factory with out them.

 

[69hurstolds]

But apparently 86-88s had glass tops without the channels. And they locked too, so there's that. I recall my gray 87 442 had T-tops and they had no channels. And I got it new.

Curious to know what sort of metal trim was used and when....

 

[84 W40]

But apparently 86-88s had glass tops without the channels. And they locked too, so there's that. I recall my gray 87 442 had T-tops and they had no channels. And I got it new.

Curious to know what sort of metal trim was used and when....

It must of been a regional thing, up here in New England or the North East they had the plastic channels on them even in 86-88 and I was working at the dealer during those years. My spare tops came off a 86 442 and it had the plastic channels with locks on them and was original to the car. One of the complaints the owners had about the tops was the bags. The plastic channels would snag inside and tear the bag.
only time I seen metal trim was on 79 Trans Am with Fisher Tops

 

[Silent viewer]

my 86 442 and the 86 442 parts car I had both have composite outside edge, locking, no edge trim around the glass. I thought that was the norm for the later models.

 

[69hurstolds]

my 86 442 and the 86 442 parts car I had both have composite outside edge, locking, no edge trim around the glass. I thought that was the norm for the later models.

Exactly. Parts book shows 86 glass part number with channel, and 86 glass without channel. It doesn't give a VIN break out or date breakout as to when the change occurred. But the parts books aren't always 100% right either. But I have my suspicions 86 used both types.

 

[ItsnotaGN]

My 86 SS came with (well at least when I got it so who knows) locking non channel tops. It is a Texas built car. It was sold in NY. It currently has a non locking black plastic channel top on the passenger side, pirated off an 85 Grand Prix at a pick n pull due to an emotionally unstable squirrel committing suicide by throwing himself through my original top.

 

[Silent viewer]

am emotionally unstable squirrel.... LMAO that's the funniest thing I have heard today! Thank you for that

 

[spicercars]

I always wondered about that same question. Your never to old to learn new things. Thanks