Does anyone know if a t tops model is in the works...boy do i miss the removable top from my 97 Z

 

With the new airbag and crash laws, t-tops are pretty tough. Isn't there an airbag up there now?

-Geoff

 

Not right now, Hopefully a aftermarket will make a kit... Looks kinda tough with the uni-body frame



Think your up for the challenge....

 

Side curtain air bags....I'm pretty sure they're located along the roof line and inflate to cover the window area. It'll never happen.

 

Damn it.. I loved the T-tops. im pretty sure. later in the future theyll come out with something close to the T-tops for these camaros, if they see everyone asking for it.

 

It's not an issue of where the airbags are mounted, it's an issue with the structure of the car. This body structure won't allow for a t-top version.

 

If it was possible (which again because of the structure, it's not) they would have built the side airbags into the seats.

 

Too many engineering factors to get t-tops. Side impact, roof crush and roll over. Won't matter how many people want them. Just too hard to do.

 

we won't see t-tops on this generation of the Camaro. However, I don't see how the argument that you simply can't do it because of crash standards these days hold water. They just released a targa version of the Solstice, which followed the convertible model. Corvette also has a targa and convertible model. Don't forget about the G6 coupe, which offers a retractable hardtop. If they were committed to building a t-top model, it could have been done.

 

Why not just start with the convertible frame and work from there?
What am I missing, because I can't see how it would be any more difficult to do than a drop-top.

Though, I must say, I like the idea of Ford's glass roof. Would love to see that as an option (even moreso than the T-tops). Heck, Saleen/ASC's sliding glass roof would even be better.....

 

no they're not!

*dead horse*

 

I wonder how difficult it would be to make one based on the convertible model instead of the coupe? It seems like you could remove the roll-up mechanism and top, and add the rear window and frame, from the coupe, rather easily...

 

Forget the rather easily part! To compare to 3rd gens, some people have converted hard top cars into t-top cars by doing a "roof transplant"... I've never seen someone start with a convertible 3rd gen. Adding panels is generally more difficult than removing panels. You could look to the convertible to see what additional bracing they added and where, but it'd be easier to start with a hard top car that already has the one-piece body side stamping in place.

I'll bet someone decides to take on the challenge, but it may be many years from now when you have less to lose in chopping up one of these now brand new cars.

 

[QUOTE=JeremyNYR;5991091]Forget the rather easily part! To compare to 3rd gens, some people have converted hard top cars into t-top cars by doing a "roof transplant"... I've never seen someone start with a convertible 3rd gen.

I meant rather easy compared to a 3rd gen or 4th gen. Probably the reason you've never seen it on a 3rd gen is that it would be a lot more complicated. The 3rd gen is a hatchback. Maybe welding on the whole top with hatch included would fit, though I doubt it would open and close right, if at all. Seems like a lot of trouble compared to just buying one. But you can't buy a new Camaro with T-tops so if anyone wants one...I do mean years from now of course, there's not exactly many wrecked new Camaros in sitting in junkyards from which to get the parts from just yet, nor an available convertible.

 

no no no no

you will never take them out. ever. ive seen maybe 4 cars with the t-tops out so far. and thats from a combined 40ish camaros/firebirds. 10% is horrible.


~~they could build the frame out of a stronger more expensive steel to allow the ******s their t-top.