T-top, b-pillar rant
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,802
From: Annapolis MD
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by TA76
Why not have a hidden B-pillar, let the quarter panel glass cover it? I'm a big fan of t-tops, I would not buy a 3rd or 4th gen car without them. However, I'm not sure how they would look on a 5th gen. I think they might be out of place on this car.
One of the arguments for B Pillar was that it saved 100 lbs in weight of the car. This cant be the case if T Tops are added can it?
Am I the only one who likes the wide open look and feel of roll down 1/4 windows
Last edited by 5thgen69camaro; Mar 17, 2006 at 12:26 PM.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,043
From: Shelbyville, IN
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
I had a Hardtop 3rd gen. I have friends with both 3rd and 4th w/ Ttops and they both leak/noise so I'll stick with a Hardtop, nothing looks better... IMO
Might consider a Vert if they do it right.
Might consider a Vert if they do it right.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 235
From: South Carolina
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by 5thgen69camaro
Because Id much rather have the rear roll down windows at the touch of a button that I can just hit as Im pulling into work every day as opposed to T tops that I have to pull over and get out of the trunk when it starts rainning on weekends.
One of the arguments for B Pillar was that it saved 100 lbs in weight of the car. This cant be the case if T Tops are added can it?
Am I the only one who likes the wide open look and feel of roll down 1/4 windows
One of the arguments for B Pillar was that it saved 100 lbs in weight of the car. This cant be the case if T Tops are added can it?
Am I the only one who likes the wide open look and feel of roll down 1/4 windows
Registered User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 426
From: Birmingham, AL, USA
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
If I wan't to roll four windows down I'll buy an Impala! 
Seriously, as much as I love my t-tops I don't think they fit the 5th gen very well. At first I was a little disappointed that the design wasn't right for tops but now think that it would be better off without them.
Seriously, as much as I love my t-tops I don't think they fit the 5th gen very well. At first I was a little disappointed that the design wasn't right for tops but now think that it would be better off without them.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by Privateer454
Are targas classified as 'verts? I would guess probally not...
I have a late 2nd gen sitting in my garage that would disagree with that statement. $100 worth of subframe connectors ( I would estimate about 40lbs) fix the problem. Not what I would call a difficult engineering hurdle to overcome.
Funny, the Corvette targas don't seem to be paying a huge weight penalty.
Even with all of that what was the take rate on 4th gens with t-tops? Pretty darn high, right?
Exactly what I said earlier, the main reason you won’t see them has more to do with aesthetic design theme than structural design.
Doubt it.
Originally Posted by 5thgen69camaro
....Am I the only one who likes the wide open look and feel of roll down 1/4 windows
Last edited by guionM; Mar 17, 2006 at 05:28 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by guionM
Too bad the sales of the 4th gen weren't.
When people say that the 4th gens proved the business success of t-tops...it's like saying that Rambler proved the business success of the color beige.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,574
From: Arlington, Texas
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Only thing I would add to this is that I would like the roll down 1/4 windows. Also, the Ferrari did indeed have a structural B-pilar behind the glass.
There is only one car that comes to mind (other than the concept) that is a hardtop and has 1/4 windows w/out b-pilars between them. This is the idea...
It's easy enough to do this, but you can't go cutting into the edge of the roof w/out major headaches.
There is only one car that comes to mind (other than the concept) that is a hardtop and has 1/4 windows w/out b-pilars between them. This is the idea...
It's easy enough to do this, but you can't go cutting into the edge of the roof w/out major headaches.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 755
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
That looks pretty cool.. I'd imagine the rear passengers would get a LOT of wind. Also, do you know if those rears are powered windows?
I guess it doesn't matter, as long as your passengers can also get in general lee style, all is good
I guess it doesn't matter, as long as your passengers can also get in general lee style, all is good
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 235
From: South Carolina
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by Z284ever
Everyone re-read that.
When people say that the 4th gens proved the business success of t-tops...it's like saying that Rambler proved the business success of the color beige.
When people say that the 4th gens proved the business success of t-tops...it's like saying that Rambler proved the business success of the color beige.
Wow. I don't think it could be said any better
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,000
From: TX Med Ctr
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by Z284ever
Everyone re-read that.
When people say that the 4th gens proved the business success of t-tops...it's like saying that Rambler proved the business success of the color beige.
When people say that the 4th gens proved the business success of t-tops...it's like saying that Rambler proved the business success of the color beige.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 543
From: GA
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by willz
HELL NO you're not the only one! That wide open feeling is great. T-top roofs were great on the cars they came on at the time, but IMHO their time has passed. Does anyone do them anymore? As much as I hate to say it (I love my 85 IROC with them), they have somewhat of a "mullet factor" which is exactly what GM needs to avoid this time around. The car is a classic beauty as is, and those rear quarter windows and NO b-pillar are a HUGE reason why, and they make the car unique in this day and age and are also a big part of the tribute to the first gen design, which, as history has borne out, is really the most successful and sought after and likely always will be. The windows down on my 69 really does give you a very wide open feeling and great visibilty. Give it a chance t-top guys! And go for a ride in a first gen car with all the windows down if you don't buy what I'm saying. Build the car as is. If they do and do it right, it's got a chance at being as great a classic as the first gen car!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,209
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
all this arguing and bickering over something stupid....
to put it mildly, I don't think the 5th gen should come with T-tops at all. It wouldn't look right. the lines of the car would be ruined, not to mention the added weight to an already heavy car. leave it as a hardtop coupe or a convertible, and nothing else. You want t-tops, buy a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gen, or do a conversion when the 5th gen comes out. GM shouldn't even bother tossing the idea around.
to put it mildly, I don't think the 5th gen should come with T-tops at all. It wouldn't look right. the lines of the car would be ruined, not to mention the added weight to an already heavy car. leave it as a hardtop coupe or a convertible, and nothing else. You want t-tops, buy a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gen, or do a conversion when the 5th gen comes out. GM shouldn't even bother tossing the idea around.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 755
Re: T-top, b-pillar rant
Originally Posted by skorpion317
all this arguing and bickering over something stupid....
to put it mildly, I don't think the 5th gen should come with T-tops at all. It wouldn't look right. the lines of the car would be ruined, not to mention the added weight to an already heavy car. leave it as a hardtop coupe or a convertible, and nothing else. You want t-tops, buy a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gen, or do a conversion when the 5th gen comes out. GM shouldn't even bother tossing the idea around.
to put it mildly, I don't think the 5th gen should come with T-tops at all. It wouldn't look right. the lines of the car would be ruined, not to mention the added weight to an already heavy car. leave it as a hardtop coupe or a convertible, and nothing else. You want t-tops, buy a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gen, or do a conversion when the 5th gen comes out. GM shouldn't even bother tossing the idea around.
