Topic: adding t-tops

[clockwork]

Has anyone ever added t-tops to a hard top? I have a '79 TA. I want to add t-tops and a chrome roll bar. Any advice? other than keep it parked in the garage?

[Gold78Spc]

Many people have converted their car but it can be a pretty involved process.  You usually will end up looking for a donor car with t-tops, cutting the roof off, cutting your roof off, then welding the t-top roof to your car.  If you had all the hardware needed for Hurst tops those can be cut in without removing the roof but I don't know if thats a good way to go or not.

[RENOVATIONS]

If you are going to do this, I recommend using the first method Gold78Spc refers to.
Avoid the whole mess of Hurst tops

[bandit nz]

There is a complete Fisher roof and T tops on Ebay at present.

btw I know Hurst tops have a reputation for leaking, what are the later Fisher units like ??

[dschroederw72]

I've added t-tops to a 1979 TA and a 1978 TA.  Both were Fisher units.  I didn't even consider Hurst tops.  Besides, they were not offered on a 1979 and they stopped in early 1978.  What I have done is take the roof off a donor car by drilling the spot welds along the inside of the roof and then carefully cutting the outside skin with a cut-off wheel.  I then measured the front pillar carefully and cut it off with a porta-band saw.  Do the same to the car you want to add the tops to and then join the two together.  You'll most likely find that the roof section where you cut it at has a lot of lead in it from the factory.  You'll need to grind that out before welding because it won't weld at all.  The fit on the front pillar is far more important than the back area.  You can make up a small difference with sheetmetal if need be on the back area but measure 10 times and cut once.  I use the front metal trim that goes up the pillar to align the car to the new roof by lining up the screw holes and tack it in place.  The back glass will help you figure out exactly where the rear part of the roof needs to be.  Once you have it in place, all you need to do is have fun grinding and doing mud work.  All the cars I have seen with Fisher tops seal good so long as you have good weatherstrip.  If you need pictures of the t-top process I can send them to you.  Shoot me a PM.

[jcurrieta]

too bad you werent in canada close to me id sell yah everything you need the whole roof local pickup only im in east coast canada.

[xtrmeta]

The back part of the roof is easy. I melt away the lead with a torch. Then drill out the spot welds. Do not but well the front post together. It will not be strong enough and can break very easy.
When you reove the roof from the donar cut out a 6" piece from the outside cap. Then cut the inside piece.
Then do the same on your car. But when you cut the inside piece leave it longer so the new roof will overlap it. That way when you install the new roof you can clamp it together and get everything adjusted right. Then weld it up. Then if the outside cap in. You will have a very stronge join that will never break.

[eroc022]

looks like they have it taken care of here...

[Sir english firebird]

Does anyone have pics of what parts are involved in the t tops?
Im toying with the idea of converting my Firebird.

[eroc022]

the entire roof !

[Sir english firebird]

No m8 just the t top parts!

[eroc022]

well theres the tops....the latching pieces (2 per side) all the plastics....and theres a frame kinda built into the body for fisher tops, for hurst tops there is a different piece for the frame...which can be put in the car kinda easily...by cutting the hole for the tops the hurst can be put in....otherwise do the entire roof with the fisher tops....they have a much better design to them

[Sir english firebird]

Its a logistical problem for me as shipping an entire roof would not be viable, hence the parts questions.

[eroc022]

well if you have a 77-78 then go with the hurst tops the parts can be shipped and you can install it yourself.....but the fisher top you kinda need to do the whole roof to install them