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why did they stop making t tops

by Raymundo Donnelly Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Ford had allot of problems with th T-tops , and so decided to discontinue them after 1987 . Noise , leaking , and premature wear of weather stripping ( falling apart and riping ) were some of the problems attributed to T-tops .

Full Answer

Do they still make T-tops?

While none of today’s car companies have the good sense to make cars with these truly awesome roofs anymore, the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird brought the T-Top into the 21st century, if only just. T-Tops went the way of Pontiac and its Firebird in 2002.

Who invented the T-top?

While many credit GM for the T-Top, it was actually invented and patented by car designer Gordon Buehrig. It was first used in a 1948 prototype by The American Sportscar Company or “Tasco.” See those wheel covers? They turn with the wheels! While Tasco had an excellent roof, they never made more than one prototype of the car.

Should you buy a classic car for a T-top?

Meaning if you want the red-jeans-wearing, mullet-having, John Cougar Mellencamp-blaring awesomeness of a T-Top, you’re more than likely going to need to buy a Classic Car. While many credit GM for the T-Top, it was actually invented and patented by car designer Gordon Buehrig.

What cars have a T-top?

Eventually, all of the Big Three American car manufacturers tried their hands at making cars with T-Tops. They even made their way onto less performance-oriented models like the Chrysler Cordoba and seventh-generation Ford Thunderbird.

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Why do cars not have T tops anymore?

T-Tops went the way of Pontiac and its Firebird in 2002. Until manufacturers come to their senses, car-buyers with discriminating tastes, i.e. those who adore T-Tops, will just have to look to Classic Cars to get their open-air performance fix. And that's just fine by us!

Are T tops still available?

Even today, t tops are still popular, and for a good reason. Today we share some of the best T Top cars to own – ones that rise above the rest. With more than a sunroof, but less than a soft top, Targa top cars walk a thin line between a coupé and a convertible body style.

Do new Camaros have T tops?

Since convertibles had a bad rep for not having the necessary structural rigidity and safety, the T-Top was the way to go. Drop Top Customs, the aftermarket customizers known for making convertibles, have now decided to bring the T-Top back in the form of a kit for the current Chevrolet Camaro.

What was the first car with T tops?

1968 Chevrolet Corvette coupeThe removable panel roof was patented by Gordon Buehrig on June 5, 1951. It was first used in a 1948 prototype by The American Sportscar Company or “Tasco.” The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette coupe was the first U.S.-built production automobile to feature a T-top roof.

Who makes a convertible in 2020?

The Best-Looking Convertibles You Can Buy for 20202020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible | Price: $221,075. ... 2020 BMW M8 Convertible | Price: $157,495. ... 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Convertible | Price: $67,495. ... 2020 Ferrari F8 Spider | Price: $300,000 (est) ... 2020 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible | Price: $45,850.More items...•

Do all Corvettes have T tops?

The Corvette design team deemed the t-top a perfect option, and they were not wrong. Going forward, every Corvette from 1968 to 1982, unless purchased as a convertible, had a t-top. The removable panels were fiberglass and the same color as the body, until 1978 when tinted glass panels became an available option.

How much is a T-top Camaro?

The 2LT adds leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It offers the same options as the 1LT. The Camaro 3LT coupe costs $31,500, while the convertible costs $37,500.

How much does it cost to put T-tops on a car?

The Estimated Price For Replacing A Convertible Top Runs From $900 To $1500. The price of replacing a convertible top is largely dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. But in most cases, the costs include the following: One replacement top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)

What years did the Camaro have T-tops?

13. First Camaro with T-Tops: T-Tops became standard on the Corvette coupe in 1968 and Pontiac began offering the removable roof panels as an option on the Trans Am in 1976, but T-Tops weren't available on the Camaro until 1978.

When did they stop making convertibles?

A report on Detroit's car manufacturing industry announces the end of an era as the last American convertible, a Cadillac Eldorado, rolls off the assembly line on April 22, 1976.

Why was the Pontiac Firebird discontinued?

Here's what we know about the 2021 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. After being a staple of the brand's lineup for over eight decades, General Motors discontinued Pontiac in 2010. The iconic brand was discontinued because of the company's financial problems and the restructuring it necessitated.

What car was in Smokey and the Bandit?

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBurt Reynold's 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, the car made popular by the actor's iconic film Smokey and the Bandits, recently went up for auction at Barrett-Jackson — and if you had an extra few hundred thousand bucks lying around, you could've been the lucky owner of a slice of movie history.

1.The History of the T-Top - Heacock Classic Insurance

Url:https://heacockclassic.com/articles/the-history-of-the-t-top/

15 hours ago  · Why did they stop making T tops? The reason t-tops came into being was because vehicle manufacturers were afraid that the federal government was going to ban convertibles. That's why the "last" Cadillac convertible was built in 1976just about the same time that the first t-top was introduced. Click to see full answer.

2.Why did car companies in the US make T-tops rather than …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Why-did-car-companies-in-the-US-make-T-tops-rather-than-convertibles-back-in-the-1970s

1 hours ago  · Why did they stop making T-Tops? 5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions Why did they stop making T-Tops? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com

3.Why did they stop making the Ford Mustang? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/Why-did-they-stop-making-the-Ford-Mustang

34 hours ago Why did they stop making cars with T-tops? - Good points made by both of you. Just to add, when the first year C3's (68) came out, there were issues with the frame

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