Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

I built my 97 Firebird from a body in white . If the roof is off , the structure underneath is basically the same . A coupe has a metal piece that is spot welded across the side window opening . That part is not there on the T-Top cars . So the difference in weight is the T-Top itself . The roof on a coupe is just a thin piece of plastic that is bonded on the under structure . I agree, a well designed roll cage will provide all the structure you would need .

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

If we get a non - T core car can we easily remove the glued on top to aid in construction access?

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

I think its a poly urethane adhesive, which is really high strength . I would say there is no way to get the roof off and be able to reuse it . Are those roofs still available through GM ? I bought one years ago, but GM typically only has parts available for 5-10 years after the model goes out of production . Although they still sell fenders for Tri-Five Chevy's , I've been told .

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

I appreciate the ideas from everyone.

Thanks,

we are finding a non - T car and going to work :)

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

One of my street car go fast guys came by to look at my 94 Firebird that was for sale. Once he seen it was a T-top he wasn't interested as he stated 35 lbs heavier. Don't know how factual it is.

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

My Firebird stocker was a t-top car and had a full stocker legal cage.

It was built by PK racecars in Ohio and did some pretty high wheelies and still does....

60' times routinely in the very low 1.30's and even into the 1.20's IIRC

There was never any evidence of flex...

I did not like that it was a t-top car but it made zero difference in how it worked.....they do leak water though as I left it outside for a while before I finished it......

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

You could save weight and run it with the tops out. I goes it would be legal with the cage, I know that Keith Mayers runs Super Street with his sunroof open in his Porche and it would make for good ventilation on those really hot days.

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

Larry check your emails Dick

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

The tops can be removed and reused. I wouldn't say easily, but it can be done. As stated above the adhesive is very hard and similar to urethane. The black car I am running in super stock now was a t top car that we converted to a hard top. There is some structure where the top of the window would meet near the roof that has to be cut off a donor and welded in.

Re: 4th gen Firebird build, are "T Tops" a strength issue?
 

Removing the plastic roof sail is fairly easy IF you use a wire saw like they use for windshields slide it under the part and start sawing back and forth thru the adhesive. Take your time cutting that piece is about $400 if you break it. It will come off just takes a long time to remove ut