Whatever happened to T-Tops?? - Page 4 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

=Stephens= · 03-09-2011, 05:33 PM

You can't really compare a convertible to a motorcycle. Its all regulated by politicians and someday they will change them IMO.

GreenMonster · 03-09-2011, 05:36 PM

they got left in the past where they belong..

10spokess · 03-09-2011, 05:48 PM

I love my t-tops every time I autocross I take the tops off and you can just enjoy it much more. Don't get caught out in the rain tho it sucks putting those back on in like 30 seconds but its been done lol

Bonanza7 · 03-09-2011, 06:11 PM

In 09, Pontiac made a targo Solstice. It worked and was obviously quite legal. The top was too big to store in the back, so they had a soft top insert for leaving it at home. A Rube Goldberg device, but it worked.

nards444 · 03-09-2011, 06:13 PM

i actually heard GM felt out the idea and didnt get enough interest in them. Its hard to say. But if you can do a vert or the roof like the vette you can do T-Tops.

Black5thgen · 03-09-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BADLS3

IMO, T-tops don't visually flow with the quarter window behind the door. They definitely had a hot look in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen cars, though. Not on the 5th Gen.

It's worked in the past.

Rip · 03-09-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumanWiki

I wouldn't get T-Tops on a 5th Gen.. But, that's just me personally. I just think the logic behind why there's not one allowed is stupid and preventing their existence for those that want them is lame.

Also, motorcycles are allowed to mix in with normal traffic and there's 0 in the way of rider protection from cars other than what they're wearing. Using car logic, they shouldn't even exist because their survival chances are very low.

Rules should at least make some attempt at being intelligent.

No offense, but the word "logic" should never be uttered in a conversation dealing with government.

Rip · 03-09-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 3

So what you guys are saying is that convertibles should meet the same standards? How can you have a law for roof crush (as an example) in a car that doesn't have a roof? That would mean no convertibles. You forget, the convertible doesn't have a roof, it has a top. It is only there to protect you from the elements. There is no law mandating there be a roof. But when there is a roof, rules apply.

All I hope you guys understand is that NHTSA is keeping you from your beloved T-Tops, not GM. I liked 'em. Had them in my Grand National and many a Camaro.

I just jump in on these threads to make sure everyone understands it isn't because GM didn't think about T-Top customers. It's just nearly impossible to do it and meet all of the current safety standards that weren't in place in 2002.

For example, in 2002, the roof crush standard required the car withstand a load of 1.5 times the weight of the car and not exceeding 5,000 pounds.

Today, the new rules are double that with no maximum. So under the old rules, the Gen 5 Camaro would have to meet 5,000 pounds and not deflect more than a specified amount (5 inches). Under the new rule, the Camaro must meet over 11,000 pounds (3,800 x 3). Cut out the roof rail and that get's pretty tough to meet.

By the way, if you are so inclined, look up FMVSS 216 Roof Crush and FMVSS 214 Side Impact and FMVSS 201 Dynamic Pole test.

What he said.

Yes, it's illogical to say you can have a convertible but not T's based on safety. Again, don't even try to use logic when you're talking about laws.

Blownhotrodder · 03-09-2011, 06:55 PM

You would think that with the corvette having a targa top, the camaro could still have t tops.

thespymaster · 03-09-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 3

Because the conv. bracing is for body stiffness in torsion. The issue is strength of the roof. And T-tops cut a huge hole in the roof that can't be made up. And roof rail airbags are now a critical element in safety performance.

Couldn't the same bracing for the VERT be done for T-TOPS?

I mean people are paying $6500 from Drop Top Customs , I sure GM could figure this out for half that amount...............

kr juice 1 · 03-09-2011, 07:55 PM

yeah how is not having the tt's any less safe than having a convertible!!!

RollTideMom · 03-09-2011, 08:52 PM

I just don't understand. I am ready to research this and see what I can come up with.

united1 · 03-09-2011, 08:57 PM

I loved the t-tops in my old 86 gta , the camaro would be badass with them.

10spokess · 03-09-2011, 09:20 PM

Just buy a 2002 or lower camaro and the problem is solved they are around 7500 dollars and they run well into their 200-300,000 mile range

03-09-2011, 05:36 PM	#44
GreenMonster Its all about the U Drives: 2010 SGM Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Miami Posts: 1,671	they got left in the past where they belong.. __________________ C5.SFC5//FacebookSFC5\\SFC5.TK

03-09-2011, 05:48 PM	#45
10spokess Wild and Cammed Drives: 2002 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pasadena, MD Posts: 751	I love my t-tops every time I autocross I take the tops off and you can just enjoy it much more. Don't get caught out in the rain tho it sucks putting those back on in like 30 seconds but its been done lol __________________

03-09-2011, 06:13 PM	#47
nards444 Drives: 1SS/RS Black Join Date: May 2009 Location: New york Posts: 2,123 View My Garage	i actually heard GM felt out the idea and didnt get enough interest in them. Its hard to say. But if you can do a vert or the roof like the vette you can do T-Tops. __________________ 2010 1SS/RS Black, CGM stripes, polished Rims, Tinted windows, Hurst shifter

03-09-2011, 08:52 PM	#54
RollTideMom Drives: 2011 Chevy Camaro RS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Thompsons Station, TN Posts: 203 View My Garage	I just don't understand. I am ready to research this and see what I can come up with. __________________ Obsessed with my Camaro

03-09-2011, 09:20 PM	#56
10spokess Wild and Cammed Drives: 2002 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pasadena, MD Posts: 751	Just buy a 2002 or lower camaro and the problem is solved they are around 7500 dollars and they run well into their 200-300,000 mile range __________________

03-09-2011, 05:33 PM	#43
=Stephens= Drives: 2011 LS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Kearney, Nebraska Posts: 3,544 View My Garage	You can't really compare a convertible to a motorcycle. Its all regulated by politicians and someday they will change them IMO.

03-09-2011, 06:11 PM	#46
Bonanza7 Account Suspended Drives: 2010, Rally Yellow, Black stripes Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Phoenix Posts: 2,363	In 09, Pontiac made a targo Solstice. It worked and was obviously quite legal. The top was too big to store in the back, so they had a soft top insert for leaving it at home. A Rube Goldberg device, but it worked.

03-09-2011, 06:55 PM	#51
Blownhotrodder Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkesville , GEORGIA Posts: 1,857	You would think that with the corvette having a targa top, the camaro could still have t tops.

03-09-2011, 07:55 PM	#53
kr juice 1 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Mission, TX Posts: 427 View My Garage	yeah how is not having the tt's any less safe than having a convertible!!!

03-09-2011, 08:57 PM	#55
united1 Drives: slpzl585vert. Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ma. Posts: 925 View My Garage	I loved the t-tops in my old 86 gta , the camaro would be badass with them.

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