All C3 Corvette Fiberglass & Glass T-TOPS

The glass T-tops on my 1981 C3 Corvette are not original, but they are not that different from factory panels.
They latch the same way as OEM panels, either glass or fiberglass, so if there are differences, they are minimal.
However, since the ones on my '81 are brand new, they needed to be adjusted as they did not fit properly and didn't look good either.
The rear gap was too big, and the panels sat too high above the roofline.
After taking the T-bar tongues off and realizing they came with four washers each (factory T-tops used shims), it was obvious that this would not allow the Targa tops to fit properly against the T-Bar.
Fortunately, after reducing the number of shims and adjusting the T-bar connecting tongues and the locking latches, the T-tops fit properly and look great.
I hope this video will help you understand how components interact and affect T-top panel alignment, whether OEM or aftermarket.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
I am a self-taught DIYer. If videos appear to give technical how-to advice, that is not my intention.
Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a mechanic.
3:25 Adjusting the T-bar tabs (tongues)
11:55 Adjusting the T-top Latches
#c3corvette #ttop

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome video on adjustment of the T-Tops!👍

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@danorourke5184]

Just getting ready to do this on my 79, perfect timing! Thanks

[@76vette]

Good luck. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@alzg8779]

Really great to know....Thank you!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@mikestone7692]

Nice job…

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@henrydrury4851]

If you remove the trim around the latch assembly at the body there are shims at the body locator as well that will move the top rearward or fordward😊

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@cpnolto]

Great job! I am stunned at how much adjustment you were able to get on the T-tops. You really did improve the look. When you switched out the screws I thought that was a bit overly fussy. However, I have to admit they do look better. Never liked the 80's C3's that much but this one is growing on me. Thanks for this video.

[@76vette]

It’s all about the small details. Lol 😆 Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@michaelriley3110]

Another great video! More please ;) You know before you did this video I never paid that much attention to my T-tops and where they sat but realized yesterday that my passenger side is slightly higher than the driver's side and now I know how to adjust. I don't have much of a gap at all at the rear though but do have a slight overhang on the front which I presume is how it's supposed to be. My car wasn't built with glass tops but were swapped out at the time of purchase in '82 according to the previous owner

[@mightydan67]

good job! very helpfull. thank you !

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@jessemarinjr6374]

THAT ADJUSTMENT REALLY MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE !! MY 78 VETTE , I HAD THE ORIGINAL GLASS T- TOPS SMILIALAR TO THE ONE'S ON YOUR CORVETTE ,BUT HONESTLY THEY BASICALLY HAD THE SAME GAP IN THE REAR AS YOURS ,AND THE SAME LIFT IN THE FRONT CORNERS ,ACTUALLY THEY LOOKED WORSE THAN YOURS !! SO YOU DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB ON YOURS !! JUST A WORD OF ADVICE , WHEN INSTALLING THESE GLASS TOPS ,BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN PUSHING / PLACING TOP INTO PLACE . MY BUDDY CRACKED ONE OF HIS GLASS TOP WHILE PUSHING TO HARD TO GET INTO PLACE !! GREAT VIDEO !! JESSE VIA LAS VEGAS

[@76vette]

I think the video makes it look like the glass is flexing when it’s actually the weatherstripping. Those T-Tops are pretty tough, but yeah, you still need to be careful. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@Jeremy-ij9bk]

Great video!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@ajmaresca2165]

You have done a really nice job detailing the adjustments of the tops. I have struggled with making adjustments to my standard top before it can be a real challenge. One word of caution. After making these adjustments check the fit with the window up and slowly try to close the door from the outside. Sometimes the T-top can't be as snug as you would like because of the height the window travels up to far. So when you try to close the door with the window up and extended it scrapes the top edge of the T-top.

[@joey-mp3qc]

I agree. You really have to adjust both the top and window together.

[@76vette]

Good advice. Both my windows need adjusting as the glass leans outwards too much and they don’t go up all the way as shown toward the end of the video when I rolled up the passenger side window. 😊👍🏻

[@joey-mp3qc]

I'll be rebuilding the window motor. Mine don't go all the way up either. Really need to clean/lube window assembly, clean/lube door lock assembly, adjust top and adjust window.... all at once

[@marki336]

Wonder if you can also grind some of the metal away to give it more slack to slide the locks. Great video!

[@76vette]

Probably. Good idea. 😊👍🏻

[@LIVEGOOD-PAUL]

Great job! Can't wait to see the car when you finish it. Any idea what you think you'll ask for her?

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻 At this point I’m at $15,000. But the more I do and spend the higher that number will be.

[@LIVEGOOD-PAUL]

I'll be watching and waiting my friend. All the best to you and keep it up!

[@martystuart1041]

Mine are warped so I always leave them home.

[@raunohamalainen9667]

How much you have to pay those?

[@76vette]

www.zip-corvette.com/78-82-black-tinted-glass-t-tops.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhtWvBhD9ARIsAOP0GojU-Tu0A5kyEInTd5cwH9SlImtnaDFA_xSGEbxbxNuVKh0IFLkuU7kaAhNqEALw_wcB

[@James-mk2qj]

Finding an original set oem set maybe instead on eBay or a swap meet @ Carlisle ,pa maybe I would be concerned about water leaks etc. which vettes of the 70’s and 80’s were notorious for ! Rotten floors etc. Good thing you have those cars garaged and inside! Keeping them outside would be a horror show I would think. I know you’re very meticulous I watch some of your other videos but I would never waste my time trying to make something aftermarket fit the quality just doesn’t seem to be there probably made in China reproduction or something junk!

[@76vette]

I’ve adjusted OEM T-tops in the past too. I’m dealing with cars made in the 70s and 80s. NOTHING fits or lines up very well. 🤷🏻‍♂️👍🏻