1981 corvette

1981 Glass T-tops; what's the best configuration for transporting glass T-tops behind the seats in their stowage bags to prevent breakage:

Bottom to Bottom,
Bottom to Top,
Top to Top?

Thanks in advance...

arklacat

I'm not sure about best but I've always done bottom to top with both bottoms down and never had an issue.

1981 corvette

Arklacat, Thank you for your reply...

RonR80

I used to store them like that till I found one of these , frees up alot of space , the install was almost done in this pic , gas cap missing

mk's78

Hi RonR80...I just love that new stowage option..Where did you find a setup like that????? Have a link or two to share????

mk's78

Mike

qwank

If I have glass tops I'd probably buy that soft case the vendors sell

rastafford3164

Hi Ron. Did you already have the well nuts on the rear deck or did you drill? I kept scrounging until I found the carrier at a reasonable price and finally even found a bag the same as my interior color. I picked up well nuts from Keen but haven't installed yet. Maybe I'm just thick, but the dimensions in the AIM for drilling the holes leave a little bit to be desired.

corvetteronw

Make a convertible out of it! I purchased a triple black 81 that had been made into a convertible and really loved it.

jim-81

both upright, on top of each other with a couple moving pads between and under them

arklacat

btw, I have the covers that came with the car. There' a separate cover for each top and I always use them along with the cinch down strap(s) in the cargo area.

RonR80

I found the T-Top original from GM on E-bay and bought the hardware from Keen , marked it all and drilled 3/4 holes and installed it my self, not to hard I wrote an article on this www.capitalcorvetteclub.ca Our Garage
Look under Ron's tidbits . I have the instruction and they come up time and again on the internet , they are a V-54 option for 80-81. If you need a hand if you find one let me know .

RonR80

My T-Top set came with a red bag and I donated it to a fellow on here and had one made , beige to match the interior ,Drilling the holes is the scariest part I sat there and looked at the car for 2hrs , and my wife said just do it. So I re-measured and drilled 1/4 holes insted of 3/4 just to leave room in case I messed up. The holes near the gas cap are tricky cause under the body there are 2 ribs , that the washers need to sit in . Ron

rastafford3164

I have been sorta chicken to do the job not really knowing what I would be getting into. I knew there was supposed to be a reinforcement under the rear deck for support. I just looked at your installation write up, and I have to say it is fantastic! Very well done and exactly what I was hoping for! Also, the amount of information on all the other repairs your club has on the site is amazing! All I could say is WOW! I saved the link to your club site in my favorites for when I need some of the other stuff. I would encourage everybody to check out your site and see what is there! There should be a sticky for that!

RonR80

Thanks for the kind words, our website guys are great , our latest article is on the C-6 headlights, if you ever need a hand for some thing shoot me an e-mail. Ron

RonR80

Rastafford, did you ever install they-top carrier , just curious to see how it went , Ron

rastafford3164

Haven't yet. We went to a cruise in yesterday. Today I am feeling very LAZY lol!!! Its going to be soon though now that I have your directions. I was grumbling yesterday about having the tops in the back with the fold up chairs on top. Couldnt leave em home cause tstorm chance was too great. I'll make sure i tell you when i do tho!!!

rastafford3164

With RonR80's help, was able to install the RPO V54 Roof Panel Carrier this weekend! His instructions on the install made it easy and simple! FWIW if anyone is interested, there is a set including the well nuts, for sale now on fleabay $250.00 starting bid. Just wanted everyone to know how much I appreciated Ron's help!


Allan

Ryan427

Beautiful, congrats! Looks like your install went well. The V54 is a great option to have - welcome to the club





V54 on my 1980

rastafford3164

Thanks Ryan!

Dodosmike

Care to share a photo of the rear deck without the tops on it?
What remains of the bracketry on the car when the tops are installed?

Do you have the laminated or NON laminated tops? I hear one is very brittle. Id be scared to haul them very far. My luck I'd lose one "at speed".

dodosmike