We've been waiting too long for Chevy to offer a T-Top Camaro. Over a year ago on the Long Term blog, Oldham posted a photo rendering with the simple question, "Where are my T-Tops?"
And while there's still no factory option, Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders LLC is offering a T-Top kit. The company uses its long history-- relative to the lifetime of the car-- building Camaro convertibles and utilzes the company's exclusive convertible undercarriage reinforcement ensuring that the things you want to stay straight, stay straight. Drop Top Customs estimates that most of the T-Top Camaros they sell will be supercharged, and even with the power upgrade, flex isn't an issue.
The kit will debut at SEMA, and be on sale in November. We want it now.
stress83 says:
06:45 AM, 10/21/10
Not a fan. It doesn't flow like the third and fourth generations. Rather, it looks like the tacked-on second gen t-tops.
People will buy them, though. I prefer the reverse mohawk on the fifth gen, but altogether, the new Camaro is already visually outdated, IMO.
e90_m3 says:
06:58 AM, 10/21/10
I genuinely wonder how much torsional rigidity (not to mention crash worthiness) is lost in the conversion. Would a custom shop have the same advanced finite element capability as major auto manufacturers?
:shudder:
06scooby says:
07:15 AM, 10/21/10
That is awesome!!! Bummed that they aren't glass panels though... and the transition at above the B-pillar is a little awkward with the top off.
mrryte says:
07:20 AM, 10/21/10
e90_m3 says:
"I genuinely wonder how much torsional rigidity (not to mention crash worthiness) is lost in the conversion. Would a custom shop have the same advanced finite element capability as major auto manufacturers?"
I doubt that anyone looking to buy this t-top kit is too concerned about rigidity or crash-worthiness..... ;-)
Looks nice; but I wouldn't get one since I don't trust aftermarket roof alterations. Inevitably there's gonna be a leak.
lostboyz says:
08:21 AM, 10/21/10
does it also come with a mullet?
Also where have all the targa tops gone? Thats what I really liked
felonious says:
08:25 AM, 10/21/10
Pass.
oldno7 says:
09:22 AM, 10/21/10
They aren't glass? Pass. T-Tops need to be glass or it isn't worth doing.
That guy in the picture looks so much like your typical Camaro owner it isn't even funny. Ok, maybe it is funny.
ed124c says:
09:33 AM, 10/21/10
For $6,500 those panels should slide back over the roof.
@06scooby: I agree
@lostboyz: I would think a targa roof would worsen rigigidity even more than the t-top.
cruiserhead1 says:
09:52 AM, 10/21/10
Looks like a clean install.
Edmunds should put the LT Camaro under the knife and report on the t-top's over the year.
I'm sure it would help relieve that "gun turret" feeling.
06scooby says:
11:00 AM, 10/21/10
@ ed124c: Since those are frameless doors anyways, that would look better if the T-Top should have extended that extra inch to the B-Pillar.
must be a roof brace in the way or something that prevented them going that extra inch.
audisport says:
11:19 AM, 10/21/10
Looks bad... And will, for sure, leak....
albook says:
02:40 PM, 10/21/10
GM please build a limited edition model. Otherwise, Mustang sales are going to recover. You guys need something to keep the hype going.
albook says:
02:40 PM, 10/21/10
GM please build a limited edition model. Otherwise, Mustang sales are going to recover. You guys need something to keep the hype going.
actualsize says:
02:49 PM, 10/21/10
Major Fail. All of the torsional rigidity in a roof comes from those outer rails they sliced into thirds. Also, this company has just opened themselves up to huuuuge product liability claims. Why? Not only is the roof weaker, there were also side curtain airbags along those upper door openings (ask me how I know). So, not only are they charging you $6,500, they're removing and presumably reselling those side curtain airbags modules for a pretty penny, to boot.
It's a horrible deal for the car owner on many levels. And ugly. I can only imagine the rattles and the leaks a couple of years down the road.
agnh says:
02:56 PM, 10/21/10
I'm more interested in the convertible Challengers in the backround!
mustangpurist says:
04:52 PM, 10/21/10
Sometimes you gotta let your mullet fly in the wind.
slickersdrip says:
05:35 PM, 10/21/10
That's pretty awful. And I've owned two Camaros.
Though with my LS1/6M I went out of my way to have one with the slick top. One of the two major reasons I sold my first Camaro was the T-tops. I hate those things.
adam_xj220 says:
06:22 PM, 10/21/10
e90_m3 says:
"I genuinely wonder how much torsional rigidity (not to mention crash worthiness) is lost in the conversion. Would a custom shop have the same advanced finite element capability as major auto manufacturers?"
Ha ha very funny. Instead of using FEM they would use FMEM (Finite Mullet Element Method)
ten3 says:
07:31 PM, 10/21/10
No it is not obvious that you work at GM!...REALLY!
iceddew says:
04:32 AM, 10/25/10
I've owned several 2nd gen. cars and now own a 4th gen. T-Top ponycar. No I'm far from having a mullet, but I do love the t-top! The 4th gen. is done very well with no leaks from a FL rain! Many people do enjoy a top-less feeling, yet want the security from a T-bar. I think this Camaro would look better if they offered glass tops.
lt1boy says:
02:34 PM, 11/ 2/10
Do they fit in the trunk?
nicpearcenrs1 says:
02:59 AM, 03/ 8/11
I'm more interested in the convertible Challengers in the backround!
...............
Nic
cheap chevys
choppergauges says:
09:06 AM, 11/ 8/11
For all the brilliant people complaining abou the structural integrity, please be reminded that the frame was designed for it to be a CONVERTIBLE. So therefore if the CONVERTIBLE is safe it follows that the T-Top version would be safe.
One thing about negative people, they never run out of things to complain about.