C3 T-top Storage

[Jim K.]

Trying to figure out the best way to store t-tops in this car and can't seem to understand the strap. I did finally figure out the rear window stowage place, pretty cool. Do the tops go in the bags, then in the well what does the metal clip of the strap do???

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Jim,

The strap system was altered during the '68 thru '72 years, not sure which you have?

[Kurt B.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

On my 68, the t-tops go inside the storage bag (one in each bag obviously) and then the tops are stored in the rear storage area one on each side up against the wheels well with a seperate strap over each top to keep it in place. This leaves a small area down the middle where you can put stuff but not much room as the tops take up much of it.
Kurt

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

The harness strap configuration varies over the C3 years. Early C3s have two straps, one for each T-top as Kurt describes. I believe later cars have a single strap for both tops. If you have the AIM for your car, the details on the T-top straps is in UPC 1, about page F30 or thereabouts depending on the year.

The ends of the straps have chrome or stainless "hooks" that clip over chrome-plated "loops" that are screwed to the floor, and above each wheel well. These chrome plated "loops" look like minature drawer pull handles, and are screwed down on top of the carpet to tapping plates riveted to the underbody using chrome-plated machine screws and little spacer bushings (elevates the loop above the carpet, and keeps the loop from compressing the carpet pad).

If you have an early C3, there should be two of these "loops" adjacent to each other in the center or the rear compartment floor, and one mounted similarly above each each wheel well. In early C3s, these loops are aligned with the axis of the car...I'm not sure that's true for later C3s. If your car has had the carpet replaced, the previous owner may (if you're lucky) have simply laid the carpet OVER the loops, and left them in place. If you're unlucky, they removed the loops to smooth out the floor and tossed them.

[Jim K.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Thanks Warren, Kurt and Chuck!
I should have said I have an early 70. I assume that the drivers side top goes on the drivers side. Also, do they lay flat or angled up on the outside on top of the wheel well? I have 2 straps that I can't tell where they tie to on the out bound end (I'll have to get a flashlight and look) and the inner floor mounted "loops" seem to be missing, but if I pull the carpet, I should be able to find the oringinal holes...

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Jim,

I've always stacked one on top of the other. Since I'm usually on the driver's side first, that one tends to go on the bottom, but that's just my routine.

Below is a picture of the back of my 72. Note where the strap is attached in the back. There is a chrome plated J-clip at the end of the strap (hidden in the picture but in that bundle of strap seen below the light) which goes over the top of the T-tops as they are lying in the back in their bags. This J-clip hooks into that clip on the bulkhead between the seats, towards the lower left of the picture. It keeps them in place as the strap assembly makes a "T" or "Y" shape over the tops.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Wow. That doesn't sound like a very nice design. It makes the 71/72 design sound quite good, in fact.

Patrick

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Evidently, all 70s have the two strap design, Terry...My late 70 (G30) doesn't have the bulkhead strap either, and has no evidence of ever having the loop on the bulkhead.

[Lyle24961]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

On original cars are the screws for the loop on top of the fenderwell going through the carpet? On most cars I have removed the carapet it has just been a slot in the carpet but it may have been replacement carpet.
Lyle

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

Unfortunately, Lyle, I can't confirm either attachment method for the sides, and I don't have my original carpet. The rear carpet was original, but the front carpet had been replaced. They say never throw anything away, but even with more experience, I might still make an exception for that carpet...it was too filthy and ratty to keep around.

The last edition of the 70 AIM (UPC 1, page F30) shows the penetrations as being individual existing holes in the carptet...the drawing uses the square with a diagonal line and bottom half darkened to indicate this. If the carpet was installed that way, it's possibly a line modification to speed installation by simply cutting between the holes with a knife. Threading those machine screws through that carpet and pad was probably a PITA under the time pressure of the assembly line.

[Lyle24961]

Re: C3 T-top Storage

I would vote for a slot after the carpet was instaled as their was spacers on the screws to raise the loop up.
Lyle