T-top Straps

[Tom B.]

What's the deal on T-top straps? I don't have any. I've been looking for some and all I have found was one or two used ones for a 100 bucks or more. With all the T-tops out there you'd think they'd be around. Does everybody keep theirs locked up?

Also, to help fake me out, some dummy either didn't like the footman loops or was too lazy to put them back in. But I found the little mounting plates and a used set of loops and spacers. I don't think these things were optional.

Does anyone have suggestions before I shovel out some more money? Thanks in advance. Tom #24014

[Bill Baird]

Re: T-top Straps

Tom,

Those T-top straps are reasonably plentiful at the swap meets. I purchased my strap at a swap meet years ago, and it took me a little time to dig one up. As soon as I purchased a strap, they started turning up all over the place. To this day, boxes of T-top straps still catch my eye at the swap meets, and I see them fairly regularly. The only trouble you might have getting an appropriate strap will be if you have an odd interior color.

$100 seems high. I believe that I only paid about $15-$20 (1989-90 timeframe).

A lot of people don't bother to re-install the loops when they put in new carpet. I've also seen cases where people installed new carpet over the loops. If your carpet seems new, you might want to see if you can feel the loops underneath.

I don't believe the T-top hold down equipment was optional.

Bill Baird

[Bill Baird]

Re: T-top Straps

Tom,

Those T-top straps are reasonably plentiful at the swap meets. I purchased my strap at a swap meet years ago, and it took me a little time to dig one up. As soon as I purchased a strap, they started turning up all over the place. To this day, boxes of T-top straps still catch my eye at the swap meets, and I see them fairly regularly. The only trouble you might have getting an appropriate strap will be if you have an odd interior color.

$100 seems high. I believe that I only paid about $15-$20 (1989-90 timeframe).

A lot of people don't bother to re-install the loops when they put in new carpet. I've also seen cases where people installed new carpet over the loops. If your carpet seems new, you might want to see if you can feel the loops underneath.

I don't believe the T-top hold down equipment was optional.

Bill Baird

[Jack H.]

Re: T-top Straps

T-top straps ARE available I know where I can lay my hands on a bunch. Parts specialty guys charge big money because buckles on original straps have the Irving Airchute logo embossed and that's why the price 'kites'.

Finding an original doesn't mean you won't take condition deduction(s) for fade of fabric/color or quality of remaining chrome plating on strap buckles. If you've ever unstitched a strap or seat belt and gone out to have buckles restored (striped, pit smoothed out, and re-plated) and then re-install and re-stitch, you'll understand where the $100 price comes from -- might be a bargain depending on how you value your personal time....

Next, remember there are TWO versions of T-top straps (early/late). The early cars (through '70) used two separate straps to hold tops, one on the RH side of rear compartment, the other on the LH side. Late Sharks employed a 3-way strap to mount both tops at once.

Then, depends on when your car was built as far as what's factory 'correct' in terms of color. Plant was notorious for experiencing color shortages and often substituted black straps for interior color coordinated ones especially late in the MY run.

Good, that you say you found the doorman brackets AND the spacers. Most who re-carpet somehow manage to lose the spacers and getting these can be hard!

Last, yes there SHOULD be a jillion T-top straps out there, but prior owners were notorious for tossing 'em. Had to put 'em someplace when not in use. If mounted to doorman brackets, they'd rattle unless cinched down real good. Even if left in place and cinched properly, there was still the hassle of them getting in the way of luggage/packages placed in rear compartment on temporary basis. Then, when the issue of re-carpeting first emerged, the whole kit and kaboodle had a tendency to wind up in the trash....

[Jack H.]

Re: T-top Straps

T-top straps ARE available I know where I can lay my hands on a bunch. Parts specialty guys charge big money because buckles on original straps have the Irving Airchute logo embossed and that's why the price 'kites'.

Finding an original doesn't mean you won't take condition deduction(s) for fade of fabric/color or quality of remaining chrome plating on strap buckles. If you've ever unstitched a strap or seat belt and gone out to have buckles restored (striped, pit smoothed out, and re-plated) and then re-install and re-stitch, you'll understand where the $100 price comes from -- might be a bargain depending on how you value your personal time....

Next, remember there are TWO versions of T-top straps (early/late). The early cars (through '70) used two separate straps to hold tops, one on the RH side of rear compartment, the other on the LH side. Late Sharks employed a 3-way strap to mount both tops at once.

Then, depends on when your car was built as far as what's factory 'correct' in terms of color. Plant was notorious for experiencing color shortages and often substituted black straps for interior color coordinated ones especially late in the MY run.

Good, that you say you found the doorman brackets AND the spacers. Most who re-carpet somehow manage to lose the spacers and getting these can be hard!

Last, yes there SHOULD be a jillion T-top straps out there, but prior owners were notorious for tossing 'em. Had to put 'em someplace when not in use. If mounted to doorman brackets, they'd rattle unless cinched down real good. Even if left in place and cinched properly, there was still the hassle of them getting in the way of luggage/packages placed in rear compartment on temporary basis. Then, when the issue of re-carpeting first emerged, the whole kit and kaboodle had a tendency to wind up in the trash....

[Tom B.]

Thanks Jack , Bill

Thanks guys. It must just be me. Glad to know more are available. Seems I see everything I don't need, nothing I do. I'm still learning the all the ropes on my 68. Thanks again. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Thanks Jack , Bill

Thanks guys. It must just be me. Glad to know more are available. Seems I see everything I don't need, nothing I do. I'm still learning the all the ropes on my 68. Thanks again. Tom #24014