1967-2024 Chevrolet Camaro Restoration Parts

T-TOP IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

The History of 2nd Gen T-tops starts with Hurst and ends up with Fisher Body

NOTE: Camaro Models NEVER had Hurst T-tops, Only Pontiac Firebird Models

The 1976 Pontiac Limited Edition Trans Am could have been equipped with Hurst T-tops option. This was the first year of T-tops being available for a Firebird. Hurst T-tops were also available in 1977 and in early production 1978 for all Firebird and Trans Am models. These Hurst T-tops were installed at the Hurst Factory and not the Pontiac GM assembly line. In early 1978 the Fisher T-top replaced the the Hurst T-top. Both Hurst and Fisher T-tops are the only "Factory Original Style" T-tops. Several companies in the late 70's and early 80's would offer T-top conversions such as, American T-Top and Cars' and Concepts.

How to tell Hurst for Fisher T-tops??

These easiest way is to look at the size of the two tops. Hurst T-tops are smaller measuring approximately 30-1/4" long x 17 1/2" wide. The center of the roof has a 12" If you look at a car from 1976 - Early 1978 with T-tops and look at the center of the roof in between the tops, you will see about 12 inches or so of roof between them. The Fisher tops were larger, they were 33 1/2" long x 22 1/4" wide. If you look at a car from Late 1978 - 1981 with T-tops and look at the center of the roof in between the tops, you will see only about 4 inches or so of roof between them (See Below). The next difference is the latching mechanisms. Hurst T-tops had two latches that held it in place, one on either end of the top. Fisher T-tops had one latch in the center of the tops.


Hurst T-tops	Fisher T-tops

Hurst 1st and 2nd Design T-tops

Hurst T-tops were made in two different designs, 1st or 2nd Design. The 1st Design is the most common of the Hurst equipped T-top Trans Am models. The two designs are easy to tell apart. The 1st Design, the weather-stripping around the T-tops is used hold the headliner in place. The 2nd Design required a hard plastic trim to secure the headliner in place, similar to the Fisher Body style T-tops.


First Design	Second Design

Aftermarket T-top Conversions

Cars and Concepts and American T-tops were the 2 big aftermarket companies converting hardtops into T-tops. Cars and Concepts T-tops are very easy to spot as the T-tops actually touch each other in the middle of the roof. There is no gap in between the T-tops when installed. The American T-tops look very similar to Hurst T-tops, American Tops are just a bit wider by 2.5" or so. The American T-top panel measures 30.5" long and 19.75" deep. If you're looking for replacement parts for either the Cars and Concepts or American T-tops you are simply are out of luck. Both companies are no longer in business and no replacement parts are available.


American	Cars and Concepts