C3 Tee Tops

[Dellb]

Hi All
When I use my beast in the fine weather, the Tee Tops sit in the back taking up lots of room. I have seen a thread from Ecklers that offers a canvas top that replaces the Tee Tops for a dry “Get You Home” system that does not take up a lot of room when stowed. Has anybody got experience of this system, it looks great for the summer months.

Dellb

 

[Nassau65]

Yes, I’ve know people stateside who use it. Never heard that it was no good, and worked fine in our Florida downpours.

 

[Nick B]

I like the sound of this.

 

[antijam]

Another option.......



.....perhaps a little more expensive?

 

[Nassau65]

I personally never found the T-Top’s a problem placed behind the seats when taken off.

 

[Chuffer]

I personally never found the T-Top’s a problem placed behind the seats when taken off.

Me neither , enough room for T Tops in their bags , two picnic chairs , a cool bag full of goodies plus three changes of clothes for `er indoors in the case the weather changes . Not to mention the essential fire extinguisher that always resides behing drivers seat and a bag containing an electric tyre pump and a can of foam that I never travel without in the C3 .

 

[Dellb]

Thanks for that guys.
My T Tops are glass and are a bit bulky when in their covers. I also like to keep the battery compartment (with its quick release terminal connection) clear and also access to the fire extinguisher. I just wondered if anybody had seen these. I have to admit, I am not keen on sticking Velcro to my nice shiny chrome.

 

[Nassau65]

They are indeed a bulky item when removed, and of course they have to be carried with the car in case of a downpour. A rear luggage rack on 1968-77 cars can carry the tops, and a factory hold kit was/is available. They do fit on rather well if fitted correctly although I would fit additional straps for safe keeping. Never actually used the rear rack for this purpose travelling, but have fitted tops onto it to see how it does the job.
of course on 1978 and upwards to 82, with the large rear screen that’s not possible. I think however there was a factory option for some sort of rear carrier, I’ve seen cars with such fixing points on the body.

 

[Nassau65]

Here’s both versions

 

[Vetman]

I take the tops off come summer and try to keep them off for as long as possible. I like to keep the T-tops with me for security should I leave the car unattended somewhere. I have the original individual storage bags which seem to have shrunk a little. I also have a soft suitcase sold for C3 roof panels. This is handy for carrying the tops off the car and to protect them but does block easy access to the storage and battery bins. When you lift the two tops together you realise how heavy they are. I also have the black cloth temporary one-piece folding top. This is good for rain protection if you are parked but not suitable for driving as is. Also not much security value but better than nothing. I believe there is a driveable version but a bit pricey if still available. I have a luggage rack so could install the rear carrying brackets but unlikely to use this method. I have considered a hard suitcase/roof box mounted on the rack for touring which would allow the tops to stay behind the seats.
‘Ramble on’ Led Zeppelin.

 

[Nassau65]

I think storage or rather lack of it has always been a problem for mid year corvettes and C3’s, that’s why rear luggage racks were fitted. They were even fitted to Mid year convertibles as when the top is up, fine you’ve got some space. Once you lower the top that space is gone.
why they ever did away with the trunk on mid year convertibles god only knows. After all it was there on 1961 &. 62 corvettes that had basically the same rear end.
Personally I’ve never liked luggage racks on mid year convertibles, but love them on all C3’s

 

[Nassau65]

This is bloody horrible. I’ve never seen one on a coupe until I saw this just now.

 

[Vetman]

And that is probably the most flattering camera angle!

 

[Vetman]

We should have this soft top option from a Lotus Elise.

 

[Mad4slalom]

This is bloody horrible. I’ve never seen one on a coupe until I saw this just now.

View attachment 16655

Ye Gods!!

 

[Nassau65]

This ones practical I suppose, doesn’t appeal to me, but I’ve seen a lot fitted over the years.
Spoken to owners with it on, and they absolutely love it.
Just doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid.