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Topic: Thompson Astro Top

in Forum: C3 Body

Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 4:51am Message 1 of 6
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Cypress, TX - USA
Joined: 8/28/2011
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 1981 Coupe
I am seriously thinking of buying the one piece Thompson Astro Top for my '81 and would like to know the thoughts of those that have one.
Thank you!



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Re: Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 7:54am Message 2 of 6
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Pittsburgh, PA - USA
Joined: 12/4/2002
Posts: 600
Vette(s): 1979 L-82, 3 spd auto, car was originally Lt. Beige currently painted Sportsman Red, Doeskin leather interior, 103,000 miles......
Id like to see one up close.
 
My thoughts on the one piece is how bulky it is. I know its light weight, but one piece as wide as the roof sounds like a storage nightmare.
 
Id also like to see how the acrylic looks after a few years of weather and car washes.....
 
 


|UPDATED|2/25/2012 7:54:38 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Re: Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 10:59am Message 3 of 6
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
I think Dan has pretty much nailed it. I had considered buying one a few years back and only heard negative remarks, air leaks included. I'm glad I didn't waste the  $.


Re: Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 11:34am Message 4 of 6
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Roanoke, VA - USA
Joined: 10/20/2011
Posts: 36
Vette(s): Former--1979 L-48 auto, dark blue, oyster cloth Current--1979 L-82
Don't do it. My 79 came with one and it's a pain to put on/take off. 8 screws, 6 of which you need a screwdriver for. Can take 10 minutes to install/remove and is a little clumsy. Plus there's no effective tint. The sun just comes right through and broils you and the interior.
 
Worse yet for me, the stock top didn't come with the car. I'd much rather have/use those, even if they're body color instead of the glass ones. I looked on ebay for replacements, but none was available. Mid America wants over 1K for glass 2 piece replacements, and I might break down and get them someday.



Whoever dies with Jesus in his heart wins.

  
Click for larger images: 12 or 3
 
1979 L-82, close-ratio 4 spd, 3:70 gears
Rebuilt to 300 HP
Holley double-pumper, Edelbrock intake, headers
Upgraded suspension, American Racing S200 wheels

Re: Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 5:27pm Message 5 of 6
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA
Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.
I know nothing about the one piece tops, but I do have a set of the standard "T" tops in the tinted acrylic. Had them about 4 years and so far am pretty happy with them. They are very lite compared to the glass and unbreakable which is good for us old guys that tend to drop stuff and have a hard time putting them in the back of our cars. They will scuff and scratch easy so ya gotta be careful cleaning and handling them. Traded some old broken aftermarket glass tops plus about $500 for them at Carlisle.


Re: Thompson Astro Top

Posted: 2/25/12 6:08pm Message 6 of 6
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Badin Lake, NC - USA
Joined: 4/21/2004
Posts: 101
Vette(s): 1979 Red L-48 Corvette with Doeskin interior, 3-speed automatic, 3.55 rear; 1986 L-98 Coupe, 4+3 Manual - Satin Black and Purple (SCCA TT/Hillclimb Car); 1993 White LT-1 Coupe, Black Interior, 6-speed
I guess I'll provide a different opinion. We love ours. I put it on in cold weather and enjoy the sun and nice view. In early spring, I put the original tops (fiberglass) back on - which usually are off while driving. I don't recommend the one piece top if you are going to take it on and off frequently. But it is a nice alternative to the expensive glass tops.


C3: 1979 Corvette Coupe, Auto, L-48, Red/Doeskin (my wife's fave);
C4s: 1986 C4 coupe (SCCA road race car), satin black, 4+3, Z51 package, L-98;  & 1993 C4 coupe, white, 6-speed, LT-1.

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