Fabled T-Top coupe!

[86 50CPRI]

I actually saw one in person today.It was my first,ever.Probably a '79 or 80...bad silver or grey paint..almost couldn't believe my eyes!

Pete

[FoxChassis]

I actually saw one in person today...Probably a '79 or 80...Close...the 21D (Roof "T") option wasn't avilable on regular production Fox Mustangs/Capris until '81. ;)

[evlgt85]

WHERE DID YOU SEE IT??????

I MUST SEE THIS!!! HELP ME ON MY QUEST!

I've heard there's one in one of the j/ys here. It wasn't that one, was it?

[RedFox82]

What? People don't see these things? I've seen a few... prob about 3 or 4 now.

[86 50CPRI]

No it wasn't in the junkyard,it was actually driving!It was at the light of the Greenway off ramp from I -17.I was crossing the freeway at Greenway and saw it...my head did about a 180* sweep as I drove by.

I also heard about one in the junkyard,was supposed to be a few months ago.

Pete

[evlrs84]

OMG....I must begin stalking procedures at once! :)

Gotta have me one of those babies. Gotta gotta gotta.

[Mike Gager]

http://members.cox.net/jgager/pics/MVC-562S.JPG


heres mine, its an 82 GLX original 5.0 4 speed car. originally silver and has black interior

i like the car but unfortunetly im probably gonna end up selling it

[capri_fandango]

let me know if your gonna sell it please
thanks

[Anonymous]

I would love to own that car.

[Hooptie]

I've seen a few around KC, but the are truly freaks of nature

[Anonymous]

I've seen a few around KC, but the are truly freaks of nature

I lived in the KC area most of my life and never saw one. I never even knew they existed until last year.

[Hooptie]

I've lived here for 20 years, and I've seen a couple, both were total POSs...in fact, I saw a beaner tooling around in one about three weeks ago. It was faded brown.

[gtluke]

i've only seen one and it was an 87 4cyl

[sleepercoupe]

Wow, that t-top notch is beautiful, I am looking for one myself, seems like everyone is here though! Anyone looking for a 1984 GT Turbo?

BLake

[GT350R]

Seems all the ones I have seen were 4cyl cars and all were pre 84. Wonder why that is......

I have seen 5-6 in person atleast. One was PERFECT! Little white one driven by a little old man.

Never saw an 84 or later one in person.

[81ttopcoupe]

Check my www link.
So how much would you guys be willing to pay for one, in well used/not running condition but rebuildable? I know where there is another.
Might even sell mine if some one offered the right price.

[Anonymous]

Check my www link.
So how much would you guys be willing to pay for one, in well used/not running condition but rebuildable? I know where there is another.
Might even sell mine if some one offered the right price.

What year model is the one you know of that isn't running and where is it located?

[81ttopcoupe]

81 or 82, in Texas.

[Anonymous]

81 or 82, in Texas.

Got pics or info? The more the better...

[Ghettostang]

81 or 82, in Texas.


...and we all know that Texas is such a small state :roll:

:D

[81ttopcoupe]

Basically its a shell with all the junk still attached. No pics, its not my car, I just know its location. OK, west Texas, thats about as specific as I am willing to get, and that's still bigger than a lot of states. If would be profitable to me, I could get more specific, otherwise I will wait until I am ready to buy it myself. ':twisted:'

[Anonymous]

Basically its a shell with all the junk still attached. No pics, its not my car, I just know its location. OK, west Texas, thats about as specific as I am willing to get, and that's still bigger than a lot of states. If would be profitable to me, I could get more specific, otherwise I will wait until I am ready to buy it myself. ':twisted:'

So basically you are just bragging that you know where one is. O...K... Thanks for the info.

[sleepercoupe]

well what are you thinking on price? I have some cash flow and would not mind picking one up. Im in Oklahoma City aka center of Oklahoma so I could pick it up. How far is the car gone? Total resto or ???......etc etc. let me know what you think.

Blake

[81ttopcoupe]

Basically it will need a complete restore with all new parts. If your looking to restore to original, I would say its not worth it, keep looking for a driver. Imaging a junk car setting behind a house. To zero you in a little closer, San Angelo, TX. I don't know the address, but I know the location.
I will try to check on it this next week-end, or have someone check on it if I can find someone willing.
So where are the hang outs and speed shops in OK city? I've been up there once and will probably be going back this summer visiting inlaws. You guys have been getting pounded by weather lately, wish we had some of your rain down here.

[sleepercoupe]

Speedshops!! haha there a a couple. Powerhouse Performance it's a little hole in the wall place with a dyno , RPM Racing but they pretty much are scandals, and a place called .....can't remember but they do awesome work and have some baddd stangs. Ill post later when i remember. Hang-outs, the local thing to do in the city is Route 66 on saturday night. There is the Oklahoma Mustang Club meeting the last sunday of every month. I go to those there are a few nice cars there. Hmm the coupe sounds interesting, I'm looking for a summer project... Let me know what you find out Thanks


Blake
Im in Oklahoma City too by the way.
Let me know when your coming up we can cruise or check out each others cars!

[sleepercoupe]

Those tornados were about 1 mile from my house!!! 8O I was going crazy....my cars were out there!!!

Blake

[81ttopcoupe]

I wont be bring my car up there, I haul the family in a 2000 Dodge Ram. To much junk to stuff in a Mustang with a family of 4.
Glad the bad stuff missed you. Glad yall made it through OK. My brother and sister-in made it through without any loss also.
Are you going to be available this weekend? email me your number and if I make it by to see the car I will give you a call from my cell.

Joey
jstanley2@austin.rr.com

[sleepercoupe]

My house number is shhh 7210909, Im Blake if my pops is here he loves to talk, his name is Aaron. Yea I dont think I have too much going on this weekend just work on fri 8-5 and sat 8-1 but other than that I will be working on my car! So sure call me up.

Blake

PS I have traveled a couple hours with four people in a hatch and it wa NOT fun.

[Mike Gager]

http://members.cox.net/gen-1/82lx/MVC-674S.JPG


heres another picture of my 82 5.0 T top coupe

[Anonymous]

Sweet car, Mike. Very sweet car...

[Mike Gager]

i need to get some better full on shots of the car

[81ttopcoupe]

I have location! San Angelo, TX. Corner of East 14th and Pecan. $250. Ask for Gilbert. 1983 3.8liter V-6 auto. Red inside and out. Power windows, drivers side is stuck down, (it doesn't rain much in San Angelo anyway). Needs both bumper covers, hood, and some other body work. Noticed dent in door, and behind t-top on drivers side. No obvious rust. Supposedly runs, heard it crank but it didn't start, may have just needed the carb primed as the owner stated. Interior is trashed as typical. Inspection expired in 2001, owner said it has been setting about 3 years, has owned for 10. Needs exhaust and horn per owner. If its still there in July I'm buying it, so get it before I get there because I really don't want another project!

[Merc]

I'm gonna try and go check it out this weekend. If nothing else I'll take my digital camera and get some pictures to post here.

[81ttopcoupe]

Hey Merc,
Are you in the San Angelo area? I grew up there but I'm in the Austin area now. Saw a few nice stangs there this weekend, several on car lots.

[Merc]

I'm not to far away. I'm in Abilene. That car sounds like it may be in my price range! I'm not a fan of T-Tops, but a T-Top coupe sounds interesting.

[81ttopcoupe]

They are different, they draw a lot of attention from the Mustang crowd cause most people don't even know the exsist. Replacing all the rubber runs about 1000. Not cheap, be sure it's something you want. Personally, I very seldom take mine out, but having the clear roof is really cool, plus not having a door bar around the window is real nice also.

[Merc]

Is there a difference between coupe and hatch t-top seals? Late Model Restoration supply has them for $230 for both sides.

http://secure.50resto.com/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=1218&Category_ID=361

[81ttopcoupe]

No difference, if you were really crazy about having a t-top coupe you could take the stuff out of any t-top car and stick it in any 79-93 pretty easy.
Also, there is a lot more to it than just those two peices.

[sleepercoupe]

hey its me thanks for callin, i am VERY interested in the car but dont want to go drive 9 hours for nothing. Not that your description is bad but you know everyone has there own things they like to look at when checkin a car out. MERC are you going to post some pictures man? That would be awesome. I hope you do thanks

Blake

[81ttopcoupe]

If your looking for something you can spend a couple of hundred on and have a cool car, this is not it. Like I said before, this car is basically a shell that needs all the junk stripped off. There is some work that would have to be done on the shell, but nothing major like panel replacement.
My car was only slightly better when I started, the only original part left is the body.

[sleepercoupe]

right, thats what i understand i have a complete driveline and interior for the car i just wanted to know the extent of the body damage if the roof dent is bad or the door dent or what. the front clip and hood i have. i might just have to go buy it. hmmm when though so far..... :(

thanks again

blake

[81ttopcoupe]

I know where your comin' from. The roof dent would probably be the biggest challenge, but I am no body man either. Didn't notice if the windsheild was good or not. Didn't notice the taillights either, I was mainly concerned with the main body structure. That certainly is a long way to go for a car sight unseen. Unfortunately my wife broke the digital camera and I can see reason to spend another 400 so I didn't have one to get pics.
Do you ever get up into Kansas by any chance? I know of some fenders for my 53 Cadillac there but its a looong way from here.

[Merc]

Sleeper, yeah I'm gonna go check it out. If I decide the car is not for me, I'll post pics.

81, It wouldn't be the first time I've tackled a project like this. I've redone a 1951 Ford F-1, F.H. V8 (Sat on a farm for 21 years), and a rebuilt a 1964 Mercury Comet Cyclone, 289 w/3 dueces (Sat on a farm for 19 years).

[81ttopcoupe]

Cool Merc. I had a 52 Ford F-1 I was in the process of redoing until a softball size hail storm rendered it scrapmetal. I chose it over a 64 Mercury Comet, which meet the same fate. Now if you tell me you've hot rodded a 2.3L Pinto I might get chill bumps.

[Merc]

Not so much a 2.3 Pinto, but I redid the 2.3 in my dads & my 83 Ranger 4x4. I used the head/intake/carb off of a 1980 Capri I parted out, bumped the compression, Badger 2.0l cam, etc. Really woke the little truck up.

[81ttopcoupe]

I built my 2.3 with an Erson cam, offy 4 barrel intake, Holley 390cfm 4 barell, and headman headers. Saw 130MPH in it once but was to scaired I was going to blow the engine 50 miles from anywhere to push it any further. Used to blow peoples minds seeing a 4barrel on a Pinto.

[sleepercoupe]

thanks merc ill be standing by. and yea im not much of a body man either. and kansas not so much really, where in kansas are they?i might go get em for yea and hold them till you come up here and you trade me some parts for going and getting them...

BLake

[81ttopcoupe]

The parts are in Great Bend, KS. Havn't looked to see where that is yet, Kansas was just to far away for me to really consider. What kind of parts do you need? I've got an 81LX front bumpercover and hood I need to get rid of. Lots of other little small stuff.

[sleepercoupe]

hmm i wouldnt mind having a clip and hood...maybe i could putem on a ttop coupe i heard about. :D other things im interested in are, black interior pieces, sunvisors rear coupe seat, package tray, 3rd brake light, any black stuff. 351W stuff...aluminum intakes, oilpans for foxbodys, and headers for foxbody. Carbs. edelbrock, holley etc etc.. let me know it would be a 10 hour drive for me there and back...but I like driving :D

Blake

would you mail me money or something so i could pay for them. plus i would need details like address and you would have to know that they arent sold yet too.

[81ttopcoupe]

It's not the whole clip, no fenders. I thought about putting them on the t-topcoupe. I think I would prefer an 85/86 GT front though. Dont' have anything in black, I remember seeing a black interior car somewhere but I can't remember now. No intakes, the oil pan was sold long ago, and I am still being cussed for the last set of headers I sold. I have the crossmember/arms/brakes, etc., out of the 81, you probably wouldn't need that though.
93GT wing or tail lights? Side window(not t-top), A/C evaporator for an 89(NIB), New Ford '89 A/C hose(condensor to evap), stock quad shocks and mounts, I know there is more junk out there but thats off the top of my head.
I sure hope someone buys the 83 before July, I already have a plan in my head, but I don't want another one.... 86GT front, my buddies 17" centerlines and coil over front suspension, a newer Mustang FI 3.8 V-6, , painted original red with a restored to original or later model red interior, (should be able to pick one of those up cheep, everyone wants black).

[sleepercoupe]

hmm i think im going to go get the car hopefully merc hasnt picked it up yet...the only thing that i would be interested in are the frontend and hood, let me know when you think of other stuff. i would deff go up for you no big. maybe if you paid for gas and hooked me up with the front and hood then i would go and just put them on a shelf and whenever you came up we could swap parts. do you think i could tow that coupe back on a two wheel dolly? or full car trailer.

BLake

[81ttopcoupe]

2 wheel doly should work fine.

[sleepercoupe]

so what do you want to do about caddy fenders? and can i have the coupes phone number? and location? i think i might head down in june. maybe i could go get the fenders next weekend or something and bring them down with me and stop buy and pick up the front and the hood and the gasmoney from ya? sound good?

[81ttopcoupe]

I am trying to get ahold of the guy again. Will let you know soon as I get a reply if its doable.

[sleepercoupe]

right on sounds good.

[sk83r005]

Alright here's the story. I was at the scrap yard searchin for some things for my 86 LX. The owner pointed me to the back of the yard. As i got back there i saw it. The t-top coupe. I asked him if he would sell it and he said yes. He said 500 because of it's good body condition. It didn't have a drivetrain though. I don't have them money because I'm sixteen and paying for my hatch. But my dad did and he snatched it up. Now it's our newest project which i hope to own and drive in a couple years. Future plans include a 351W, T5 tranny, and who knows what else. I'll definately post some pics when i get the chance.

[sk83r005]

I forgot to mention our new t-top coupe is a 1980

[FoxChassis]

An '80 sedan with T-roof? Interesting. The production model span for factory-available T-roof was '77-'78 and '81-'88.

Are you sure the sedan is an '80 model? The VIN is the proof. Is the T-roof factory-original or aftermarket? The Vehicle Certification Label is the proof (and if that information isn't available, there is NO way to truly verify if it OE or aftermarket).

[Anonymous]

An '80 sedan with T-roof? Interesting. The production model span for factory-available T-roof was '77-'78 and '81-'88.

Are you sure the sedan is an '80 model? The VIN is the proof. Is the T-roof factory-original or aftermarket? The Vehicle Certification Label is the proof (and if that information isn't available, there is NO way to truly verify if it OE or aftermarket).

I think your info is a bit off. T-Tops were offered in 1979 and 1980. I know a guy with a 79 5.0 Ghia hatchback with T-Tops that are from the factory...

[81ttopcoupe]

Definitely want to see some pics. I originally thought they were only built in 81. Your talking about the sedan, not hatch right?

[FoxChassis]

I think your info is a bit off. T-Tops were offered in 1979 and 1980. I know a guy with a 79 5.0 Ghia hatchback with T-Tops that are from the factory...

All of the information I have says different. The only T-roof-equipped Mustangs in '79 were the three actual Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars (the replica Pace Cars were all equipped with a sunroof). Regular Production Option 21D (Roof "T") was wasn't available for third generation Mustangs until '81.

If somebody has a '79 or '80 Mustang or Capri that had the hardtop roof converted to a T-roof by Cars and Concepts (the only company that officially did "factory" conversions for FoMoCo) BEFORE it was sent to the dealer (and BEFORE the dealer are the only units that are considered "factory") for retail sale , I'd like to see the proof. And the proof is on the VC Label.

A T-roof conversion done by a dealer or for a dealer by an aftermarket company and then sold by a dealer is not "factory". A conversion done by an aftermarket company after the vehicle was sold by a dealer is not "factory". Cars and Concepts were not then and are not now the only ones doing T-roof conversions. And even they did conversions for dealers and private owners. Again, the proof is on the VC Label.

I'll be happy to eat my words IF I'm wrong. But all information I have, have read, and have seen, says '81 was the first year (besides '77 and '78 ). I want verifiable proof such models exist. The VC Label is a great start.

[Merc]

Here are pics of the San Angelo car. Not hardly enough to even be a parts car, for me, but if ya'all can do something with it, good luck!

http://members.cox.net/scottconner4/TTop1.jpg

http://members.cox.net/scottconner4/TTop2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/scottconner4/TTop3.jpg

Also, if you want the full size pics, pm me your email, and I'll send them to you.

[81ttopcoupe]

Hey Merc,
That's it. No, it's not in very good condition. Do you think my description of the condition accurate? I didn't remeber the door being that bad but otherwise I think I gave a good description. Did you by any chance look under the car at the floor boards? I usually do but forgot. Did you talk to anyone while you were there? Just curious, if the guy thinks his car is on the internet he may raise his price.
What do you think Blake?
Ugly, but you said you had parts. I am not getting a response from the guy with the Caddy stuff so I guess we don't have to worry about that.

[Merc]

I would have, but it was 104 degrees. I was in shorts. too damn hot to be crawling under a car. On the way home, I thought, "I know someone is gonna ask about the floors."

I didn't go messing around too much also due to 1. No one was home. 2. My wife said no. :( Ah well, I'm actually looking for a Fairmont/Zephyr wagon, anyway.

[81ttopcoupe]

Fairmont, cool! I thought about one of those, I had a 63 Rambler wagon but sold it(worse shape than the mustang). I want a wagon something to haul my mountain bike, right now I am thinking Jeep Cherokee. My mustang trunk isn't big enough to fit my new bike and its to expensive to leave setting out in the weather on a bike rack while I am at work.
The thought of having my Mustangs features and performance in a wagon has always been an interesting thought.

[Anonymous]

I think your info is a bit off. T-Tops were offered in 1979 and 1980. I know a guy with a 79 5.0 Ghia hatchback with T-Tops that are from the factory...

All of the information I have says different. The only T-roof-equipped Mustangs in '79 were the three actual Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars (the replica Pace Cars were all equipped with a sunroof). Regular Production Option 21D (Roof "T") was wasn't available for third generation Mustangs until '81.

If somebody has a '79 or '80 Mustang or Capri that had the hardtop roof converted to a T-roof by Cars and Concepts (the only company that officially did "factory" conversions for FoMoCo) BEFORE it was sent to the dealer (and BEFORE the dealer are the only units that are considered "factory") for retail sale , I'd like to see the proof. And the proof is on the VC Label.

A T-roof conversion done by a dealer or for a dealer by an aftermarket company and then sold by a dealer is not "factory". A conversion done by an aftermarket company after the vehicle was sold by a dealer is not "factory". Cars and Concepts were not then and are not now the only ones doing T-roof conversions. And even they did conversions for dealers and private owners. Again, the proof is on the VC Label.

I'll be happy to eat my words IF I'm wrong. But all information I have, have read, and have seen, says '81 was the first year (besides '77 and '78 ). I want verifiable proof such models exist. The VC Label is a great start.

This is the best I can do so far:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2416964169&category=10076

Item description claims there are pics of T-Top cars within...

The 79 I know of is in MO so I MIGHT be able to catch up with it over Father's Day weekend (as I will be in the KC area then). Otherwise I am 800+ miles away from it at all times...