2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

2-69
1. When installing the panels on the roof, keep the
outboard edge of the panel raised about 3 inches
(8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard
edge of the panel under the center of the roof.
2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position
under the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge
of the panel into position, close the latch and lock
the T
-top.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly
at the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.

2-70 T-Top Sunshades
To install the T-top sunshades:
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver's side T
-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.
3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T
-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
stick the Velcro

buttons on the glass for a proper fit
every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first
remove the T
-top with the sunshade installed and
place it upside down on a table or bench. Take care
not to scratch the glass.

2-71
5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the
backing paper from the Velcro buttons. Push the
sunshade back into place, sticking the Velcro to
the glass.
6. Install the T
-top, close the latch and lock the
T
-top. Repeat the previous steps for the
passenger
-side sunshade.
You can store the sunshades two different ways:

When the T
-tops are in use, store the sunshades in
their storage area in the rear of the vehicle. Make
sure the cargo cover is in its closed, upright position.

When you have the T
-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T
-tops, in their
installed position.

2-72
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN.
3. Lower both of the sun visors.
NOTICE:
It is not recommended that you raise or lower the
top while the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
Don't lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.

2-73
NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0
F /
-18
C or
lower), or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will
cause the convertible top back glass to break.
4. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing on
the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down on the
larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook on the latch
that attaches into the hole at the windshield releases.

2-74
5. Make sure nothing or
anyone is on or around
the top. Push and hold
the down arrow on
the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
The switch is located on the console in front of the
gearshift lever. The top will automatically lower into
the storage area.Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three
-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the hatch area.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers and
middle section from the storage bag.

2-75
3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab
into the front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers
onto the vehicle.4. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
5. Close the hatch.

2-76 Removing Your Boot Cover
1. Open the hatch.
2. Remove the middle piece of the cover by pushing in
on the latch and lifting up on the cover.
3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.