OK, here's the deal......I just bought a brand new GM targa top (blue tint) from a guy that works for a GM dealer    only problem is, the top is for a 1989 and up (3rd design) and I have an early 1986, (1st design) . My question is, what can I do to be able to use this top on my car? I got it for a good price and I thought one of the many Corvette parts books I have sold a kit to convert. Somebody please help. I would hate to have to sell it but will if I have to. That way I can get one from Melrose like I should have in the 1st place. I now have 3, three, tops for my car....well, 2 that actually fit ....HELP!!! 

i have a problem similar to yours. when my car was in body shop, he had a white roof to that we painte along with the car. thought it was great to have a summer and winter roof. problem is the mounts were changed. also the frame was loose and before we knew the difference said that he would be able to glue it back into place. told me the stuff he uses it would never come apart. the roof was from an 85. so now i need a frame for a 90 to make this usable.

maybe you can get a frame frome a junk yard an see if a body shop can remount the roof to it.

i have the bronze tint and unfortunately money is a little tight right now. just going to try and find a frame by itself as cheap as i can.

do you have a painted top that will fit a early.....(cone type)  1986?    would you consider selling it?

I have a '91.  If you have to sell it, let me know.  I'm not far from you.

You can't make it fit unless you change the mounting trim piece on the top to get to the later configuration. Good luck finding one.  Problem is, then your other 2 tops won't fit.  

If it's brand new and perfect, I'd either post it up for sale on one of the many forums or call Melrose and see if they would make you some kind of deal (they would still probably still want some cash).  I'd stay away from Astro, their rep for quality is sinking faster than the sun at night.