Hard top dilemma

General topics.

Moderators: notoptoy, S Allen, Solex68

User avatar
bossbob
Site Supporter
Posts: 460
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2017 3:44 pm
Location: Central Coast
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Hard top dilemma

Post by bossbob »

What are your opinions on having a hard top, pro's and con's.

My car came with a hard top but no soft top.

I really don't see myself using the hard top and don't really want to store it.

So, I'm thinking of selling it unless you guys and gals have some good reasons to keep it.

Is there any value to them, what are they worth??????
68 Roadster 1600
70 Boss 302
65 K-Code Fastback
69 Mach 1 393 Stroker 5 spd
63.5 Galaxy Conv. 427 Dual Carb, 4 spd
72 Ranchero
65 GT Coupe
User avatar
Linda
Fraternal Den Mother-RIP
Posts: 7807
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 11:37 pm
Location: Los Angeles
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by Linda »

I could hardly give mine away. Sold it to someone in a harsher climate. You can ship it via Greyhound baggage, just tape up the windows.
Linda
Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.
greydog
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 1790
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:37 pm
Location: Vancouver, Washington
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by greydog »

If your top is in prime shape, with good seals and surfaces, you kight get $100, maybe more. If it needs any work tho, its probably yard art.
Dan
SPL311 aka Skooter. Sold. Now wasting away in the SF area.
1990 Nissan 300zx. Sold this one too.
2018 VW Tiguan
User avatar
bakerjf
Site Supporter
Posts: 1383
Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:48 pm

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by bakerjf »

Gave mine away.
J. Baker
Lafayette, CA
'69 2000 (Solex)
User avatar
fj20spl311
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 5008
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 3:54 pm
Location: San Diego, Ca

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by fj20spl311 »

I would keep it to protect the interior during storage.
With the list off cars you have.
I would love to have a 63.5 Galaxy Big block. My neighbor had a 406 fastback when I was in High School.
Phil
67.5 SRL311-00148 Blue (FJ cruiser VOODOO Blue)
67.5 SPL311 FJ20E teal SDS EFI
69 SRL311 SOLD
19 Raptor SCAB
User avatar
redroadster
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2399
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 10:58 am
Location: KCMO
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by redroadster »

I am thinking of turning mine into targa top a large center opening with a heavy canvas batten cover that slides back
Datsun dealer tech 76 to 87
Mitsubishi tech 9 yrs
Volvo, Kia, Toyota too
6 month - Rolls Royce
ASE MASTER TECH 96. - 11
70 SPL 86 Z31 T , Sportster
User avatar
theunz
Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
Posts: 2396
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 1:54 pm
Location: Catoosa Ok.
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by theunz »

The roadster was my daily driver for about 10 years and when the softop was no longer (probably after 6 or 7 years) serviceable I replaced it with a hardtop. The hardtop was far superior to the softop in as much as water intrusion, heat retention, and sound deadening. That being said, I was always elated to be able to remove it in the spring and enjoy the sounds and sensations that only a proper convertible can provide! Makes me wonder, no matter how stunning Alvin's car looks, how can he not want to go topless more often, especially considering where he lives! Anyway, the cons of the hardtop include storage, ease of install/removal (takes 2 people), and the fact that most hardtops will rub the paint on the rear deck. The installation/removal and storage difficulties can be alleviated by using a simple harness and pulley system. Of course also you can't just drop your top at the spur of the moment with a hardtop, so this along with the paint rubbing issue is why I have no intentions of using mine again.
Mike M

Old enough to know better, too old to remember why!


1969 2000 solex mine since 1972, under resurrection. (Finally resurrected as of spring 2019!)
1969 Porsche 911s -worth more, but not as valuable! Gone!
2017 Lotus Evora 400 - Oh my!!
User avatar
Mackn367
Site Supporter
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:38 pm
Location: Orange County, CA
Model: 1500/1600
Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
Contact:

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by Mackn367 »

bossbob wrote: Sun Jul 15, 2018 10:32 pm What are your opinions on having a hard top, pro's and con's.

My car came with a hard top but no soft top.

I really don't see myself using the hard top and don't really want to store it.

So, I'm thinking of selling it unless you guys and gals have some good reasons to keep it.

Is there any value to them, what are they worth??????
I know 99% of the members on here will say it isn't worth anything especially in areas like California (where I live), but honestly I bought a hard top for my low windshield 67.5 because I wanted the option and why not? Sure I won't use it THAT often but I still like the look better than the soft top I have. I say if you really don't want it then just post it on Craigslist/Let Go/Ebay/etc and give it time. I bought mine off there and I don't have any regrets. Also my brother-in-law is looking for one now too for his high windshield. But that's just my 2 cents ha. I know many will disagree with me but that's ok too. We all have our likes/dislikes :smt002
Nick
1967.5 Roadster 1600
VIN: SPL311-13038
Orange County, CA
User avatar
2mAn
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2208
Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2017 5:02 pm
Location: Inglewood, CA

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by 2mAn »

Ive had a similar dilemma, I got rid of my trashed soft top and have considered getting a hard top, but the storage space required makes it a deal breaker for me. If you have the space to mount it from the ceiling in your garage that might work, plus if you get fancy it could be a 1-man job
Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 Porsche 911 4/98-build, 3.8L M96
User avatar
spl310
Roadster Guru
Posts: 13213
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:38 pm
Location: In front of this keyboard... in Jacksonville, Florida!

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by spl310 »

2mAn wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:05 am Ive had a similar dilemma, I got rid of my trashed soft top and have considered getting a hard top, but the storage space required makes it a deal breaker for me. If you have the space to mount it from the ceiling in your garage that might work, plus if you get fancy it could be a 1-man job
A bicycle lift and some PVC, and you can make an easy storage solution.
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
User avatar
Mackn367
Site Supporter
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:38 pm
Location: Orange County, CA
Model: 1500/1600
Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
Contact:

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by Mackn367 »

Mackn367 wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:04 am
bossbob wrote: Sun Jul 15, 2018 10:32 pm What are your opinions on having a hard top, pro's and con's.

My car came with a hard top but no soft top.

I really don't see myself using the hard top and don't really want to store it.

So, I'm thinking of selling it unless you guys and gals have some good reasons to keep it.

Is there any value to them, what are they worth??????
I know 99% of the members on here will say it isn't worth anything especially in areas like California (where I live), but honestly I bought a hard top for my low windshield 67.5 because I wanted the option and why not? Sure I won't use it THAT often but I still like the look better than the soft top I have. I say if you really don't want it then just post it on Craigslist/Let Go/Ebay/etc and give it time. I bought mine off there and I don't have any regrets. Also my brother-in-law is looking for one now too for his high windshield. But that's just my 2 cents ha. I know many will disagree with me but that's ok too. We all have our likes/dislikes :smt002 ......... oh and I am able to remove/attach my hard top by myself and don't need another person. I've done it on both my low and high windshield 1600s. Sure it is not a piece of cake but can be done. Unclamp all attachments, sit in passenger seat, put hands up and lift and make sure it is balanced, then stand up slowly. To install is a little harder but still can be done... of course if you CAN get more people to help then absolutely do it bc of course it is much easier haha. But in a pinch it can be done with 1.
Nick
1967.5 Roadster 1600
VIN: SPL311-13038
Orange County, CA
User avatar
2mAn
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2208
Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2017 5:02 pm
Location: Inglewood, CA

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by 2mAn »

spl310 wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:10 am A bicycle lift and some PVC, and you can make an easy storage solution.
I hadnt thought it all the way through, but this was basically my thought as well... depending on how big my new garage is, I may be interested if OP does want to sell it.

Which model is it and how are all of the seals?
Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 Porsche 911 4/98-build, 3.8L M96
User avatar
RCMike
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2460
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:58 pm
Location: Pomona, CA

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by RCMike »

theunz wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:38 amMakes me wonder, no matter how stunning Alvin's car looks, how can he not want to go topless more often, especially considering where he lives!
#AlvinSucks
User avatar
sfdaugherty
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 928
Joined: Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:22 pm
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by sfdaugherty »

#AlvinSucks
. . . and the gauntlet has been thrown :lol:
69 2000 SRL311-10088 (Type 4 Solexes)
68 SR20DE SPL311-18735 (SR20DE S15 Autech)
68 2000 SRL311-01179 (Restoration underway)
68 1600 SPL311-20462 SOLD! After 41 years in the family
User avatar
notoptoy
Vendor-Site Supporter
Posts: 9677
Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:55 pm
Location: Winston-Salem, NC and Ocala, FL
Contact:

Re: Hard top dilemma

Post by notoptoy »

AS far as rubbing, I would put down some 3M paint protection film. I also can get the top on/off by myself, or at least I could the last time I took it off about 12 years ago. It is stored in my garage on the ceiling between the two roll up garage doors. It's not in the way, so I don't need to get rid of it. I think it is supported so it won't deform as has been reported when they are left lying around, but may never know!
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.

67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
Post Reply