Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

So, it's now time to celebrate the Pacific Northwest Rain Festival (Jan 01-Dec 31) and I see a hardtop on eBay. I cannot get all the softtop snaps and things to match plus the front one on the passenger side got ripped-out during the car's ride from San Jose to Seattle.

I want the Roadster to be my daily driver, so I'm wondering how weather-tight the softtop can be vs getting a hardtop plus any other softtop and hardtop comments y'all have.

My druthers are to spend the money on a Gary Boone dizzy instead of the hardtop, but I'll make that decision after reading your comments.

Thanks.

Hard tops are okay but they tend to damage the rear deck where they rest. They are not 100% waterproof either. I think you will be fine with your soft top. Patch it up with some vinyl tape. I think your money would be better spent on a Gary Boone EI dizzy. That my spin on it.

Steve

I like my softtop far more than the hardtop. The soft top fits tall people better than the hard top, I don't fit under my hardtop with the miata seats. However I fit in a low windshield car fine with the stock seats.

Will

Another advantage of the soft top is that you can "remove" it if you're not at home during one of those "sun breaks".

Well, I rec'd about two dozen responses (here and the list).

Gordon and John live in my area, and definitely think the hardtop was drier, quieter, and warmer.

Everyone else, including two people just south of here in the Portland, OR area, said that a proper softtop is just as rain-tight; the hardtop will scratch/rub the paint on the rear deck, is a pain to store, has lower visibility, makes the roadster look ugly, etc, etc.

So, I'm emailing Gary to confirm the price of an EI Dizzy.

Thanks, everyone.