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Hard top dilemma
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2018 10:32 pm
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??????
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2018 10:55 pm
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
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2018 11:03 pm
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
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 12:29 am
by bakerjf
Gave mine away.
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 12:38 am
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.
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 7:24 am
by redroadster
I am thinking of turning mine into targa top a large center opening with a heavy canvas batten cover that slides back
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:38 am
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.
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:04 am
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
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:05 am
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
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:10 am
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.
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:11 am
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
......... 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.
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:52 am
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?
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 2:36 pm
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
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 3:01 pm
by sfdaugherty
#AlvinSucks
. . . and the gauntlet has been thrown
Re: Hard top dilemma
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:17 pm
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!