1600 hardtop.. please help identify and estimate value

[silvergate]

Hello.. I have a hardtop that came with my 67.5 datsun 1600. It seems to have been made for a taller windshield model. I recently sold the datsun, but still have this hardtop because it didnt fit the car. Can someone please give me the details for this top? Manufacturer, years that it fits, and estimate of value. I'm going to place it up for sale. Thank you!
Here is a link to a public folder with images of the top: Google Drive - Datsun Hardtop

[fj20spl311]

That's an 68-70 hard top because it has 3 front mounts. Without a plate, its hard to ID the manufacturer as they were cloned by many "fly by night" shops.

It not fitting very well is pretty normal in hot areas as they can take a set.

In SoCal, they are pretty much a "Pay it forward" item. Usually not worth the shipping. The one I have was given to me, but I had to drive 100 miles each way to pick it up.

[Mackn367]

Hardtop is a difficult item to give an estimated value. I would say it is a pick up only item too. My friend actually bought mine for me and paid $150 for it. I'm not saying it is worth that - but maybe start around there and add "or best offer"?

[iloveredmeat]

I have a hardtop with the portholes and it was made by "DYNAPLASTICS". It has an oval logo with a coach and "RC" (Royal Coachman?), and "SO EL MONTE,CALIF"
But it doesn't look as well made as yours.

Dynaplastics Logo.jpg

And, I don't want to hijack this post, but this begs the question: Would an 'Alvin' hardtop also be considered a "pay-it-forward"? They seem like the nicest and most sought after tops. If they're not "pay-it-forward", what's the value of one that needs paint and weather stripping?

[datsun1500]

The manufacturer plate is on the inside by the bracket to the body (passenger side). I see it in your photos, just can’t make it out. That being said, they are pretty much a free "come get it" item.

[Alvin]

Hello.. I have a hardtop that came with my 67.5 datsun 1600. It seems to have been made for a taller windshield model. I recently sold the datsun, but still have this hardtop because it didnt fit the car. Can someone please give me the details for this top? Manufacturer, years that it fits, and estimate of value. I'm going to place it up for sale. Thank you!
Here is a link to a public folder with images of the top: Google Drive - Datsun Hardtop

It looks like a "Custom Hardtops" unit. Like Mark mentioned the tag inside will confirm. It's missing the header latches but overall looks to be great condition. I agree with others, start at $150.

And, I don't want to hijack this post, but this begs the question: Would an 'Alvin' hardtop also be considered a "pay-it-forward"? They seem like the nicest and most sought after tops. If they're not "pay-it-forward", what's the value of one that needs paint and weather stripping?

The "Thompson Fiberglass Products" top (mine) are most certainly a "pay-it-forward" item. NOT the nicest and hardly sought after. You are thinking of the Parish/Smoothline tops, or OEM. Those command $$$

Factory high windshield hardtop:

[iloveredmeat]

Hi Alvin... I'm pretty new here -- are you THE Alvin?! If so, I'm sure you can help. Yours is beautiful!

Below is a photo of the 'Alvin(?)' hard top I have. Obviously needs paint and weather stripping, (this old photo makes it look worse than it is)... it's totally intact, perfect glass, pretty good chrome, obviously well made, solid, and personally I think they look the best of all hardtops.

But, I'm struggling with the decision on whether to hang on to it or sell it to someone who would likely get more use out of it.
This is San Diego weather after all...

Is this truly an 'Alvin'? And could I potentially sell it and have some money to put toward something some consider more important... like brakes?

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and expertise.

hardtop.jpg

[datsun1500]

^^ That is a pretty standard aftermarket top, not the smooth line which is the $$ one

[Alvin]

Hi Alvin... I'm pretty new here -- are you THE Alvin?! If so, I'm sure you can help. Yours is beautiful!

Below is a photo of the 'Alvin(?)' hard top I have. Obviously needs paint and weather stripping, (this old photo makes it look worse than it is)... it's totally intact, perfect glass, pretty good chrome, obviously well made, solid, and personally I think they look the best of all hardtops.

But, I'm struggling with the decision on whether to hang on to it or sell it to someone who would likely get more use out of it.
This is San Diego weather after all...

Is this truly an 'Alvin'? And could I potentially sell it and have some money to put toward something some consider more important... like brakes?

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and expertise.

hardtop.jpg

That's the same top as mine! They are plentiful. Again, not desirable like Smoothline/OEM tops.
You could sell it for $150, or invest waaaaay more to re-finish it

[iloveredmeat]

Thanks Alvin... Yours is definitely the coolest one I've seen... that's what's inspiring me, but I'm sure it was a lot of work.

I'm not sure $150 moves the needle at all... so I'm still on the fence... I think of how cool it COULD look... but space and time are a premium.

Do you have a source for the weather stripping?

Thanks again I really appreciate it.

[Alvin]

Thanks Alvin... Yours is definitely the coolest one I've seen... that's what's inspiring me, but I'm sure it was a lot of work.

I'm not sure $150 moves the needle at all... so I'm still on the fence... I think of how cool it COULD look... but space and time are a premium.

Do you have a source for the weather stripping?

Thanks again I really appreciate it.

Weatherstripping part #'s are in this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7220&hilit=hardtop+alvin&start=90

You might need to get creative though. In the end, it's probably easier to just buy a new one from smoothline!

[iloveredmeat]

Buy a new one?...but where's the misery in that?!

Haha.

I will likely be selling this and just live with a soft top and a tonneau.

Thanks again.

[jhayden]

Peter,

I agree that Alvin's top is far more attractive than he is (modestly) indicating. If you have storage space anywhere, my recommendation would be to store it away until you have the means and time to restore it. The opportunity cost is only $150, and you can always sell it later if you choose.

The topics of low and high windshield hard tops through Smooth Line have been discussed on these pages, and "caveat emptor" applies:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26096&p=296121&hili ... ws#p296121

If I'm not mistaken, Smooth Line STILL has not returned Sid's hard top he loaned them to pattern.

Jon

[FergO2k]

I made something like this out of rope, pulleys, and bike rack hooks, but this "all in one" package looks more slick.
https://www.amazon.com/1003-Kayak-Hoist-RAD-Sportz/

Most of us don't realize how much unused space is in our garage... up there.

That top does not look "faux leather grained", so will turn out much nicer, though smooth glossy surfaces show indents and paint flaws a lot more. (that is why they grained them!)
I got weather stripping at local Hot Rod Swap meet vendor, just took some creative thinking.

[iloveredmeat]

Hey, thanks you guys... sadly, my garage overhead is taken up by too many surfboards and fishing equipment...

And.. I totally understand the idea of storing it until I'm ready. That's what I've been toiling with.

Oh, and if it can look half as good as that sorry-looking top Alvin has, I'll be an extremely happy guy. ha.

In all seriousness, it's less the fact that it's a well made top, and more the look of Alvin's that still has me pondering to keep it.

One bonus is that I can do most, if not all, the prep on this top with the help of my fix-it-guy neighbor who repairs boats and motorhomes. He is well versed (and equipped!) to do fiberglass repair and prep.

Now I just need to find a neighbor who can build me a second story to store more stuff in my garage.

Thanks again all, I'll keep you posted.