Dilemma => Hard Top Keep or Sell?

[JRBOI]

I’m really struggling with what to do with the Hard Top that I have on my 68. We’re in the middle of restoring the rig and the Hard top that came with it is in decent shape but it will take some TLC and $ to get it restored. I’d likely spend the same about to get it cleaned-up and painted as I would to get a new soft top. I love the option of being able to have it for future use, and if space wasn’t an issue I would absolutely keep it. I’m certain we’ll be running around more with the top off than with it on and I doubt we’ll be driving it much in the winter. In any event, I’m certain a few of you have struggled with this before and I’d appreciate your insight? Have you ever regretted not keeping your top? As a point of reference it is not the original top that came on the right if that makes any difference. I'm in Boise so winters are long and cold.

Thoughts?

 

[Glass Pony]

No regrets getting rid of mine.
I'm sure your geographic location would have a lot to do with making a decision.

 

[Vin218]

I sold mine and put on a soft top. No regrets whatsoever, top is down 95% of the time I drive it.

 

[sprdv1]

You'll be alright w/out it... Just make sure that heater works good

 

[BRONCOchild]

I say keep it. Don't restore it for right now. Just store it away. And, when you decide to use it, boom...it's there.

 

[ransil]

sold 3 of them, storage sucked, moving them sucked.
Soft top or topless is the way to go.

 

[rjrobin2002]

I am a painter and it is as much work to paint a hard top as it is to paint the entire tub since you have to do both sides. I got rid of mine and it was restored and painted to match. I went soft top and did not like moving it. But strapping it to your garage or shop ceiling is easy enough.

 

[cldonley]

It's hot here! I've decided to keep mine and install A/C for those long trips across Texas on the interstate.

 

[chuckyb]

Keep it and hoist it up to the ceiling! Best of both worlds!

 

[JRBOI]

Interesting perspective RJ and confirms my hunch that it would take a fair amount work to restore. I'd have to think this thing would cost at least $1,500 to prep and paint?

 

[bronconut73]

Keep it and hoist it up to the ceiling! Best of both worlds!

I still have an extra top hanging from my garage ceiling.

Try to hang on to it

 

[73azbronco]

I had mine professionally repaired and painted, $1,900 out the door including a fairly thick layer of that roughish stuff used on say a jeep hardtop inside to add some insulation. It look marvelous.

But...

I'm still arguing in my head about keeping or selling myself... Hard to store, no room at my abode, tougher to install and remove than just about any top out there, and i think a soft top is the best option here where we get 361 days of sun.

 

[JRBOI]

Sold her boys, no looking back now................probably kick myself in the butt down the road but none the less it is gone!

 

[sanndmann3]

My top wasn't in great shape as the previous own let it get airborne. driving around without it being bolted down. Sold it off and put a soft top on... no regrets. tossed the doors as well.