T-tops or Convertible?

[Macgyver]

This may be a dumb question for those who have convertibles but Im curious as to which one is the better to have in terms of weather, security, reliability, and satisfaction. Which one is also easier to manage? Do the panels break much? Do they leak a lot on C-3s?

 

[jonstr]

This may be a dumb question for those who have convertibles but Im curious as to which one is the better to have in terms of weather, security, reliability, and satisfaction. Which one is also easier to manage? Do the panels break much? Do they leak a lot on C-3s?

As for weather and security - I would think that a coupe would be better. I have become convinced that all old (and many new) Corvette convertible's leak to some extent. On those rare occasions I get caught in the rain in my '63, I have to put a towel in my lap to catch the water.

Reliability? Not sure what you mean. There aren't many moving parts on the T-Top panels, but I've never had problems with the folding top mechanisms either.

Easier to manage? You always have to have someplace to put those T-Top panels that you take off, which means you often have to leave them at home. I've never figured out how to fit them behind the seats without scratching them, and I don't care for the rear-deck carriers. A soft top just folds down out of site any time, any place.

Satisfaction? In my humble opinion, riding in an open-top Corvette on a beautiful day is worth every any trade-off that I can think of. Given the choice between doing that with the T-Tops off or the convertible top down, I'll take a rag top any day.

Later,
Jonstr

 

[robert kirk]

a vert all the way. robert

 

[red70vette]

I tend to agree with the previous posters but would like to add that the T-Tops hold the heat better in the winter.

Also if you have an older T-Top like mine the rear window comes out and it is just like driving a convertible with a roll bar. The roll bar could come in handy if you were to roll it over.

There is less flex in a coupe and they generally cost less to acquire. At least that holds true here in the northern climates where converts are somewhat rare.

 

[resto75]

Convertibles are the way to go. Theres nothing like it. T-Tops are ok but they do leak a little but so does a vert.

My opinion is if you like a t- top go with that, they are less expensive to buy but are also worth about $2500.00 to $3000. less. However if a coupe and vert were equal in quality and price you better go for the vert because of the value over the coupe.

I think the T-top was much better then the one piece tops that c4 coupes have. That one piece top is a joke. Too big to handle, too big to store, need tools to take it off, can't put it on quickly.

As far as security goes forget it on either one. They steal cars with modern security systems without a problem.

 

[Thumper]

I have a coupe, but would trade it for a chrome bumpered drop top any day.

 

[Crickett]

Hrm, this is a tuff one. I kinda like my T-tops, but then it would be easier to just fold the top when I like....

 

[81kix]

I like T-tops only because I have them, but I'd say Convertible is the way to go.
Just replaced glass tops, because of a stress crack in drivers side.

 

[76corvette]

the t-tops for sure!!!.. It just gives an attitude because the car has such sharp looks... I have seen the convert stingrays but they look more less ... how would i put... muscle-car-ish... I am DEFINITLY not saying there are not MUSCLE-CAR-ISH converts but if your looking at stock go for the couple/t-tops!

 

[Flared69]

I personally prefer the look of the vert, but I think that it may have more leak problems (a risk im willing to take and fix )

The targa tops / hardtops look more muscular, but I'm a classic preference person I love them all, but the vert just tickles my fancy.

 

[gooney0]

Use?

Well... I have T-Tops. Which is better depends on how you use the car, and which look you prefer.

I bought a coupe because:

I live in Md, and its cold half the year.

A 72 has a removable rear window anyway...

I think coupe looks better than 'verts with the top up.

Convertable tops require more maintainence? (i think, but don't really know)

In hindsight ...

The t-tops take way too long to remove and replace. Its basicly a five minute job. If you are going on a short trip its hardly worth it. A rag top is easy to put down and up again.

When I bought mine 5 years ago I drove it everyday. Most days are no good for topless driving, so a hard top is better.

Now I drive the car only for fun, when the weather is nice.. so a convertable would be better.

When I lived in FL I really wished I had a 'vert. I could have dropped the top everyday in the winter, and every night in the summer. :-( (on the short trips)

I've never been a fan of the soft top look, but they look incredable with the top down!

-Gooney0

 

[SwaveDave]

I had a 1970 Convertible Vette and now i have a 1970 T Top ; i find the T Top vette offers a little more rigidity to the car due to the center bar that runs across the top . I believe this adds to the structural integrity of the Vette. As you may be aware...on 1968-1972 Vettes. the rear windown pops out real easy ...and once you have that out and the tops off...you get so much openness and airflow, thats its just like a convertible. Ive noticed that in cold weather..the T Tops will sometimes creak a little; ive tried adjusting them , etc..but i cant get rid of them . Anyway...from May thru Sept...i have them off all the time, so its not a problem.

In the winter, T Top vettes usually heat better and blocks out alot of the noise outside versus a rag top.

Having had both...id say i lean a little more toward the T Tops as they offer the best of both worlds.

Dave

 

[Scott Winebarger]

never had a rag top , but my brother has an 85 with removable top, and after watching him trying to put his top in during a quick little rainstorm we got in , i will take my T tops any day..

I think i would like a rag , only one way to find out......

 

[Macgyver]

HMmmmm...

I think Im leaning towards the T-Tops. Im a real fan of the look of a black C-3 w/ the T's off. The converts of the 81 are all just the one piece am I right? I def woulldnt get a rag top because it just seems too flimsy to me and I dont want anything to bother me about a car that Im gonna pour a lot of cash into and love forever. The one piece top just seems to hard to manage and store.

Can you store the Ttops in the back like you can a Camaro?

 

[SwaveDave]

Yes, you can store the tops in the back , with room to spare. Mid AMerica sells a nice lined Bag which stores them both so they dont get scratched .

AstroTops makes a one piece lexan see thru top which alot of guys have and like ; last time i tried it , i thought it needed some engineering improvements...but for the money it wasnt bad and it lets alot of light in and gives you another 2-3 inches of headroom. $329 . It will fit behind the seats, but its tight.

Dave

 

[44 Mag]

My vote goes with the convertible. Why, like everyone else, because that's what I have. Looked long and hard because that's what I wanted from the get/go. Nothing looks as good as a topless Vette in my opinion. I also have the hard top for my C4, so winter weather really isn't an issue. But in Texas, weather isn't really an issue for you either. Go with the Vert. It's just another step away from the crowd. :cool

 

[early shark]

That would be a somewhat difficult choice. I love the looks of the T-Top early cars, but also the converts w/hardtop on! I'm not a fan of the converts w/soft top up, however they do look awesome with no top on! Early cars for sure, meaning '68 thru '72 models!

 

[vmrod]

Convertible for me. (that's what I have) I do have a hard top though, just in case I plan on taking the car out to the movies, or somewhere that I cannot safeguard it. However, my corvette is my fun car, and I only want to drive it, when I can stay close by. (like at friend's house, or ice cream parlor...etc.)

 

[Macgyver]

Hey anyone have any pics of their Vert or TTop Vette w/ the tops on or off?

 

[44 Mag]

I would add, you seldom hear a convertible owner claim they wish they had a coupe, but on the other hand.....