Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

[FEsTbird]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

Here in Coastal Northern California we really only have two seasons: rainy and not-rainy. The rainy season starts in early-November and lasts until late-March, early-April. There are sometimes several weeks in the "rainy" season where the sun is out most of the time. Although, I would like to switch tops more often, I usually do it about Thanksgiving (to hard top) and Easter (back to soft top), because of the expense of the protective tape. If the rains come early, I have to wait for a sunny week in the fall to dry the soft top well. With my electric hoist switching the hard top can be done by one person.

[RustyFrye]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I prefer seeing women driving around with their top off. Men, not so much.

[EllisonCal]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I have owned my Tbird for 5 years and never taken off the hardtop off because I have not had a place to store the hardtop at my condo. Now, I am perfectly happy to never take the top off because I have come to love that hardtop look. Any opinions to the contrary and any one else think the way I do that the hard top look is the best look for the Tbird!

I think I know what you mean regarding the lines of the car with the top on, or up, in my case.

My car came with a tan top and light sand interior and it actually looks better with the top up than with the top down.

But! There is no better feeling, no better sound effect, than driving along with the top down. Convertibility is one of those rare pleasures that sedan owners just never get to enjoy.

Cal

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I have owned my Tbird for 5 years and never taken off the hardtop off Then don't do it even for a day, or you will be hooked! because I have not had a place to store the hardtop at my condo. A corner of the living room will do just fine and make a nice conversation piece! Now, I am perfectly happy to never take the top off see, ignorance IS bliss because I have come to love that hardtop look. Any opinions to the contrary and any one else think the way I do that the hard top look is the best look for the Tbird!

[BJHEN]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

It is spring time in South Texas. I know that is true because the weeds where my yard use to be are turning green. High temp yesterday was 81F.

Top is coming off this week and will stay off until Nov./Dec.

Cliff

[islandtime]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

Clearly this is the best solution in my opinion. Two Thunderbirds is the way to go. Now all I need is to save up enough money for a second one.
Hardtop Convertible

Exactly. I always have one on, one off. Currently mine are the reverse of the photo below, but I'll be switching them before the Dearborn event.

[blue731]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I came home with the top on... took it off... never been back on since. I bought a convertible, top down, wind in my face. If I were going to buy a car and convertible was not an option, I think the new Challenger R/T is the HOTTEST design on the market today. But... it doesn't touch the Tbird.. unless of course, they come out with a ragtop... then i'm in deep doo doo

[RedbirdFran]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

On a good day it great with the top down
Take the top off and give it a try
You will never know unless You try it

[00mustng]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

....seems like a shame not to utilize/enjoy both options....like owning two different cars....

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

Challenger R/T is the HOTTEST design on the market today. But... it doesn't touch the Tbird.. unless of course, they come out with a ragtop... then i'm in deep doo doo

560 HP Dodge Challenger Convertible

Dodge Challenger Convertible video

[Ediron]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I own a condo in S.Florida and almost had the same problem .... were to store a top so I bought one with out a top , problem solved.

[blue731]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

560 HP Dodge Challenger Convertible

Dodge Challenger Convertible video

An extra $16 grand for the conversion... that's nearly what I paid for the Tbird. I think I'm safe...

Thanks for the link though... sweeeet!

[billm]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

I bought the manual hoist, and with the overhead door, had to mount it so the hoist is further to the back wall of the garage, therefore, the T-bird has to be backed into the garage to remove or replace the hardtop. I find it fairly easy to connect the top to the hoist and guide it up and away from the car. I still have fears of it dropping onto the bird in the process though! Like others, it will come off this week, now that it is spring, and will remain off until late fall.
Do spend a few bucks, as I did , and get the (chrome) stainless steel trim pieces to place around the painted area underneath the top. It protects the paint, fits tighter, so less rattling or creaking, and looks nicer too, I think.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

As I don't really drive my Thunderbirds daily I generally leave the tops on my cars most of the time. When I do take one of the tops off, I end up having to store it in our guest bedroom as their really isn't much excess room in our 2 car garage.

[BADOS]

Re: Top on or Top off--You be the Judge

In my opinion, there is nothing like open air driving.