Which do you prefer and why? I've got the option to buy either one so I'm trying to figure it out.

 

t tops look nice from the outside in inside. hardtops don't leak

 

I prefer the smooth look of a hardtop better. Little stiffer. No sunburn.

 

I have

 

Wow, screwed that one up good, sorry guys. I have personally owned both t-top and hardtop cars, and I will always choose the t-tops when I can. Unless you are one of the lucky few to have a convertible, nothing beats a springtime cruise with the tops off. There are of course some downfalls, (slightly weaker body, and a few leaks) but to me the pros WAY out weigh the cons. A set of sub frame connectors (which you would put on anyway), and a fresh set of t-top weather stripping would solve almost any woes you might have. I vote t-top any day!

 

When buying a 17year or older 3rd gen car I would look for one that would give the fewest problems to start with. A Old T-Top car would NOT be my first choice...leaks, flex, rattles, rust and the expense of replacement parts. Just remember T-Tops may look good but the Hardtop is a better choice. Also, how many later model cars have that option????

 

if you live somewhere where it rains all the time and you dont have a grauge id say a hard top

otherwise the T tops are really nice and u can always adjust ur t tops most of the time a little adjustment fixes 90% of the leakage <--- is leakage a word?

 

I'm old so I couldn't live with a leak 10% of the time. Water equals rust, a soggy headliner, seats, and so on. Coupe all the way.

JamesC

 

I have two t-top cars(85T/A & 86 IROC) and a hardtop car (90 RS track car) None of them leak. The IROC will if you hit the corner where The A pillar t-top and window meet with a pressure washer. The hardtop car is definatelly stiffer, I'll give you that. As for rattles, you have to hunt them down. Subframe connectors are a must for t-top cars.

 

personally i prefer the look and feel t tops, nothing beats the feeling of a cool summer day with the tops off, but the hardtops are notoriously more reliable when i comes to leaks or stability. so the real question is what do you intend to do with the car, if you plan to race the thing, or have it an all year car, you should probably go with the hardtop, but for looks, comfort, as just a summer car or weekend warior the t tops can't be beat. if you really can't decide, look at the rest of the cars. whichever car has the best features, power windows and stuff, or has the cleaner body or engine, get that one