I am looking at getting a new top for my 89 RS convertible; as you can see from the picture my top is trashed. I am assuming it is the OEM and as the car was from Texas the sun did it in. I don’t think This will ever be a “show’ car, before buying this car my sum total of mechanical experience was changing the brake pads on a 1994 Honda Accord hatch back .., yes, you can stop laughing it was grey. I have gone all in on this car, and while I may have broken more than I have fixed at this point, I have time on my side. This car is going to be a summer driver up here in NY and should not see snow or salt. I had a feeling this will be the last top this vehicle will see.
The question is pros and cons of glass vs. plastic – Money not being a huge issue.
Plastic

• It’s what the car came with (now I said it’s not going to be a show car but I may go to a local get together or two)
• It looks like a bigger window (As I am getting older …. Sigh it might be better to see stuff)
• It’s cheaper (who am I kidding it’s all about the money)

Does it fold and over time leave a mark?
Glass

• Well its glass, it will last longer
• No defroster (shouldn't really make any difference)
• You have to put the back seats down to take the top down (trained monkey could do that)

The problem is I don't have a strong opinion either way, am I missing something here?

 

That plastic one gets all dusty and scrached. When I get a new one I'm going glass. How often will you drive it with the top up? I never do that's why I got a convertible.

 

I am planning on driving it only June to September when it does not have rain in the forecast; I have a good commute and nice place to park it. That's the kind of input I am looking for dust and scratches. I would also guess the plastic will yellow over time, anyone have a guess as to how long with northeast sun and a garage?
So was the duct tape and original option?

 

you can tint the glass window

it looks cleaner, and less like an afterthought

I know the glass window is smaller, but in my dads car we didn't even notice a difference unless you turn around to back up.....

plus you can rain-x the glass, which helps here in FL

 

Thanks guys for the feedback, a couple things to think about.
I am thinking right now it will breakdown to plastic window with all the extras you need to get or glass window and I will get the other stuff later. I will be thinking about it. I will be picking it up after the holidays and will report back.
I know the eBay thing on the boards but I thought this was interesting;
Link - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-92...item2c597e26c3

If the liner was not torn ….. and earlier he was shipping it for $100, I might have taken it.