Which to build, a hardtop or ttop

[projectmoneypit]

I have a 84 t type hardtop and a 87 gn t top. The hardtop is straight and solid, the t top has bad rust in the ttop area but solid otherwise. As far as resale and desirability which would be a better build. Between the two i can make a nice daily driver. Both cars are somewhat complete. I will be taking the best parts between the two to build one. Either way they will have the 86-87 engine. What are your thoughts.

 

[1quick6]

I'm not a fan of t-tops on these cars. I am not sure I've owned or ridden in one that didn't have a rattle or two. If it were me, I'd take the hard top and do something with it. It doesn't sound like you are looking to have a show-worthy restoration car, so put the 86/87 drivetrain in the more solid of the two cars and have at it. I'd just make it the car YOU want and don't worry about resale or desirability.

Just my opinion.

 

[projectmoneypit]

Thanks, Yeah it wont be a show car as i have another 87 h/t gn for that. This will be just a driver but will sell someday. Just dont know what people would think of a hot air hardtop with the 87 d/t vs a 87 gn ttop

 

[Red C5]

As far as resale and desirability which would be a better build.

Because of this, I would say the 87 will always bring more money so do that.

 

[Fachie Motion]

Because of this, I would say the 87 will always bring more money so do that.

I agree that if you are looking to get the best return on your money spent you have to do the 87. Provided you don't have to dump in too much money to get it to the level of the 84 body wise. Good luck.

 

[TARZAN]

Hard top, hands down.

-Will

 

[1984 t-type]

I had a Monte SS the other summer with t tops and it had a leak in the top so I attempted to replace the seals and that's when I noticed the rust, so I attempted to try and fix that. OPENED A CAN OF WORMS ! Stick with the hard top, the only good things that came out of my situation is now I know to stay away from t top cars and now I have a turbo regal

 

[K Beauchamp]

Combine the two. Cut the hard top off and put it on the T-top car. Not too hard for a qualified shop. Been there done that.

 

[jasjamz]

The t top car will bring more cash when sold and if you plan to use it as a daily driver the insurance value will be higher if something happens.

 

[Anarchy]

i would go with the hard top. just cuz the fact of the T top losses structural integrity after the years. i have learned that the warp. i dont know how true this is but thats what i heard. thats why i got a hard top.

 

[1quick6]

The only bad thing about building the 84, aside from the insurance valuation, is that you will always have to say the following when asked about it.

"What year is your GN?"

"It's an 84 BUT it has a 1987 drivetrain, turbo, exhaust and everything else."

People don't seem to hear the last part...

It's kind of like when you have a T at a car show and you get asked if it is a GN. You have to explain that it is the same car but lacks the appearance package .. blah blah blah. No one seems to care.

 

[Anarchy]

so am i going to have this same issue with my 85. im dropping in a 87 motor.( cuz hot air is trash) is this going to be a issue as well.

 

[projectmoneypit]

Combine the two. Cut the hard top off and put it on the T-top car. Not too hard for a qualified shop. Been there done that.

I actually thought about doing this, but then the question is when going to sell it and a typical gn guys sees the rpo code for a ttop will he assume i did a rebody (swapped vins). And would that create a problem for me if he tries to report that to the authorities. How much of a rebody can you actually do with it where it wont be considered a vin swap?

 

[Grumpy]

I believe he was saying was to cut the hardtop roof an use it on the t roof car.. not a big deal

 

[coach]

I am fortunate that my T-top car only has 22k on it. Everytime I spray it off, I have my better-half sit in the seat and see if it leaks. NOPE, NOT A DROP.
I absolutely love getting in it on a nice Saturday morning and heading for Lake Erie and cruising around. I just did a nice stereo system in it, and I have t-top shades for when I dont want the sun inside. If I am building a driver...to cruise...and enjoy...in nice weather...seems kind of a no-brainer. My car has plenty of power also. Trans brake, low 11 capable, A/C, stop me when I get to something that no one would want in a nice street car.

If your gonna do the hardtop, then custom it to your liking. Do a custom interior, lots of dress-up, nice wheels, etc. Dont stay with factory items as the value just isnt there at sale time. Personalize it to your liking.

Just my thoughts.
Coach:biggrin:

 

[turboc87gn]

I wouldnt worry about swapping roofs if you decide to go that route if you are selling it then advertise it that way so it dosent seem like you have anything to hide and you dont have to worry about someone tryin to report you or whatever....Me personally i love t tops i spent 5 years looking for a reasonably priced t top shell to make a v8 turbo car with...I started with a plain t top regal which i ended up junking cause it was waaay too rusty and i ended up buying an 87 limited with t tops..I wish my gn was the t top car and the limited was a solid roof but you cant have everything lol!!!!

 

[projectmoneypit]

Thanks for all the input, i have alot of different option to consider. Thanks again.

 

[BIGPSI]

i love my ttop car! it does have a few downsides tho rattles a little. if your going to race ttop cars 60ft like mad

 

[TheGovernment]

I like T-top cars myself. I have had both and like the Ttop better. Mine doesnt leak but it wouldn't matter if it did, as I don't drive it in the rain anyways.

 

[HUMBLE-U2]

build the 84 t type you can build a sick fast car with that platform.w/the 87gn address the any rust on 87gn worth far more than the 84 t and have the best of both worlds!