Keep or get rid of the vinyl top?

[Pete R]

I'm trying to figure out whether I should keep my vinyl top. Mine came with one and I replaced it when it was painted, but it's messed up in a couple places (overspray, single seam, cut too high on one spot.). I like the look from a distance, but would have to get it replaced when I get the car painted again, so what do you guys think?

BTW- I'm thinking of adding hood/trunk stripes when it gets repainted...

[Mr. CarelessAndImprudent]

I really like my top too, but if I ever got stripes, I think I'd take it off.

[originalJD]

Well, in my opinion, vinyl looks great on old muscle cars. But for some reason white vinyl has never really looked right to me. I think that with chrome trim and when done right, black vinyl looks really good. I feel that again, (when done right) it really gives a car some charactor because you just don't see alot of the old muscle cars with vinyl. Also I think it gives you that comfortable yet strong and solid built car feel. In my opinion, it really doesn't go well with the plain jane, or sleeper look. I think it looks better when there is plenty of detail in all the body crome, emblems, and lights. Interior and exterior. I'm glad this subject came up. I had never once thought about puting vinyl on my 69 Camaro but now it's definatly something to think about.

[Pete R]

I just saw a Chevelle yesterday with a black top so I understand what you mean. I really like the dark body / white stripe look plus I have a white (actually, its pearl parchment) interior and have already bought pearl parchment houndstooth replacement seat covers, so I would have to stick with a white top. The problem with adding a top afterwards is that you won't have the mount points for the bottom chrome. These are similar to the front/back mounts for the window trim. I actually saw a car a while ago that looked like the guy removed the top but kept the bottom chrome trim. Certainly different.
Like I said, I like the top but I'm disappointed in how it came out. To complicate things, I'd have to find someone who can redo the top as the original company (who I wouldn't use anyway) went out of business a while ago.

[VETTEpwrdZ28]

well, depends if your going for originality....i wont be putting a black top on my 69....i might be making it a pro-touring...and it wouldnt look right...you could get away with removing yours, you already have modern components...if you have airbags, and stuff like that it will look kinda funny with a vinyl top..imo

[bloomquist0]

i would say if you are gonna put the hood and deck stripes on, then no top. but if you dont want stripes then the top is okay.