hardtop question

[Michael F.]

do a car that has a hardtop with it increase the value significantly?? thanks.

[Joe R.]

Re: hardtop question

Don't think I have ever heard that argument from a seller! Increase a few hundred dollars but nothing significant.

JR

[Warren S.]

Re: hardtop question

What about the value if it is a factory hardtop ONLY car???

[Joe M.]

Re: hardtop question

Save the hardtop and sell it for big bucks. Sell it with the car, tends to be negligble.

Used to be a biggie, now no need for one in the garage where most cars spend their time.

The early tops would go for a bout $150- 175. Nowadays the prices are 'stunning', so it would be reasonable for someone to want to recoup the satchel of money they spent restoring or buying a hardtop.

Lot of guys never use their hardtop so it would mean less to that part of the market.

I really like the lines of the early cars with a hardtop in place and it transforms the feel of the car in terms of light, visibility, sound and cold air drafts.

[Joe R.]

Re: hardtop question

What about the value if it is a factory hardtop ONLY car???

Gee Warren,

I would think a buyer would EXPECT a hardtop only car to come with a hardtop. Don't you!

JR

[Stuart F.]

Re: hardtop question

When I lived in Wisconsin and I used the car a lot in the early years, the hardtop stayed on from fall until spring. Then, when my car became a collector and I used it more for fun and frolic, the hardtop learned to hang from the garage ceiling enclosed in a zipped up protective bag. The only time it went back on the car was when we moved. Not using it over the last 20-30 years did not do it or the car any good. I suppose due to sagging body, body mounts and doors, it now doesn't fit too well as I have gaps at my side windows that weren't there before. So now all it is is a conversation piece - ya, I got one.

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: hardtop question

I purchased a nice hardtop for my 67 and never put it on the car, paid 500. for it and felt like that was $$ back in late eighties. I purchased all the mounting hardware and now I am glad I never drilled the holes in the decklid. Had it painted etc but would never consider selling it with the car for cheap$$$. I am also glad I bought a nice one because parts for them are $$$.

How much are nice hardtops selling for these days??

[Joe R.]

Re: hardtop question

Hardtops, Nice ones are selling for $1500.00 to $2000.00. Several "restorers" have found that you have to shim the body to make the hardtop fit after the restoration. (or drill new holes) Softtop is no problem since you make it fit the car.

JR

[Roy B.]

Re: hardtop question

The hard top for the 53-55 like my plasticon top can go for 2K to 4K if you can find one in great condition.
In the winter or cold nights it's great to have on , no win noise and warm if your heater works. It changes the look of the Corvette , I just love it.

[Timothy B.]

Re: hardtop question

If that's the price for a nice top I did good buying it for 500. I remember looking at the prices for new weatherstrips for the not so nice tops and that is why I decided to step up back then, the price of the weatherstrips made up for the additional $$$ for the nice top.

I watched a NOS horn button for a 63-64 sell on ebay last night for $$$$$. I wanted that horn button but I am looking closer at the repro!

[Bob B.]

Re: hardtop question

I agree with Roy about being warm and quiet on cold nights. I just put mine on for the cool weather.

[Roy B.]

Re: hardtop question

I agree with Roy about being warm and quiet on cold nights. I just put mine on for the cool weather.

I just cant stop looking at that beautiful Corvette, we come to Fl. Once a year and would love to see you and that great Corvette some day, it makes mine a just so so Corvette.