Vinyl or Not?

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I like the looks of them and I get alot of comments at car shows since not too many are around compared to coupes without them.

[Jonesy]

My 67 came with one originally and it will be put back on it when I restore it. Nantucket Blue, Black top, White stripes orignally. Kind of wish the stripes and top were the same color.

[lakeholme]

Thanks for the pictures!  And the votes!  More opinions...?

[Charley]

Here is my green L89 with a green vinyl top...

[lakeholme]

Vote...
Offer us an opinion and/or a picture...

[jmcbeth]

I agree with the view that if the car came with a vinyl roof, restore it with the vinyl roof. Mine (a '69 Z/28 RS Garnet Red with black stripes) has vinyl and I love it. It is also true that mine will never see rain, so I'm not worried about rust.

[baldeaglemtnman]

If any car is still fairly original, especially with paperwork/documentation, I think it's a shame to change it. When I go to a show and see a car with the typical "crowd pleaser" color and trim combinations, I can't help but feel a little less excited when I see that it's been changed----even though it looks beautiful (can't splain it Lucy).  On certain cars, vinyl looks awesome---original or not.  Contast is best---light on dark or dark on light.  The reason most of us own these cars is for the pleasure they give us. That being said....at the end of the day, will YOU be happier knowing your car is now as it left the factory or by the way it looks now?  It's your car and only you know the answer to that question. Your black on Butternut 68 is a winner. I would keep the top.   

[lakeholme]

Thanks, Steve.  Actually, I've just completed the history of my car.  My trim tag says "YY", but the original owner drove it off the lot with a vinyl top --original dealer installed.  You make a good point about contrast.  In fact, the original owner had the top installed because it really set off a butternut yellow car. So, I'm keeping the vinyl and carrying my documentation to shows.
Let's hear from the rest of you... Post pictures and vote!

[Kramer79]

I get the originality argument, but Vinyl is out...I like my cars metal - not with a fake convertible look to them! Your pictures do look great, and I don't adivise ripping them off but if you are doing a resto get out the sander and show some metal and paint!

[lakeholme]

Out?!?  Well, yes, for about 30 years...
But fake convertible?  In 68, vinyl tops outsold convertibles 3 to 1, and by 69 5 to 1.  Convertibles were on their way out!  Makes them rare and worth something today.
Don't get me wrong, I love convertibles.  I've owned three.  And yes, the right color of paint... the more the better.
Thanks for posting!  Anybody else?
About ready to put this one to sleep for a while...

[ggtsvnv]

  Back in the day I hated them, but I was into hotrodding them at that time. Now as time has gone on I have gotten sick of seeing all the aftermarket chrome, intakes, carbs, wheels, seats, paint and other stuff people do to them. I like them to look the way they came from the factory which is why my butternut yellow 67 RS will have the black vinyl top it came with. The 327 will we solid chevy orange and the rest of the car will be as stock as I can make it.

[lcmc]

If it came with one originally I would definitely put one back on when restoring. My original car shows no signs of rust and has original vinyl.

[lakeholme]

Danny,

Could you post a picture of your original white vinyl top?  What sort of shape is it in overall? How has it bee taken care of over the years?

[lcmc]

Overall it is in pretty good shape. It show signs of it's age. A little dryed out. Has one small tear near bottom by rear window. Overall it is to nice to replace since car is a survivor. I can't post a pic. Mine are to large. I've only owned the car a little over a year so not sure how it was taken care of.

[lakeholme]

Danny,

I'm sending you my work email address.  I'd love to have a white vinyl top picture included here.  I'll reduce it and post it.

Thanks!