Hey there, as you may know I have been restoring a 1970 FJ40. I have some thoughts that I want to share.
I have both a soft top and a hard top. Soft top is brand new. Soft top doors are being restored as well all matching, etc. I also have the safety straps and the brackets that hold onto the hinges.
On the hardtop its fully restored, new shiny glass for the back gate door, everything sent to rechroming, etc. Fiber glass top was repainted and it has a new gutter and gaskets as well as a new OEM interior light.
I also installed an OEM roll bar which was painted black and has SOR pads. Also, I installed the shorter jumpseats with legs all again restored with new upholstery.
If you go through my restore build you'll see pretty much what I have done to it.
My question are:
0. Its not my only car, I have a 2008 BMW X3, a 1962 Ford Anglia ending its restoration and a 1963 Triumph Spitfire in red. So other than the BMW, none of my classic cars are intended as daily drivers.
1. I live in Texas, winter is cold but rarely snows in Houston. Summer is brutal. Why would I want to use my hardtop other than in winter?
2. (I think I know the answer to this question), does anyone use their a/c with their softop on? (I would guess you don't right?)
3. Why should I install the brand new CCOT a/c unit? I also bought the Vintage Air bracket for it and had it powder coated so installation on the 1.5F is not a pain.
4. Why would I have two tops? I like them both, but for originality sake, I'd probably use the soft top more. Maybe I could sell it at about 2K fully restored?
Installing it may cost me another $400. If I don't install it, and along with the VA powder coated bracket, and the custom made OEMized a/c knobs for the a/c unit, I could get back $1,000 by selling it. I mean the unit is new in box.
What are your thoughts? Suggestions. What would you do in my place?
Thanks.
I have both a soft top and a hard top. Soft top is brand new. Soft top doors are being restored as well all matching, etc. I also have the safety straps and the brackets that hold onto the hinges.
On the hardtop its fully restored, new shiny glass for the back gate door, everything sent to rechroming, etc. Fiber glass top was repainted and it has a new gutter and gaskets as well as a new OEM interior light.
I also installed an OEM roll bar which was painted black and has SOR pads. Also, I installed the shorter jumpseats with legs all again restored with new upholstery.
If you go through my restore build you'll see pretty much what I have done to it.
My question are:
0. Its not my only car, I have a 2008 BMW X3, a 1962 Ford Anglia ending its restoration and a 1963 Triumph Spitfire in red. So other than the BMW, none of my classic cars are intended as daily drivers.
1. I live in Texas, winter is cold but rarely snows in Houston. Summer is brutal. Why would I want to use my hardtop other than in winter?
2. (I think I know the answer to this question), does anyone use their a/c with their softop on? (I would guess you don't right?)
3. Why should I install the brand new CCOT a/c unit? I also bought the Vintage Air bracket for it and had it powder coated so installation on the 1.5F is not a pain.
4. Why would I have two tops? I like them both, but for originality sake, I'd probably use the soft top more. Maybe I could sell it at about 2K fully restored?
Installing it may cost me another $400. If I don't install it, and along with the VA powder coated bracket, and the custom made OEMized a/c knobs for the a/c unit, I could get back $1,000 by selling it. I mean the unit is new in box.
What are your thoughts? Suggestions. What would you do in my place?
Thanks.