soft top vs hard top

[1971k567cam]

So i have had the top off for around three weeks now here in washington and was great till monday when rain started again. My thought was that eventually i will buy a soft top for it for summer and road trips and such. My question is soft top vs hard top what is best for keeping water out, because as you know hard tops leak even with new seals. Any thoughts or advise would be great. Pros and cons of soft top is kinda what i need to know cause they are spendy

[VinceY]

My soft top is water resistant and certainly not water proof. Hard top keeps the rain out but top off is the way I like to drive.

[turp mcspray]

One year I had my top off from the end of may, untill halloween. I just carried a plastic tarp for rain. I don't think any soft top, would ever keep the inside as dry as a hard top will. In my opinion, a soft top is a must have, expensive or not.

[bouncytruck]

I run the hard top in the winter (usually early Oct) until late spring (June). In the pacific NW, you've got to have a way to cover up because sunshine comes and goes. Neither are completely watertight, but they keep me dry. I don't like to run the soft top in the winter because it does tend to pool water in the middle and I'm afraid that snow might destroy it.

I've never had any regrets for purchasing the soft top.

[fun in dirt]

To me, a soft top is just as good & much easier. They both leak about equal amounts so that wasn't an issue.
The hard top is so heavy & a PITA to get off. After dropping my side one day taking it off and gouging the paint down to the metal I decided to go exclusively with the softop.
PROS:
- Take up less space when off
- Lighter, easier, quicker to put on & take off
- Can roll up sides & use as sun shade but still be out in the open
- Any part easily repaired by upholstery shop (unlike trying to fixed cracked fiberglass).
CONS:
- Does hold a little water on top when sitting (but mine goes under the carport when not driving anyway)
- No matter how careful you are cleaning the windows, they will get swirl marks; not as clear to see out of as hardtop's glass.
- Have to be a little more conscious of low hanging limbs when driving through woods; material is extremely tough, but I worry about a limb sticking through it.

[1971k567cam]

That top is heavy i agree. But i see what bouncy truck is saying about water pooling up in the winter. I will start saving up my pennys and get one for next summer.

[bouncytruck]

I will start saving up my pennys and get one for next summer.

I think it's worth the investment! While you're saving up, post a picture of your truck!

[1971k567cam]

[1971k567cam]

Threw in my new 383 stealth ram pic too will be installed as soon as 700r4 is built

[bouncytruck]

Wow! Very, very nice!

[1971k567cam]

Thanks I cant wait till sun is back so I can drive it more

[Pop's72]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

Wow! Very, very nice!

Agree, more pics please!

[1971k567cam]

Need to take more but raining again here in wet washington so have to wait for a sunny day. All i have is my camaro pics but think they are in my gallery too

[Big Block]

I like the color. Nice looking ride.

[Bull72]

Love riding around topless so that was the ultimate decision for me. Otherwise I wouldn't have sold my 78' blazer to cruise completely convertible. So my vote for my personal reasons are buy a softtopper.

I have a Softtopper and it is down almost 95% of the time. The only time it is up is when it is raining and it does leak a bit in the heavy rain (mostly near the front and passenger windows as well as some of the seams). One thing I never did and will have to do at some point is use this water tight "sealant" for the seams. Softtopper includes this but I just never did it. As for the small amount of water, I just had a few towels in my truck most of the time to dry up the floor. I don't have carpet I have the inside rhino lined so I guess that helps too.

Keep in mind I do live in Texas so the snow and extremes are minimal, except for the sun which can be an opposite extreme. So rolling up the "windows" of the soft top (both sides and tailgage section) when the sun is beating down and 100+ degrees outside is perfecto.

Also like the truck a lot 1971K567cam, I bet your gonna love that new engine/trans selection!!!

[RLONG]

I have 71 blazer that i never put the top and on my 70 jimmy came with both soft and hard i use my jimmy for deer lease and about drowned with the soft top sold it and now use the hard top. To me soft not good for wet climate the new ones my be more waterproof.

[1971k567cam]

So i was thinking may work for half the year, other half with hard top.