1st time poster

MichStangFan · 04-18-2003, 10:48 PM

First time poster....long time viewer of this board. I'll be getting a Mustang in the next couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide between the GT and 'Vert.

I've never had a convertible and I'm wondering:
A. How easy and quick is it to put the top down and back into place?
B. Do the tops rip easily?
C. How much would a new top cost?
D. Do any of you guys keep the top down when you park the car at the beach or shopping at a store?

Thanks for you responses. I plan on posting here a lot, especially when I finally own a mustang.

Sicy Stang · 04-18-2003, 11:17 PM

Hi

Personally, I would much rather get a hard top rather than a convertable. The tops never fit right, in the winter they leak, and they're a biatch to put up and down, and they can be easily slashed, vandalized and broken into, but that's just my opinion..

LxMustangRacer · 04-19-2003, 12:06 AM

I have a '94 GT vert and I love it. It's an electric top and takes like 20 seconds to fully open or close and is an easy task. My top has never ripped, the top is fairly thick and I think it would need something rather sharp or with a lot of weight to tear the top. I leave the top down when my car is parked. You just put everything in the trunk, don't leave anything lying around in the car. I don't know if you plan on having another car for the winter, but I would highly recommend it wether you get the gt or the vert. -Philip

1969Mach1 · 04-19-2003, 10:32 AM

I prefer the GT over the 'vert, only for the main fact convertiables generally cost more, they are heavier (for performance if your really into that) + like me, you live in a area where climate can change daily so it's not like you can cruise 365 days a year with it down.... and I think it depends where your located as for if you can leave your top down. If you live in a small town where the crime is low, but I know I am afraid to park my car downtown which is a hard top and not have to worry about someone breaking into it.

-Sam.

lx5091 · 04-19-2003, 01:33 PM

you can't beat a convertable in the summer...oh wait....you could always get a Motorcycle! But, have you at least drove a convertable before? It's great! I don't have one now, or a bike, but it really would be nice to get again.

anyway...as far as Mustangs go...I'd rather get a hardtop and spend less money making it perform well and have a stiffer chassis.

I don't think a Mustang 'vert is "the best of both worlds" because it's a trade off.

Crazy Horse GT · 04-19-2003, 10:13 PM

i almost got a vert, but since i work behind a ghetto, naw, went with the hardtop, plus i dont have to buy a new roof in 5 years or less, it's your call, good luck.

Mustang_Eddy · 04-20-2003, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MichStangFan
First time poster....long time viewer of this board. I'll be getting a Mustang in the next couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide between the GT and 'Vert.

I've never had a convertible and I'm wondering:
A. How easy and quick is it to put the top down and back into place?
B. Do the tops rip easily?
C. How much would a new top cost?
D. Do any of you guys keep the top down when you park the car at the beach or shopping at a store?

Thanks for you responses. I plan on posting here a lot, especially when I finally own a mustang.

Well... If you live in all-year summer climates a Convertable would be perfect and lets hope you not too tall, cuz you lose a good 2 inches of head room on a soft-top. And if you plan to park it at a mall with the top down I strongly suggest you get an alarm with proximaty sensors with a lcd pager. They are great I installed one recently, works really well.

Reddogg7885 · 04-20-2003, 01:38 AM

Rags rule

The top is easy to raise and lower, I actually had a football tear mine, very high kick landed just right got a .5" tear. $200 for a new top, as far as frame stiffining...THE FRAMES ARE STIFFER FROM THE FACTORY TO ACCOMIDATE FOR NO ROOF!!!! When my top is down it stays down till I go in for the night...never had any problems. Plus I get way more attn from the ladies than my buddy in a newer GT.

95mustanggt · 04-20-2003, 06:40 AM

I have one of each, and I'll tell you the vert rocks in the summer!! If you are looking for a "race car" like many of the other members here, a coupe is going to be the way to go, lighter, safer, etc. But if you are just looking for a cruiser, IMO you can't go wrong with a convertible.

You have to decide what you want out of the car and then pick a car that is going to meet those needs and expectations.

tireburner163 · 04-20-2003, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Reddogg7885
as far as frame stiffining...THE FRAMES ARE STIFFER FROM THE FACTORY TO ACCOMIDATE FOR NO ROOF!!!!

I'm sorry, but that is wrong. Yes, some year verts have some mild stiffing from the factory, but nothing and comes anywhere close to making up for the stuffness added by the roof. My vert flexs like a mo fo. If you've got a vert, subframes are you best friend.

Rev · 04-20-2003, 10:03 AM

One thing to consider is that NHRA requires a roll cage in any vert running an e.t. of less than 14.000 seconds. I have a friend with a '96 GT with a Vortech "S" trim and he can't even run at HRP.

Rev

95mustanggt · 04-21-2003, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tireburner163
I'm sorry, but that is wrong. Yes, some year verts have some mild stiffing from the factory, but nothing and comes anywhere close to making up for the stuffness added by the roof. My vert flexs like a mo fo. If you've got a vert, subframes are you best friend.

Yup, my vert could use some sub frames BAD!!

joe4speed · 04-21-2003, 03:40 PM

Subframe connectors compliment ANY Mustang Vert or hard top. It's always worth it when you get some.

Btw... Welcome to MW!

MichStangFan · 04-21-2003, 10:31 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I guess it'll ultimately come down to how good of a price I can get. I know it's gonna be red though and a black top if it's a convertible.

I really don't care about how fast it can go, although speed is good. I just like the looks of the mustang and what it stands for.

95mustanggt · 04-22-2003, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MichStangFan
....I really don't care about how fast it can go, although speed is good. I just like the looks of the mustang and what it stands for.

Sounds like you need a convertible....

04-18-2003, 10:48 PM	#1
MichStangFan Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 19	1st time poster First time poster....long time viewer of this board. I'll be getting a Mustang in the next couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide between the GT and 'Vert. I've never had a convertible and I'm wondering: A. How easy and quick is it to put the top down and back into place? B. Do the tops rip easily? C. How much would a new top cost? D. Do any of you guys keep the top down when you park the car at the beach or shopping at a store? Thanks for you responses. I plan on posting here a lot, especially when I finally own a mustang.

04-19-2003, 12:06 AM	#3
LxMustangRacer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Allendale, Mi Posts: 137	I have a '94 GT vert and I love it. It's an electric top and takes like 20 seconds to fully open or close and is an easy task. My top has never ripped, the top is fairly thick and I think it would need something rather sharp or with a lot of weight to tear the top. I leave the top down when my car is parked. You just put everything in the trunk, don't leave anything lying around in the car. I don't know if you plan on having another car for the winter, but I would highly recommend it wether you get the gt or the vert. -Philip __________________ 1994 Mustang GT Convertible

04-19-2003, 10:32 AM	#4
1969Mach1 HEY I CAN SET A NAME NOW! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,556	I prefer the GT over the 'vert, only for the main fact convertiables generally cost more, they are heavier (for performance if your really into that) + like me, you live in a area where climate can change daily so it's not like you can cruise 365 days a year with it down.... and I think it depends where your located as for if you can leave your top down. If you live in a small town where the crime is low, but I know I am afraid to park my car downtown which is a hard top and not have to worry about someone breaking into it. -Sam. __________________ 1969 Mustang Mach 1Sold 351-4V Windsor, 4 Speed MACH 1 - Moving At The Speed Of Sound. 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car For Sale - Email me for Info 302-2V, 3-Speed Auto One of 2,106 made One of 405 sent to Canada. Yes those are caution lights, and No you can't pass me when there on. Ricer Hater's Club - Member #4

04-19-2003, 01:33 PM	#5
lx5091 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Fall River, MA Posts: 467	you can't beat a convertable in the summer...oh wait....you could always get a Motorcycle! But, have you at least drove a convertable before? It's great! I don't have one now, or a bike, but it really would be nice to get again. anyway...as far as Mustangs go...I'd rather get a hardtop and spend less money making it perform well and have a stiffer chassis. I don't think a Mustang 'vert is "the best of both worlds" because it's a trade off. __________________ '02 Explorer XLT 4.0L --Nice Vehicle '97 Saturn SL1--Soon to be ditched for a Ford!

04-19-2003, 10:13 PM	#6
Crazy Horse GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sale Creek, TN. C. S. A. Posts: 4,652	i almost got a vert, but since i work behind a ghetto, naw, went with the hardtop, plus i dont have to buy a new roof in 5 years or less, it's your call, good luck. __________________ 95 gt vert, lot's of stuff, it aint slow. 04 sonic blue v - six my beater 89 rs camaro iroc turbo hood, other stuff, my wifes ride 84 lx stang cammed up 289 hi po, etc 65 falcon, maybe by the year 2020. black 00gt, gone but never forgotten. R H C- member # 1 o.b.c. da prez- member # 1 if your under 40 dont ask. goodbye for now odie,r.i.p. 11-27-03

04-18-2003, 11:17 PM	#2
Sicy Stang Sizzlin' Sicilian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: California Posts: 502	Hi Personally, I would much rather get a hard top rather than a convertable. The tops never fit right, in the winter they leak, and they're a biatch to put up and down, and they can be easily slashed, vandalized and broken into, but that's just my opinion..

04-20-2003, 01:38 AM	#8
Reddogg7885 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 15	Rags rule The top is easy to raise and lower, I actually had a football tear mine, very high kick landed just right got a .5" tear. $200 for a new top, as far as frame stiffining...THE FRAMES ARE STIFFER FROM THE FACTORY TO ACCOMIDATE FOR NO ROOF!!!! When my top is down it stays down till I go in for the night...never had any problems. Plus I get way more attn from the ladies than my buddy in a newer GT.

04-20-2003, 06:40 AM	#9
95mustanggt Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 2,875	I have one of each, and I'll tell you the vert rocks in the summer!! If you are looking for a "race car" like many of the other members here, a coupe is going to be the way to go, lighter, safer, etc. But if you are just looking for a cruiser, IMO you can't go wrong with a convertible. You have to decide what you want out of the car and then pick a car that is going to meet those needs and expectations. __________________ 1995 Mustang GT 20016 F150 Lariat Super Crew

04-20-2003, 10:03 AM	#11
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Drag strip? One thing to consider is that NHRA requires a roll cage in any vert running an e.t. of less than 14.000 seconds. I have a friend with a '96 GT with a Vortech "S" trim and he can't even run at HRP. Rev __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

04-21-2003, 03:40 PM	#13
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	Subframe connectors compliment ANY Mustang Vert or hard top. It's always worth it when you get some. Btw... Welcome to MW! __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

04-21-2003, 10:31 PM	#14
MichStangFan Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 19	mustang Thanks for all the responses. I guess it'll ultimately come down to how good of a price I can get. I know it's gonna be red though and a black top if it's a convertible. I really don't care about how fast it can go, although speed is good. I just like the looks of the mustang and what it stands for.

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