NOS top or newer?

I found NOS tops for both of my projects a few years back. While Ilike the idea, the reality is that these are OLD and the vinyl might give out quickly. I am not a stickler. Should Ikeep these as conversation pieces or go ahead and use them? The top on my '70 was replaced in '87 and still looks great with no signs of wear....Thanks, Dan

 

Dan Vynil is a tricky item . It depends mostly on how its stored . If its out of UV rays preferably in a dark bag in a temp controled environment then I say use them .But we all know how NOS items re usually stored . I would get one out in the sun on a warm day or have an upholstry shop use the steam gun on it and see if it has permanant wrinkles or if its pliable as a new one . If you already have them then I would say use them .

 

Thanks, John. The black one is in its original box, but the white one isn't. The vinyl seems pretty pliable at room temp, and I see no deterioration with the naked eye. I think I'll go ahead and use them. Considering how little use I give my cars, they'll probably last for years, haha. Dan

 

I am kinda talking out of the side of my neck on this, but, I wonder if those NOS tops would be better served on someones car that is doing a NOS resto?

NOS is NOS?

 

I agree the NOS tops might be better for a restoration.

On the other hand, how will they be installed, and how much "fun" do you like to have.

They may be fine, but if you already own them you might as well use them (or sell them). If they don't last long, you can just put on another.

 

As far as the "NOS" restoration guy needing the parts, PHOOEY! for two reasons. 1. I need parts for my cars as badly as the next guy and will use the best stuff I can afford(or get my hands on). 2. I have been sniped and swiped out of parts I needed too many times to have any concern for the jerks who use the justification the "my car deserves these parts more than his, cause mine gonna be a 'concourse' resto". I am sickened by the backstabbing and fighting over '66 parts, that has closed the door on the poor schmuck who would like to have a nice looking car, but no one has any affordable parts, and no one is repo'ing them. I think a LOT of these cars have been parted out because it is just too hard or expensive to find the needed parts.
So far I've seen only one "concourse" '66 GS convertible, and that was in Collectible Automobile a few years back. I have yet to see one show up at the NATS. My cars won't be showcars, only because of the bad experiences I've had at judged events. I will show it off on the street, where it belongs. I truly love smoking some guy in a Chevelle SS or GTO, and having them ask what IS that thing?? A concourse car is not a FUN car, but an investment or conversation piece. A few folks got to see my '70 do a hellacious burnout last year in BG. I doubt there are any Hemi convertibles doing that anymore. Kind of sad. Dan