Is a convertible car more expensive to rebuild than a coupe from a parts cost and maintenance perspective?,both cars being equal in options ,is a convertible more valuable then a coupe ?

 

Usually - but you're restricting your saleability!
Some just don't want a 'vert, and others only want a 'vert - maybe a 80/20 split!
I believe cost are about the same, overall, but 'vert parts harder to find.

 

Convertibles have more potential problems. Tops not working and also more problems with rust due to tops leaking. Parts are not that much different from basic coupe to basic vert'. A few convertible only parts can get expensive. But I like top down driving alot more. A basic convertible will always be more valuble than a basic coupe. It boils down to what you want, Get what you like and want and drive it. 99 times out of a 100 you will never come close to breaking even on either let alone a profit.

Larry

 

NADA says a 1969 base cutlass s vert has avg retail around $13k and a hardtop at $8k. Not saying those are accurate prices, but you see the relative differerence.

Who knows on costs. New top and motor on a 'vert are pricey, but lots of hardtops had rust issues under the common vinyl tops.

Pick your preference and get the best car your budget allows

 

Just wanted to know before getting into a project car,i like both verts and coupes I can
see potential in both models ,442 clone ,SX clone etc.

 

A convertible model will usually be worth more than a comparable coupe model that is similarly equipped. the old saying is the price goes up when the top goes down. A convertible is more expensive to restore. More prone to floor rust because of moisture and a leaking top. There is an issue with the Cutlass where if the rear window leaks, there will be rust under the rear seat area. This is an area that can't be repaired from underneath because part of the rear frame crosses over it. Hope I explained it OK. With the convertible top, rust in the header bow ( part the latches ) is an issue. It does no good to put a new top over a rusted header bow. Sharp edges from the rust will wear thru the top. Or make it look "lumpy". Finally, there is rust across the header mouldings. The part the the top latches down on. Not sure but on older cars, pre 1970, these were chrome. 1970 - 1972, they were vinyl covered mouldings. This is just my personal experience from a number of restorations.

 

x2 ....

Assuming the rust issues were equal between the two, the only real difference would be the 'vert only pieces (if needed ). They're harder to find (& therefore $$$) due to the rarity of 'verts.

A good example would be the quarter peak moldings for '68-'69 Cutlii/442....

 

I have been lucky and haven't needed anything for the convertible that was "top related" other than replacing the vinyl last Spring. I had the pros do it and it ran me about $900. That being said, I want to add a coupe to the garage before June....I am pretty specific in what I want so I may not get lucky. One thing about the convertible is the noise it makes (more stuff to rattle) and the lack of "stiffness" it feels like it has.

 

As they say in the auction business......When the top goes down, the price goes up!

 

Has anybody ever installed a roll bar (chrome maybe?) in a vert ?to add some stiffness ?How did GM avoid twisting up the frames in a vert with the 455 under the hood?

 

Convertible frames were boxed to help

 

I'd consider the convertible the ultimate cruiser on a nice night. I wouldn't worry about how stiff they are, if that's a concern then a hardtop or a newer convertible may be the solution.

Besides the top stuff I can't think of too many things that are verts only.

Deck lid is same as a four door.
Pinchweld molding is now reproduced
Quarter panels are now reproduced