Option 1:

I got a 1968 cutlass s convertible in good condition. I’ve gone through complete suspension powder coating arms new bushings rear suspension etc. I have also replace the water pump, radiator ($700) be cool radiator that looks old school also new transmission lines. All new brake lines, disc brake conversion only using original parts. Interior is almost done front and rear seats with Legendary, and new carpet. Still needs paint, engine transmission runs good. Sheet metal is in good to excellent shape all around. AC and PW.

Option 2:

A 1969 cutlass s holiday coupe. Factory 4 speed and bucket seats. The car was not cut or converted it’s original from the factory. Sheet metal is excellent. Front seats has been restored still needs rear seat covers and front and rear door panels. Engine has been completely gone through with receipts with some suspension steering work ($11k in receipts in 2018). No AC, drum brakes no power windows (I kind of like that). Will need paint, body is excellent.

What car would you pick?

 

I'd have to go with the 4 speed.

 

X2. I like to row my own gears.... Tedd

 

That would be a hard decision to make! Best of both worlds, convertible or 4 speed. I love driving my convertible top down but it would even be better if it was a stick shift! Good luck making the decision but I would just have to take both!

 

I'd tell the wife to buzz off and keep them both.

 

Says the guy without one...

 

Would love to keep both but I just can’t

 

2x for 4 speed
0x for convertible

 

I would prefer the'68 , but would buy the four speed.

 

put the 4 speed in the convertible.

 

Pictures of both, please?

I'm from the 68 camp. But the 4 speed is intriguing, especially if it's an original 4 speed. Not really common. But neither is a 68 vert.

Which is in better shape underneath? The less rusty one would be my choice.

 

No rust on either only rust on both is on the lower fenders, but mostly rust free.

 

I like 69s over 68s but that's my preference only.

My answer for you is you are asking yourself the wrong question, which is which car do I keep? I think you should ask yourself what do I want from the car I keep?

If you want sportyness and stripped down muscle, take the 69 all day long. If you want a cruiser, take the 68. The 68 will be more fun to do non-performance car things in, easier to drive, top goes down, there's AC, there's power windows. The 69 will be lighter, and have more performance, and be more fun to actively drive.

If you want the 68 to be more fun, sell the 69 and get conversion parts to go buckets and 4 speed from the profits. Me personally, if I had them both, I'd sell them both and buy a Hurst Olds. So, that's another option. Sell them both and buy a 442 4 speed convertible.

 

You live in California...pick the 'vert.
You live in California...pick the automatic because of the traffic.

I've got a '71 'vert so naturally I'm biased. There is nothing like just cruisin down the road with the top down and the a/c running, tunes blaring, not a care in the world. It's better than a shrink for losing all your problems and enjoying the weekend.

 

I understand they are 2 different cars and 2 different kind of driving. I like doing both. Thanks for everyone’s feedback. I’ll try to keep the convertible and buy the 4 speed also. I’ll be eating cup of noodles for a while.

 

I'd pick the convertible. You can always make it a 4-speed car later.

 

Vert.

 

4 speed or whichever one has the BBO

 

Both small block

 

In Cali---Convertible for sure...

 

I’m surprised no one mentioned anything about the rarity of the non 442 4 speed.

 

If the hardtop was a 442 I would go for it. Since neither are a 442, I say keep what you got and make it better. The convertible can be converted to a four speed, but the four speed cannot be converted to a convertible.

 

While I think that convertibles are nice to look at and probably lots of fun, I don't like the water leaks and rust issues that comes with them or the fact that the tops can be torn really easy and have to be repaired or replaced periodically. That's why I stick with steel roofs. Again to me a 4spd is a real perk.

 

We have no winter in SF Bay Area, keep the convertible.

 

Having a 70S without A/C, a decent convertible hands down. Do a 5 or 6 speed conversion to it, best of both worlds.