given the choice, which would you prefer ? Which ever one I get, it will be getting driven alot. Going to look at 2 '64 Rambler Americans Sunday. I will be buying one of them.
the two cars are about as close to same as they could be. One is $500 more. I wish I hated one of them, I would love both.
personally ill never own another convertible.. i absolutely DID NOT like everyone basically in my space... the hardtop has that atmosphere where im in my own little world, and i LOVE it... the convertible was ok.. but most days with good weather it got too hot, then it rained, etc.. plus the biggest factor to me is the hardtop lines ALWAYS look better.. a convertible just doesnt flow right to me..
Hmmmm....there's something about the phrases "driven a lot" and "rambler american" that doesn't quite fit together. Good luck, I hope you know what you're getting into.
This is the stuff I need to know. I have never had one. Never thought about the heat. Makes since, it has a tent on the top.
I've owned many converts (still on an OT one) they are great and a PIA at the same time. They are cold in the winter, hot in the summer and leak in the rain - that being said, for me there is nothing like blasting through the leaves on a crisp Fall day with the top down. As far as looks are go, I agree with Todd - hard tops look great!
I have owned 19 Ramblers,and several other makes. They are just as good a car as any other older car.
I would personally go for the 'vert. A much rarer Rambler, and remember: you can always put the top up on the convertible, but you can't put the top down on the hardtop! (my .02)
I have a 71 Cutlass 442 convertible. I like it. I always heard when the top goes down the price goes up. I don't know if that is true or not, I never tried to sell it.
Ok, you know what you're getting into. If you can get a ragtop for that low a price difference, and you've never had one, go for it! You'll get the fun out of it, but you won't be into it for a lot of extra cash, so if you decide it's not for you it's not a big loss.
Convertibles are a totally different experience. We have 5 convertibles in the family. including the one in my avatar. *edit: since i just noticed you own a roadster, wouldn't you already know if you like driving topless???
Well, are you bald? The sun burns and a hat will blow off.I thought I wanted one until I got one.Then I realized they are more trouble than they are worth to me.Super easy to break into.The top will shrink on you if you own it long enough and they are a pain to replace.Windows can be a problem to seal if its an old car.Can't hear your tunes at all.ITs not true that hot chicks will flock to a guy in a convertible.That said, I love them,as long as I am admiring someone elses.
Found and restored a 66 Mustang convertible in early 80's and had a ball driving and showing it. Now restoring a 1940 Ford convertible which has been a dream of mine for years. Neither are daily drivers. Good luck!
My second car was a '66 American, small 6 three on the tree stripper, rubber mats and radio delete. Ran great though! Never used a drop of oil, statred first try every time. Only issue was with the heater, Grandpa couldn't get the idea of using it and also thought you had to remove the anti-freeze in the summer. All the rust in the cooling system clogged up the heater core when I tried to use it. The convertible would be my choice though.
Don't listen to the nay-sayers. There is NOTHING on 4 wheels as much fun as convertible. We've always had converts, no closed car has ever been as enjoyable or as fun to own as even the worst convert. If you're gonna drive it in the winter, turn the heater on. Really, are you going to drive a '62 Rambler convert in the winter anyway? They don't leak any more in the rain than any 50 year old car unless you leave the top or windows down. If you want cool in the summer, put A/C in it and leave the top up in the heat of the day. It's kind of like asking if an old smelly 4 door is as much fun as a motorcycle. Brian
I usually like the lines of a hardtop better, but given the choice... I'd go with the convertible. They are more fun to drive. Just my .02
No top on the roadster. So I guess I'm asking about with the top on. I plan on a few trips in the car, which ever one i get. I drive to Denver almost every month, 185 miles.
Make sure the heater works well, and the top is securely fastened (the header over the windshield is the usual culprit)
This is where the phrase "if you have to ask" applies..Rag tops are a whole different driving experience, and well worth the price of admission.
I liked our Rambler vert, yes as above there are considerations. The biggest issue I had with mine though was all the people who would come up and say "they never knew Rambler made a vert", and then the follow on stories of "I learned to drive in a Rambler" or "my Grandfather had a Rambler", etc. Is definitely a conversation starter. A bonus to this of course is that I learned of many other Ramblers AND older cars that were sitting around for sale, yet not known about. I actually picked up my American hardtop this way, as well as a first year Gremmie, a shoebox Ford, and alot of various parts that I could not pass on.
Most of the times the weather not fit the vert. Sun is a hell and cold wether is bad to. But if the wether is perfect is realy fun have the top down. Some car is more windy than others. The best is warm nights in the city there you drive to fast. And i belelve it can be to hot in US but it will never be to hot here for the top down only sun is the problem
@ 45 mph you have to drive a lot to get anywhere. I would go with the hard top, I don't care for convertibles.
No Brainer.... Convert. Winter are too long to be cooped up in a closed car ! I have 3 'verts and I drive the piss out of them. Lots of wind noise ... but who cares
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