NFB: Thinking of selling Convertible T/A for T-Top - your thoughts

[89TTA/95 TA Vert]

OK here is the deal...I have a '95 Trans Am turned Firehwak clone. Since owning the car for the last 1-1/2 I've done the following to it (not in any particular order either)

> Proffessionally wheeled out,waxed and detailed the whole car
> Special Order (14 looong weeks) American Racing CL205 TTII's 17 x 9.5 rims
> 4 brand new 275/40/17 Yokohama tires
> 1 pc. Bright Red carpeting installed
> BMR subframe connectors {welded in}
> SLP Ram Air hood
> SLP Ram Air Intake Air Box
> SLP Strut Tower Brace
> SLP "Firehawk" OE Decals (hood, doors, rear bumper)
> SLP "Firehwak" OE Floor mats
> SLP "Firehwak" OE console plaque
> Front fascia removed and painted GM OEM Bright Red (clearcoat was peeling -NO DAMAGE AT ALL!)

> 3-piece tonneau cover painted GM OEM Bright Red
> Sony 6 disc CD changer mounted in trunk
> Complete GM OEM Graphite leather driver's seat cover installed (left bolster worn)

> Brand new Optipsark unit
> Brand new Water Pump
> Brand new seals in Timing Cover (3)
> Brand new NGK sparkplugs
> Brand new MSD Blaster coil
> Brand new MSD 6A ignition module
> Brand new MSD 8.5mm sparkplug wires
> Brand New Strust and shocks installed
> New Eibach Pro Line lowering springs installed
> 32mm WS6 front sway bar installed
> Polyurethane front and rear swaybar busing installed
> Front and rear polyurethane endlinks installed
> New GM rubber front spring/strut isolaters installed (2)
> New GM OE brake lines installed (4 wheels)
> New Bosch rotors (4 wheels) installed
> New Bosch ceramic pads installed (4 wheels)
> New 160 degree thermostat
> Installed 450 mile "take off" OE exhaust w/ polished stainless tips (took off Flowmaster cat back which was on the car when I bought it)

> Transmission pan, gasket and filter drained and refilled
> Rear end drained and refilled
> Radiator flushed and filled (3x now)


Everything listed above was done by myself with the exception of the paintwork. I had done everything becasue I'm a fanatic about my vehicles (I also own a 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Pace Car 5,980 original miles - original EVERYTHING, 2002 Ford Explorer XLT and a 2005 Ford F-150 FX4 pickup) so I want everything about these vehicles to be 100% right/perfect or damn close!

Here's where you guys come in.... I'm thinking of selling the 'said' car for a LS1 T-top car. I love the convertible but I feel I conquered want I wanted to get done on this car and I'm ready for a new toy. Being that the FX4 and the Explorer are the daily drivers, and the '89 TTA isn'tisn't going anywhere soon that mean something must goto make room for a new toy. I refuse to use the KBB or Edmunds in my situation so I turn to the experts YOU GUYS for a "real" honest opinion. What should be the asking price for my car? It has 52,7xx miles on it, no body past or present, EVERYTHING works nothing is needed except possible a new owner.

I'm open to suggestions, comments whatever but PLEASE keep it clean and legit. I may let my wife read the responses. I may need the responses for leverage for buying the new toy.

Thanks guys and see the attachments for pictures of my car.

[TraceZ]

I wouldnt do it. That car is nearly perfect.

What do you want to gain? Is it the looks of the LS1 style? Do you dislike the ragtop? Having owned both convertible and t-top cars I can honestly say I much prefer the ragtop for cruising.

The only drawback I see with the car is that it is an automatic. I'd have to convert it over to manual but that is not very hard. I know I'd regret selling that car. If it is the power of the LS1 you are after just have your heads ported and swap cams. It would be a fun project and cost less than buying a different car.

[Injuneer]

Why did you post "NFB"?

I think this qualifies as "on topic".

Difficult choice.

[SteveH95Formula]

Hmmm I'm not too crazy about putting Firehawk decals on a non original firehawk car.

[Steel2686]

I'm also not one for clones. I don't think you needed to put Firehawk decals on for people to see that is a sweet ride. It all comes down to what you are looking to do. Is it just for cruising? Do you prefer the sweeping looks of the rear window on coupes? As Tracy said, do you want an LS1? Give us a bit more info on why you might want t-tops and maybe we can help.

[89TTA/95 TA Vert]

My thoughts on the T-Top cars is that I DO prefer the look of the rear hatch with the high profile spoiler as opposed to the look when the top is up and low profile spoiler on the 'vert. With that said, I love cruising with the top down which is 99% of the time. With a T-top car I figure it is the best of both worlds - looks and open top (IMHO).

As to why an LS1? I love the LT1 it has plenty of low end torque and freeway get up and go well into the triple digit speeds. I figured IF I were to go for a T-top car why not go for a bit more technology; hence, the LS1 (no flames please - the LT1 is truly an awesome powerplant in its' own right). Just talking outloud now...

Ahhh the Firehawk decals. I did it not so much to clone the car but I wanted a different look. I love the look of the Trans Ams but as we all know the Firehawk is in a class of its' own for its' uniqueness amongst other things. It's like the Mustang GT/Cobra thing -vs- the Saleen Mustang. People buy the Saleen and clone the Saleen look to be different or to stand out from the masses. I respect each and every Firehawk and their owner and that is why I'm not trying to hide anything or pass off my car as an imposter. I just wanted a different look and with the Firehawk decals in my mind I achieved it. When I'm out this car seems to get more looks now then it did a year ago with my Enkei V1 wheels and the absence of the Firehawk decals.

[Steel2686]

Understood. That is definitely a sweet ride.

As far as flaming posts, you won't get that here. This is a knowledgable group. We all realize the LS1 is newer, if not because of it's lack of the dreaded opti-spark. If you like cruising most of the time, it comes down to how much open air you want. I've had both a convertible and t-tops. If it's cruising, I prefer the vert. For the whole package, I'll take the t-tops. I, too, prefer the sweeping lines coupled with the high-profile wing on the T/A.

Basically, whatever is going to make you happiest is what this hobby is all about. Just make sure you completely think it through before making any final decisions. There are many people out there who wish they never sold that one car they had. Be certain what you are buying is going to help you forget all about what you sold.