To swap or not to swap

[daves66valiant]

I have two 66 Valiants. One convertible Signet in great survivor shape (all original except seat covers and top) and the other is a 2-door post which I have owned since I was 15.

The hardtop is completely gutted and ready for serious work on some cancer that is all over the rear quarters and floor pans. Over the last two years I have been gathering parts for the hardtop. Newly rebuilt 340 (>400hp), Keisler tranny kit, 8 3/4 rear, 73-76 disc brake set-up, etc. I tell myself the hardtop project is on the 5 year plan but I am running out of garage space now that I have the Convertible which I really like. Mostly because I can drive it now.

Here are my questions which I would like some opinions on. What do you guys think about scraping the hardtop and putting my 340, 5 speed, 8 3/4 rear and Sub frame connectors into the Convertible which just needs a couple dings ironed out and a nice paint job $$$$. I have an engine stand and storage room for the old 273 if I wanted to convert it back. I'm really not that big into the whole 100% original thing. Is the hardtop worth restoring since it needs a full body resto $$$$$$? And the body on the Convertible is 100% rust free. The other option is to keep both. Just curious what you guys think.

 

[71demonology]

MOre than likely its going to be the sentimental value that keeps the hard top around. Maybe put the hard top on the 10 year plan and store it while you finish up the vert for now. It is too hard to finish 2 projects at 1 time. I have a duster and a dmeon.... i wish my wife would let me sell the duster because the demon isn't moving along too well. jmho

 

[briankaplan]

I would say to put the paint job on the vert. Drive it while you finish the
other car. That way you have a nice cruiser to keep driving. Then go balls
out with the other car. If the vert is as nice as you say and the paint is
good enough, its still a survivor. Nice to take orignal car out to the shows.
Green Duster.

 

[MOBodyman]

If you can possibly store them, keep both. Since the hardtop has sentimental value you will always regret it if you sell it. Since the convert is good mechanically, don't mess with changing the drivetrain. Do enough cosmetically to keep yourself satisfied with it. Driving it will be a stress reliever and keep you motivated to work on the hardtop. Don't buy more stuff for the hardtop until you get the body done and get some of it reassembled so you free up some room.
Good luck with your decision.
Dallas