Change ragtop colour? 1983 Chrysler LeBaron...?

[Hankman]

I've accepted that my LeBaron convertible will need a new soft top - holes and the lining is disintegrating.

The current roof is off white.

My conundrum is whether to get another white one or choose something less likely to show dirt, e.g. brown or reddish brown....

It'll never quite be a concours car but I'm slowly fixing everything and getting it to a decent level.

It's the Town & Country (faux wood) and the top spec Mark Cross Edition with leather interior and from new, the options were a white, black or beige dry roof. So it's relatively rare.

I'm torn between stock colours..or brown.

Would a change devalue it much? Can't believe many people would care about the original 1983 options... Or would they?

Answers on a postcard!!
disintegrating.

IMG_20260604_190842950_HDR.jpg (209.11 KiB) Viewed 375 times

[Dave999]

id suggest a tidy roof that works doesn't leak and has a nice headlining of any type adds value, reduces water ingress and condensation etc
functioning heater/aircon on a soft top in the UK also helps to Dry It all out as softtop cars are always subjected to more Humidity/damp....
but one as close to orginal as possible will add the most.

if you live under a lime tree or where the crows congregate don't get a white one

if it will be garaged and you will do some hood care....any.

but your car so personal taste and what looks good is a perfectly valid route to take

but at a basic level TIDY and Functional wins

regular application of UV resistant Fabsil....will help

Dave

[Hankman]

Thanks Dave!

The car is kept outside but under a car cover. 100% - if it's garaged then white would be ok.

I've found a well-regarded restorer who will make a ragtop from scratch so I can get something decent.

The current hood has three thin layers so I'm going to ask if any insulation could be added - even something minor.

My worry was not using one of the original colours might out off any purist future buyers.... I'm probably overthinking it...

[mygasser]

i wouldn't worry about resale value, it's your car so do what you want. as long as it's not a garish colour it'll be just fine.
i made the future resale value mistake myself with my 66 big block fairlane gta, i collected all the parts to build it pro street with a blown stroker 460 etc. but i bottled it because of the 'future value' so i sold it and moved on to the next one. i immediately regretted selling it. after a while i tried to buy it back but it was gone. i did eventually trace it but the guy will not sell it.
neil.

[Hankman]

Aww I'm gutted for you! I know that feeling.

I'll get the top done well and do what I can to get the car into decent daily driver condition but not get too stressed about "stock" specification.

Part of my goal is to preserve it for future owners to just enjoy it.

Cheers