Is the heater/defroster a must-have? is it difficult to install?>>
For cold driving, it's necessary to keep ice off the outside of the windshield. Installation requires removing the dashboard and drilling a couple of holes in the firewall. About 4 hours labor.
Does the vinyl top work well...or is it mostly a pain?>>
It's not completely tight, even with the side curtains, but at least it cuts down on the breeze considerably. It's easy to install without the roll bar brace - for a professional.
Any other suggestions for how to drive in the dead cold of winter would be greatly appreciated. >>
Very, very carefully.
