Topless motoring

[exitwound]

C70R said:

exitwound said:

Its nearly as bad as dropping the roof but keeping the windows up, like sitting in a fishtank.

Presume you've not spent much time in a convertible?

Up to 20-30mph with the windows down is absolutely fine. However, anything above this for any length of time is just bloody uncomfortable, with buffeting wind around the cabin.
Pop up the windows (to create the "fishtank") and you can easily get up to 60-70mph in comfort (in the front, at least).

Yes but it looks ridiculous..

I drive a targa roof Corvette regularly all year round on the commute and for long fast road trips and holidays (1000mile round trips to Goodwood) and have done so for over ten years.

The roof is only on in extreme weather after being put to shame years ago by some guys in their AH/TR/MG's one winter, all with the roofs down in their Irvine jackets. When the roofs off, the windows are down at any speed. If its a problem, get a haircut and buy the lady a headscarf.

[exitwound]

Nanook said:

exitwound said:

Yes but it looks ridiculous..

I drive a targa roof Corvette regularly all year round on the commute and for long fast road trips and holidays (1000mile round trips to Goodwood) and have done so for over ten years.

The roof is only on in extreme weather after being put to shame years ago by some guys in their AH/TR/MG's one winter, all with the roofs down in their Irvine jackets. When the roofs off, the windows are down at any speed. If its a problem, get a haircut and buy the lady a headscarf.

Or alternatively leave the windows up, since you are not the arbiter of such things?

Look at it this way, ..when we pass you (sans roof as usual), and you look over as you always do as its a Corvette and your totally envious, ..we're not laughing back because someone's told us a joke,

[lostkiwi]

exitwound said:

C70R said:

exitwound said:

Its nearly as bad as dropping the roof but keeping the windows up, like sitting in a fishtank.

Presume you've not spent much time in a convertible?

Up to 20-30mph with the windows down is absolutely fine. However, anything above this for any length of time is just bloody uncomfortable, with buffeting wind around the cabin.
Pop up the windows (to create the "fishtank") and you can easily get up to 60-70mph in comfort (in the front, at least).

Yes but it looks ridiculous..

I drive a targa roof Corvette regularly all year round on the commute and for long fast road trips and holidays (1000mile round trips to Goodwood) and have done so for over ten years.

The roof is only on in extreme weather after being put to shame years ago by some guys in their AH/TR/MG's one winter, all with the roofs down in their Irvine jackets. When the roofs off, the windows are down at any speed. If its a problem, get a haircut and buy the lady a headscarf.

Winding the windows up is cheaper. My lady runs to expensive tastes and I already have the windows.

[sealtt]

Iva Barchetta said:

Small children sometimes don't like the wind on them with the top down if they're sitting in the back.

Just a friendly heads up.

This is a very good point, even in 'compact' 4 seater cabrios like a 911, the back is very windy. In my opinion 4 seater cabrios don't really work all that well - even less in the UK where it's not ever really warm enough to enjoy a good breeze. Better to get a 2 seater cabrio, sure you might use it less, but you'll probably enjoy it more.

Nothing ruins a top down experience like a kid in the back (with temporary deafness from the wind noise) complaining about it and asking for the roof to be put up!

[Mave]

sealtt said:

Iva Barchetta said:

Small children sometimes don't like the wind on them with the top down if they're sitting in the back.

Just a friendly heads up.

This is a very good point, even in 'compact' 4 seater cabrios like a 911, the back is very windy. In my opinion 4 seater cabrios don't really work all that well - even less in the UK where it's not ever really warm enough to enjoy a good breeze. Better to get a 2 seater cabrio, sure you might use it less, but you'll probably enjoy it more.

Nothing ruins a top down experience like a kid in the back (with temporary deafness from the wind noise) complaining about it and asking for the roof to be put up!

Nah, I don't agree with that logic. With a 4 seater cabrio you get to drive it every day. If the kids are in the back (30% of the time?) the roof can go up if they start complaining. For the other 70% of the time the roof could go down. If I had a 2 seater cabrio and had to choose my car journey based on child logistics I'd never drive it!

[exitwound]

Nanook said:

exitwound said:

Look at it this way, ..when we pass you (sans roof as usual), and you look over as you always do as its a Corvette and your totally envious, ..we're not laughing back because someone's told us a joke,

That's lovely, but in an '87 Corvette you'll not be passing me, I'll not be envious, and you'll be looking at the back of me, with my roof down also.

I could pull four plug leads and still dust your current fleet or anything else you have listed

Careful what you wish for!

[gemini]

qska said:

Shame I can't fold/unfold the roof when stuck in very slow (but moving) traffic - the car needs to be in "P".

I'm sure there is a bypass fuse trick available.
Check out the Merc forums and the net.

[sealtt]

Mave said:

Nah, I don't agree with that logic. With a 4 seater cabrio you get to drive it every day. If the kids are in the back (30% of the time?) the roof can go up if they start complaining. For the other 70% of the time the roof could go down. If I had a 2 seater cabrio and had to choose my car journey based on child logistics I'd never drive it!

Good points actually, though i found even when driving on my own I used my 2 seater cabrio roof down much more than the 4 seater as there was much less wind buffeting with the 2 seater, even with the wind deflector installed. Still I think you are right, might consider one again next time.

[LDN]

To the op' - have you bought yet? And whereabouts are you? I want to sell my CLK as it just doesn't get the use it should and I'm spending more time abroad - so I want to sell this so that it is not just sat.

It's a '53 plate two owner (including me) CLK 320 Avantgarde. Every possible toy and the roof works. It has 58,000 genuine miles on and it's getting an MOT tomorrow so will be good to go for 12 months. Happy to do a good deal for a fellow PH'er; I'm not a trader; I just want to shift some of my assets.

PM me if you want any further info. Thanks

[Shnozz]

exitwound said:

Nanook said:

exitwound said:

Look at it this way, ..when we pass you (sans roof as usual), and you look over as you always do as its a Corvette and your totally envious, ..we're not laughing back because someone's told us a joke,

That's lovely, but in an '87 Corvette you'll not be passing me, I'll not be envious, and you'll be looking at the back of me, with my roof down also.

I could pull four plug leads and still dust your current fleet or anything else you have listed

Does the American attitude come free with the American car or is it extra?

[anonymous-user]

exitwound said:

Nanook said:

exitwound said:

Yes but it looks ridiculous..

I drive a targa roof Corvette regularly all year round on the commute and for long fast road trips and holidays (1000mile round trips to Goodwood) and have done so for over ten years.

The roof is only on in extreme weather after being put to shame years ago by some guys in their AH/TR/MG's one winter, all with the roofs down in their Irvine jackets. When the roofs off, the windows are down at any speed. If its a problem, get a haircut and buy the lady a headscarf.

Or alternatively leave the windows up, since you are not the arbiter of such things?

Look at it this way, ..when we pass you (sans roof as usual), and you look over as you always do as its a Corvette and your totally envious, ..we're not laughing back because someone's told us a joke,

FWIW a Targa top is nothing whatsoever like a full convertible in terms of wind buffeting, it's more like a sunroof. You probably already know that though, and just enjoy being obnoxious.

You're not doing much to dispel the impression that US cars in the UK are only driven by weirdos, nonces and others sorts you'd not be very happy to have as a neighbour.

[exitwound]

dme123 said:

exitwound said:

Nanook said:

exitwound said:

Yes but it looks ridiculous..

I drive a targa roof Corvette regularly all year round on the commute and for long fast road trips and holidays (1000mile round trips to Goodwood) and have done so for over ten years.

The roof is only on in extreme weather after being put to shame years ago by some guys in their AH/TR/MG's one winter, all with the roofs down in their Irvine jackets. When the roofs off, the windows are down at any speed. If its a problem, get a haircut and buy the lady a headscarf.

Or alternatively leave the windows up, since you are not the arbiter of such things?

Look at it this way, ..when we pass you (sans roof as usual), and you look over as you always do as its a Corvette and your totally envious, ..we're not laughing back because someone's told us a joke,

FWIW a Targa top is nothing whatsoever like a full convertible in terms of wind buffeting, it's more like a sunroof. You probably already know that though, and just enjoy being obnoxious.

You're not doing much to dispel the impression that US cars in the UK are only driven by weirdos, nonces and others sorts you'd not be very happy to have as a neighbour.

How does it feel for you all to have me living rent free inside your heads?


Enjoy the rest of your day, guys...

[qska]

Yes, I did buy it.
I toyed with replacing it with an Elegance model with softer suspension, but the one I saw had rust in wheel arches and a misted side mirror, so would need some cash.

In the one I have I still have some repairs to do anyway - better the devil you know etc.

I still grin every time I drive it top down.

And for some trips it's only one kid, in the front seat, so they have a great time too.

I think about getting a deflector, but I have the E diesel for loner journeys to work.

[C70R]

dme123 said:

You're not doing much to dispel the impression that US cars in the UK are only driven by weirdos, nonces and others sorts you'd not be very happy to have as a neighbour.

It's hilarious, because it's mostly true!

[unsprung]

C70R said:

dme123 said:

You're not doing much to dispel the impression that US cars in the UK are only driven by weirdos, nonces and others sorts you'd not be very happy to have as a neighbour.

It's hilarious, because it's mostly true!

lol! Have we managed to fit firearms into the conversation, yet?

Actually... It would be kind of interesting to have somebody with a sociologist or psychologist background attempt to explain "The Nonce Correlation" cited here.

[anonymous-user]

unsprung said:

C70R said:

dme123 said:

You're not doing much to dispel the impression that US cars in the UK are only driven by weirdos, nonces and others sorts you'd not be very happy to have as a neighbour.

It's hilarious, because it's mostly true!

lol! Have we managed to fit firearms into the conversation, yet?

Actually... It would be kind of interesting to have somebody with a sociologist or psychologist background attempt to explain "The Nonce Correlation" cited here.

I can help you with that, and actually typed out a fairly lengthy reply. Then realised I cannot be arsed with a 400 page quarrel with famous US car apologist 300bhp/ton explaining that he doesn't like them just because they get him the attention he cannot command in his daily life through personality, charm, wit, and ability but it's because of their fine dynamics, lusty engines, and tasteful styling.

Edited by dme123 on Wednesday 18th May 14:39

[qska]

Just a quick update.
Having managed to smash the windscreen when changing wiper blades (yes, I'm the boss!)....
Auto glass came around, said they have a slightly different windscreen, that needs the car to be booked with Mercedes for a replacement of the aerial module. (Apparently the screen had antennae in it).

WTF

So I booked it in with Mercedes, paid the money, and received the call from Autoglass the next day - that they found the "right" windscreen and will come AGAIN in a week and a half.

All good.

But now, after their previous visit (trim out, trim back in), the roof started leaking on the corner, where the dude was working. &^&*^(*&^*(&^*(&^^&

I hate cars.

Luckily, I found a mobile Merc mechanic, he'll come round to have a look at the parking sensors next week, so will also get him to look at the roof leak (if still occurs after the windscreen has been finally replaced).

To add insult to injury, I caught a cold due to driving with the top down - a few days in bed. If this happens again, the car goes. Immediately.

Who wants a CLK? ;-)

[qska]

Hey guys.
We went for a longer drive today.
I was looking for a place to plug in my phone charger, however the cigarette lighter socket next to the gear stick was.. I don't know - missing?

Wtf is that TM button I found there? Quick google didn't yield any results.

The car also has aftermarket parking sensors which packed up, grrrr.

Anyway, the little ones were moaning about it being windy at 40mph, so it will have to go...

[Iva Barchetta]

Iva Barchetta said:

Small children sometimes don't like the wind on them with the top down if they're sitting in the back.

Just a friendly heads up.

What he said,first reply to thread.

sorry to be a bit "told you so"

[bgunn]

qska said:

Hey guys.
We went for a longer drive today.
I was looking for a place to plug in my phone charger, however the cigarette lighter socket next to the gear stick was.. I don't know - missing?

Wtf is that TM button I found there? Quick google didn't yield any results.

The car also has aftermarket parking sensors which packed up, grrrr.

Anyway, the little ones were moaning about it being windy at 40mph, so it will have to go...

Traffic Master - precursor to google maps etc with traffic.