Wife wants to go topless more often!

[TorqueDirty]

Hi folks,

So, we have had the Chim for a couple a couple of months now and as summer is approaching (even in Scotland) the wife wants to go topless more often.

Of course I am now running in to the age old issues. The roof does not fold down fully, I can't see sh*t out of the rear view mirror and I'm worried about damaging the rear screen plastic as it is clearly not happy when fully folded down.

Seen a few threads on the smaller screen mod. Seems to work very well but it sure ain't cheap and I'm not 100% convinced I like the ones I have seen so far.

Sooooooo...does anyone drive their car in the Targa setup - rear screen fixed in the up position, roof pannel out? Or does this simply guarantee that you get more flack than Jermeny Clarkson?

Not tried it, not even sure it is designed to be driven like this, but I thought I would garner opinions all the same.

And no, before you ask you can't see any photos of the wife going topless in the Chim!

[Grey Ghost]

When you fold the rear screen down make sure the Velcro pieces on each side are fully separated and place a towel, picnic rug etc in the rear screen and fold down around this. I use a picnic rug rolled up into a tube so that the clear part of the screen isn't "pinched" in the middle where it is prone to splitting. Also, pay particular attention to the metal supports as these can push against the clear section when folding down.

Don't worry about the rear view mirror too much..........use the door mirrors

[TV8]

Not a fan of the targa config - I find it gives wierd airflow. Provided the screen isnt too cold, it folds fine.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Grey Ghost said:

When you fold the rear screen down make sure the Velcro pieces on each side are fully separated

I also like to push the inner flaps out through the velcro, which stops it sticking back together again.

No point looking behind you anyway - everything should be going slower than you, so it's not like they'll catch up!

You can see most of what you need in the side mirrors, and the rear section should fold down far enough to give you some view behind, even if you have to angle your rear-view mirror up a fraction.

I would be concerned about air pressure pushing against the rear window if driving it in the "targa" configuration at speed. I've had my Chimaera for over three years now and don't think I've ever driven it in that configuration.

Try renting a Transit van - that'll give you some practice of having no rearward view at all (apart from the side mirrors). You soon get used to it.

Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Friday 2nd May 15:20

[phazed]

I've used a plain one of these for years after reading a tip on here. Never had a cracked screen.

Don't go for the smaller window........

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/116414712/door-dra...

[QBee]

I drive mine targa style all the time. Less draughty, choice of windows up or down, means you can get the roof on and off quicker.

Downsides - will never be as draught free as a modern soft top with wind deflector and air scarf.
- At high speed any jumpers etc on the rear parcel shelf come hurtling over your shoulder into the footwell, so use of boot is advised.

Upsides - I have done 140mph in mine with the targa panel off, hoop up, without damage to the rear window
- much better rear view - as good as with the roof on

I agree with you - I like to see the police cars before the blue lights come on - gives me time to make up my excuses or modify my behaviour

[roseytvr]

QBee said:

I drive mine targa style all the time.

+1

[FST 300]

I too drive mine targa style and have not had any problems with rear visibility or damaging rear screen

[TorqueDirty]

Thanks guys, lots of good advice.

Will have a shot at the targa set up and also look in to the sausage dog trick.

Will also remember to unfasten all the Velcro on both sides and then manipulate the inner flaps as instructed. Not quite sure how to find these inner flaps yet but past experience suggests that it will all make sense once I investigate carefully.

TD

[toon tvr]

Targa with Windows down, I wonder what that does for mpg?

[Don]

TV8 said:

Not a fan of the targa config - I find it gives wierd airflow. Provided the screen isnt too cold, it folds fine.

Yep. The Targa mode is draughty and noisy. But we've done it before now - especially when it starts raining, you're on the motorway, and some roof is better than no roof.

Otherwise my view is just make sure the velcro is fully loosened and push hard! Eventually this will crack the plastic on a cold day. That's when you get a replacement plastic rear screen for £150 or so...not the end of the world.

The car is meant to be used. Use it! Including the roof...

[Don]

TorqueDirty said:

Not quite sure how to find these inner flaps yet but past experience suggests that it will all make sense once I investigate carefully.

Fnarr, fnarr. Great username...

[mart 63]

Ive only had mine a year but,targa up in the winter and down in the summer.Tshirt all year round.

[QBee]

toon tvr said:

Targa with Windows down, I wonder what that does for mpg?

You're not related to SiliconeKid are you?

[TorqueDirty]

Don said:

Fnarr, fnarr. Great username...

Thanks Finbarr!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

toon tvr said:

Targa with Windows down, I wonder what that does for mpg?

Yes, I see the problem for that otherwise most frugal of cars

[skiver]

Probably a good idea to check the condition of the stitching before you do QBees' speeds with the Targa off. My rear screen blew out on the motorway due to perished stitching.

[Fuzzy400]

roseytvr said:

QBee said:

I drive mine targa style all the time.

+1

+2

[Timbergiant]

[mk1fan]

Combine with a Surrey roof and you'll not need to touch the rear section of the roof to enjoy the targa panel out driving