Hard or soft...top?
Discussion
Hello gents,
I wanted to know if there are any well known negatives to Mustang convertibles. I've tested a few GT/CS coupes recently but I live in Dubai so the weather here is perfect for a convertible about 80% of the year.
I know that you lose some structural ridgidity with a soft top but tight apexed mountain passes are pretty thin on the ground so 99% of my time will be spent cruising or in traffic.
I'm also thinking that the V8 soundtrack will be a super cool experience with the top down.
Anything I should particularly be aware of?
I wanted to know if there are any well known negatives to Mustang convertibles. I've tested a few GT/CS coupes recently but I live in Dubai so the weather here is perfect for a convertible about 80% of the year.
I know that you lose some structural ridgidity with a soft top but tight apexed mountain passes are pretty thin on the ground so 99% of my time will be spent cruising or in traffic.
I'm also thinking that the V8 soundtrack will be a super cool experience with the top down.
Anything I should particularly be aware of?
It can be TOO hot sometimes for a soft top. Experienced this in Arizona a couple of years ago, but no idea if this is something you'll suffer from.
There is some scuttle shake in the rag top but it's not too bad. I ordered mine with a vinyl top as it's easier to keep clean in England for a car which is never garaged. I had a fabric roofed BMW and when they get dirty can be hard to clean properly (never use a pressure washer on them as it forces the dirt into the fabric). You, however, may suffer from a vinyl top cracking in the sun.
Having the roof down in traffic can be a pain because of exhaust fumes and dust. Having said that I love mine.
There is some scuttle shake in the rag top but it's not too bad. I ordered mine with a vinyl top as it's easier to keep clean in England for a car which is never garaged. I had a fabric roofed BMW and when they get dirty can be hard to clean properly (never use a pressure washer on them as it forces the dirt into the fabric). You, however, may suffer from a vinyl top cracking in the sun.
Having the roof down in traffic can be a pain because of exhaust fumes and dust. Having said that I love mine.
Roo said:
It can be TOO hot sometimes for a soft top. Experienced this in Arizona a couple of years ago, but no idea if this is something you'll suffer from.
There is some scuttle shake in the rag top but it's not too bad. I ordered mine with a vinyl top as it's easier to keep clean in England for a car which is never garaged. I had a fabric roofed BMW and when they get dirty can be hard to clean properly (never use a pressure washer on them as it forces the dirt into the fabric). You, however, may suffer from a vinyl top cracking in the sun.
Having the roof down in traffic can be a pain because of exhaust fumes and dust. Having said that I love mine.
Thanks - have had convertibles before so aware of the general pros and cons. For three months of the year here it is likely that it will be too hot, but for the rest of the year it should be about perfect. There is some scuttle shake in the rag top but it's not too bad. I ordered mine with a vinyl top as it's easier to keep clean in England for a car which is never garaged. I had a fabric roofed BMW and when they get dirty can be hard to clean properly (never use a pressure washer on them as it forces the dirt into the fabric). You, however, may suffer from a vinyl top cracking in the sun.
Having the roof down in traffic can be a pain because of exhaust fumes and dust. Having said that I love mine.
Just hoping to avoid comments back like 'scuttle shake like a Saab 93' really!
Hitch78 said:
Thanks - have had convertibles before so aware of the general pros and cons. For three months of the year here it is likely that it will be too hot, but for the rest of the year it should be about perfect.
Just hoping to avoid comments back like 'scuttle shake like a Saab 93' really!
At least you know what you're letting yourself in for.Just hoping to avoid comments back like 'scuttle shake like a Saab 93' really!
I've just sold (last week) my '03 plated coupe and I honestly belive that my new convertible is a much better ride. Admittedly they've got different suspension set ups.
I've owned/driven E36 BMW, Sebring, MK1 and MK3 Golf, MX5, Saab 900, Mitsi Spyder plus a few others. The Mustang isn't as good as the Beemer but is alot better than a lot of the others.
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