Max speed with roof off?

[TMan]

Was enjoying the sunny weather on Sunday with the top down and rear windscreen in place. Dabbed the right pedal a bit on an open strech of road and as I approached a decent speed the rear windscreen started humming and felt like it was about to explode or blow out.
Is there any recommended maximum speed for driving with the roof off or do I need to do something about the rear screen?

[Plotloss]

Erm, doesnt the rear windscreen come out when you have the roof off?

[TMan]

I'm sure it does even though I've never done it. Is it normal procedure to take the rear screen out every time you take the roof off?
I've only had the car for a month or so, so forgive any idiocy on my part...

[chim_girl]

I only take the rear screen out if I'm going on the motorway for a long distance, the buffeting (?) can be a little unpleasant at high speeds. General hooning (~90) hasn't caused anything to explode or pop out.

[TMan]

Sounds sensible - will do the same. Thanks for the info Chimgirl!

[T88CAN]

Always have the rear screen out as the buffeting at speeds over 50/60mph does my ears in I have also ran around with window out roof on on sticky days saves the freon (A/C )

[ScotsGrey]

Over 90, rear screen HAS to come out, otherwise explode! To reduce buffeting at lower speeds with roof off and rear screen in, just open each side window slightly to produce a 2cm gap with the B pillar - it works

[FunkyNige]

There's a video of a certain PH member doing an indicated 180mph with the roof off, on a private test track of course

[GI Jnr]

I used to take mine out all the time, yet my brother never take his out. We've done daft speeds with both set up and no problems yet.

Whatever tickles your fancy...

Tuan.

PS: Welcome to the forum BTW!

[mesh]

Never taken the screen out driving at speeds up to 120,no problems, don't even think about it, would happily go faster.

[Bob the Planner]

I almost always take the screen out, it only takes a matter of seconds and reduces the buffetting.

I find it doesn't make any difference windows up or down so I usually have them down. I only put them up when it starts to drizzle heavily.

Not tried the window out, roof on scenario as I don't see the point. Could this be the solution for when its raining or does the water come back into the cabin ?

Bob

[crusty]

T88CAN said:

I have also ran around with window out roof on

I tried this a couple of weeks ago and it was very pleasant indeed. Windows fully open, blah blah mph and a) no excess noise b) no sunburnt Head
Comes highly recommended

[S1X OK]

I took my 4.0 onto the circular high speed track at Millbrook (the one like a bloody big wok) with the roof off and rear window out and felt the aerodynamics were compromised by their absence. I was nudging 160 and it really didn't feel like doing much more. I'm down there again on Saturday and, weather permitting, I'll try it again, this time with the roof on and rear screen in. I'm interested to see how it differs.

[Gloves]

Hi all

I guess I'm just a pussy driver, but:
- For me, anything above 50 mph with the rear screen in is unpleasant (as other have said). It does seem that different cars have different buffeting thresholds.
- It is easy to take the rear screen out & to be honest, every time the roof's off the screen's out (as others have said) - much better driving.
- Max so far is 163 mph (not in the UK) with roof off - all I will say is that conversation is difficult & I couldn't hear the CD! I need more power - in the amplifier dept.
- Roof on - much more civilised - but still need to concentrate & hold tight!
- From my experience, get the rear window out every time it's dry - I see no benefit of leaving it in.
- See you at Le Mans!

[dvpeace]

I've only had my Tusc.for a little while. I took it out with the roof off and window in. Yes buffeting at 50-60mph, once I reached 80 the wind settled down. I have driven many open top cars and have found that once you get to high speeds you need a screen behind you to stop the wind coming back into the cockpit and lifting everything out.
From what people have said here I guess the opposite is the case?

[jamessim]

dvpeace,
Can I borrow your car? I've had over 140 minus the roof and screen, but Lady Penelope is still stuck hard in fast on the next seat giving me grief for my misdemeanors, happy motoring whatever the noise and heat, if it's too hot on scalp for anyone, get a balaclava, you might look like a terrorist escaping from the scene, but you know nobody's gonna catch you to reveal the truth about the lack of rooftop insulation.

Best Regards,

James Sim.

[dvpeace]

James

I forgot to mention that the passenger seat was empty, otherwise there's a vortex rattling in your ears all the time. Every day I find something new that I shouldn’t do in this car….. it’s great!

David

[PhilWattis]

Every day I find something new that this car shouldn't be doing :-)