storage with top unlatched?

[jaykay]

....I have never done this. Is this the way to do it??

[RandallNeighbour]

you better add a picture or type more words if you want an educated response to this question. What are you talking about????

[particlewave]

I would say no.
Just because I've never done so and have seen no I'll effects.

[Joe B]

You're over thinking this. Just leave it latched.

[steved0x]

Are you asking, when you open the convertible top, you push the button to unlatch the top and then stow the top, and you leave the handle in the unlatched position? I always used to leave it in that position. Then I installed the BK Roll bar extender and then you have to close the latch partway through the top stowing process or else the latch will hit. I have since removed the bar (I still have it, I will put it back before my next track day) but now I always "close" the latch at the same time as I do the boxster chop.

[rick3000]

I have my hardtop on most of the time, but if I was storing the car in the garage under a cover, I see no issue leaving the softop latch unlatched. If anything it might be better for the rubber seals to not be compressed.

[JayG]

I never close the latch after the top starts to open. Never a problem

[rick3000]

Is he talking about storing the car in a garage, or storing the top while folded under the clamshell?

OP we need some clarification.

[particlewave]

Prepping the car for winter storage, based on his other posts.

[Mark_T]

That's how I interpreted the question. I store mine latched, but I'm guessing it probably doesn't make much difference. The only thing that comes to mind is that if you store it unlatched then the plastic window can flex and, in extreme cold, may crack.

My car has seen winter storage temps of -45 with no issues.

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

... if you store it unlatched then the plastic window can flex and, in extreme cold, may crack..

I would think it would crack if it COULD NOT flex....
Having said that you are an expert on EXTREME weather...

[Mark_T]

I agree, you would think that pulled taut and then shrunk in the cold would make it more likely to crack, but, like I said, I latch mine and have had no problems at extremely cold temperatures.

It probably doesn't make much difference either way, really.

[kjc2050]

Paralysis through analysis. Leave it latched.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jaykay

....I have never done this. Is this the way to do it??

In a word, why?................

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

In a word, why?................

It was suggested on Pedros site at one point....release tension on on the fabric perhaps?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jaykay

It was suggested on Pedros site at one point....release tension on on the fabric perhaps?

As cars that either do not see winter, and even many that do, never have the "tension" released, I fail to see what would be accomplished.

We store a limited number of cars for clients over the winter, and we never have done this. I am also not aware of any detrimental outcomes as the result.

Sometimes, well meaning individual's post well intentioned thoughts that are actually of no real value in maintaining these cars..........

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by jaykay

It was suggested on Pedros site at one point....release tension on on the fabric perhaps?

I've thought about this myself. The tension keeps the top from forming strange creases if the top isn't aligned 100% from lacking said tension. But I've wondered if it's less strain on the cables to keep it closed but not latched fully.
But the rubber bits like the mouldings probably want to be stored under tension to build in a good seal.

[Timco]

I allow the car a whiff of N2O before she sleeps extended or is worked on to keep the oil pressure down during procedures and while in hibernation. Remember the dentist's office as a kid?

Then, it's time to seal the openings around the garage before I remove as much atmosphere as possible with a vacuum pump and caulk, running the pump 24/7. Thieves drop dead, same with rodents and bugs, because nothing can live in a vacuum. (Same reason I suck up spiders with the hand vac....)

Considered a hyperbaric chamber, but that's taking things too far. Rotating the car's orientation to the changing angle of the sun daily is enough work.

[Muzzle of Bees]

My head hurts now.

[Mark_T]

I'm going to add "set mouse traps" to my winter storage prep list. I can't afford one of Timco's hypo-barbaric thingies.