why a hard top in the winter?

[FrayAdjacent]

I don't think the hardtop being used has much to do with 'load' from the elements... the soft top is pretty sturdy, and can probably take some good weight.

I'd think it's more for insulation, improved rear visibility due to the larger window (this could be good since you'll more than likely have the top up anyway during the long winter months of inclement weather), and it also saves the top from wear from the elements.

The functional reasons are probably not all that great, but I'm sure it's a nice thing to have. I might try to find a hard top sometime, since my car is my daily driver.... although it's kinda harder to justify down here, as we do get some nice weather over the winter months.

[Chills]

The larger rear window I guess I can understand, but is that so imporatant to require a hard top in the winter?

I'm wanting djomlas to see this so he can chime in on why it is important to have his hard top on during the winter.

[super66]

it really is just not that important.....this is my third convertible and I have never had a hardtop for any of them...my brother doesn't have one on his roadster, I think they are pretty pointless.....

as to improved ride performance and rigidity.....I don't know if that's a benefit in the winter....I think you said it best, the cabin warms up just fine....

I wonder the same thing when people say get snow tires and a hardtop when someone says they are thinking about driving it in the winter, snow tires yes....hardtop, save the money....

[Chills]

Originally Posted by super66

it really is just not that important.....this is my third convertible and I have never had a hardtop for any of them...my brother doesn't have one on his roadster, I think they are pretty pointless.....

as to improved ride performance and rigidity.....I don't know if that's a benefit in the winter....I think you said it best, the cabin warms up just fine....

I wonder the same thing when people say get snow tires and a hardtop when someone says they are thinking about driving it in the winter, snow tires yes....hardtop, save the money....

EXACTLY!!!! The snow tires I can see, but why is a hardtop so necessary?

[986 Girl]

I store mine in the winter, but I always just assumed that extreme cold could take a toll on the plastic window, even if you aren't putting it up and down. I could be wrong though?

[Chills]

Originally Posted by 986 Girl

I store mine in the winter, but I always just assumed that extreme cold could take a toll on the plastic window, even if you aren't putting it up and down. I could be wrong though?

The only problem I've had with my plastic windown was when my dumb-ass put it down when it was about 30 degrees in my garage. That caused a small tear on the edge (there's a thread about it). Other than that my window held up great in the winter.

Hmmm.... still puzzled over this.


BTW, 986 Girl, I would store my Box in the winter too if I lived in Rochester. You have had massive amounts of snow this year. Every morning I send alerts to passengers flying out of Rochester Airport due to deicing I think to myself, "glad I don't live there."

[986 Girl]

Originally Posted by Chills

BTW, 986 Girl, I would store my Box in the winter too if I lived in Rochester. You have had massive amounts of snow this year. Every morning I send alerts to passengers flying out of Rochester Airport due to deicing I think to myself, "glad I don't live there."

This is my first real winter ever... for some god awful reason I moved here from Southern California... but I plan to move back there at the end of this summer, if all goes as planned, then I don't have to worry about this anymore!

[Grizzly]

My hardtop is still hanging on the wall. I didn't put it on this winter.

However, if it's cold and there's no possibility that you're going to be putting the top down anytime soon, why not install the hardtop? It's quieter, warmer and offers better visibility. Your stereo sounds better and there's no possibility that you'll crack your rear window by putting the top down at 30 degrees.