Tell me the do's and don'ts of owning a convertible

MichStangFan · 06-16-2003, 10:24 PM

Today marks 6 weeks since I ordered mine so I should be hearing from the dealer anyday now . I'm getting anxious so tell me some of the things I should and shouldn't do with a convertible. It can be anything from driving tips to cleaning tips....let me hear them.

cyberstang5.0 · 06-17-2003, 07:08 AM

Don't put the top down when it's raining

Ask Topless In Texas, she's shows her vert and looks sweet

Axman · 06-17-2003, 04:43 PM

Do wear sunblock or at least a hat when the sun is on you.
Don't put the top down with the trunk loaded or glass damage will result.

I also find that a good upholstery cleaner works best on the top.

crewzin · 06-18-2003, 08:17 AM

Congrats on getting a vert. The do's are always keep it down when your in it

The dont's... Dont leave it in a bad hood... it takes about .2 seconds to ruin that expensive top. Go ahead and save up your deductable so when somebody puts a knife through it you wont be strapped for the money to get it fixed. Oh ya, enjoy the hell out of it.

Later.....

RBatson · 06-19-2003, 04:00 AM

Don't; go through an automatic car wash with it or you will be taking a bath and soak the interior.
Don't; use armour all on the top, it will dry it out and become brittle causing it to crack prematurely.
Don't; leave the top down all the time while its parked. It will cause the fabric to fade.
Do; enjoy it!

I'm curious about the loaded trunk and glass damage comment. What kinda of convertible are you talking about?

Rice Hunter · 06-19-2003, 07:15 AM

Unless you are going cruising and heading back home, don't put the cover on the top when it's down. If you park it somewhere, you should put the top up (security and fading issues), and there's no place to store the cover.
Don't drive it too fast on the drag strip. If you reach a certain time in the 1/4 they'll make you get a roll cage before you can come back. (That's what I'm told atleast)

Enjoy it, and feel your ego inflate when it's sunny out and the coup people look at your car lustfully

MichStangFan · 06-20-2003, 04:06 PM

The dealer called me today. I could have picked up the new 'vert today but I've decided to have them add a rear spoiler to it. It wasn't available on the package I got but they'll take another couple of days to order and install one. They said next wed or thurs by the latest.

mustangII460 · 06-20-2003, 09:14 PM

Don't park under power lines, trees or anywhere a bird can take a dump on your console, wose yet, your drink

Especially those messy blueberry looking dumps.

Don't they sell somethng you can lay on the back glass before you put it down? Keeping it from getting scratched?

RBatson · 06-29-2003, 11:05 AM

I never had any problems with problems with the back glass on my verts.

95mustanggt · 06-30-2003, 08:23 AM

Yep, keep stuff IN THE TRUNK. If anything ever falls in the space behind the back seat you could break your rear glass!

Things I've noticed with my 2002 Vert:

1. When opening the top, always close the 2 side latch handles before retracting the top. If they are left open they can tear your top!

2. Becarefull when opening the top on a very windy day, it acts like a giant sail!

3. Don't use automatic car washers!

4. Wear a hat or sun screen! You will get a burn on your scalp!! LOL

5. Watch out for birds, I was almost hit a few months ago!

6. When raising the top, make sure the windows are the last thing you put up.

7. ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE LITTLE BACK WINDOWS!!! My wife scared the crap out of me one morning, because she forgot them. Makes breaking into the car REAL easy.

8. Have FUN!!!

hobgoblin351 · 07-01-2003, 12:07 PM

Be aware that everything you do is 10X more visible. That could be good or bad. Oh and dont let the girls sit on the back deck with their feet on the rear seat pretending that they're in a music video or something. Yes you can get tickets for that. I always learn things the hard way!

J E T S · 07-01-2003, 04:39 PM

As far as cleaning goes, the owners' manual recommends that you use Motorcraft Triple Clean. I thought that this stuff would be really expensive, but the list price was $4.82 and I paid $3.89 at a local Ford dealer. I haven't cleaned the top with it yet, but I will be soon.

J E T S · 07-02-2003, 05:19 PM

Note that my previous post is regarding the convertible top...

MissBlondie · 07-03-2003, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 95mustanggt
4. Wear a hat or sun screen! You will get a burn on your scalp!! LOL

Cam are you balding?

95mustanggt · 07-03-2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MissBlondie
Cam are you balding?

No! I just have thin hair. Check out my picture in RHC's staff Bio if you think I'm bald! LOL.

ed1371 · 07-06-2003, 04:45 AM

had my vert for a while...lessons learned:

1. Dont put the top down when the nitrous bottle is mounted in the trunk, the back glass WILL break (if it does happen, blame a kid with a baseball)

2. Always watch the weather forecast...

3. Get a roll cage/bar installed for 3 reasons...one it looks bad *****! two, it stiffens up the frame which you will find is a little looser than a coupe, and three you will need it at the track if you run faster than 14.00 seconds (a gimmie)

4. Regardless of what people tell you, buy a lot of Simple Green to clean your top. I have tried everything and it is by far the best (and I have a white top btw)

5. Treat your rubber moulding well, keep it clean and supple...or you will be wet.

Topless In Texas · 07-13-2003, 04:35 AM

Well, I just spent a damn HOUR on this and had it TIME OUT... UUGGGHGHGHGHGHGHHG (Im saving it to an email this time...IM NOT gonna type this again!!!!)

I just put on my new top I"ve had sitting in my living room for 16 mos. (money issue).. I had to get it put on before the MCOA NATIONALS in MAY... they did a SHITTY job, and I'm pissed about a few things and I've got to go see them. But, thats another thread later on when I"m in the mood...

The top at hand:
Sunscreen, that is common sense, depending on your tanning ability...

Make a list of 'checkpoints' so you dont ever forget anything:
1) Windows down
2) Latches undone. (I have forgotten to undo the latches and try to put the top down. not a good thing on the motor. I did have my motor to my top replaced about a year and a half ago. I was prolly shy of 100k at that time...it left me high and dry(not really, it was raining) of corse. When it happens, you'll know it.

Not only for SECURITY, you should put your top UP when Your Stang is left unattended in the sun for these reasons:
1) The Sun will CRACK AND LEAVE GAPPING HOLES IN YOUR LEATHER!
2) FADES your CARPET!
3) FADES THE HEADLINER WHERE YOUR TOP MEETS YOUR WINDSHIELD IF YOUR BOOT IS NOT ON!!! leaves it a NASTY lite brown color....I suggest putting your boot on at all times to protect your headliner, if your top is down...once again, school of hard knocks!
I AM NOW DEALING with all this and my interior is SHOT! BUT.....I ALWAYS have to have the top down! Even now, but i"m to the point, the int. is so fkd up right now, whats the point?

I just wish I'd taken better care of my INTERIOR in the first place!

I NEVER had a problem w/ my back window other than the canvas shrinking and exposing glued seams but it NEVER leaked...till I got golf ball sized holes by my hinges. They started as small 'imperfections' and grew over the last couple of years. Duct tape is NOT attractive on a good looking Stang!

A roll bar is not required, if your racing . Down here anyways I think you gotta be in the 13's or less. Mine is just a light bar and not a functioning roll bar. I would suggest subframe connectors to beef it up, although the vertes are a few hundred pounds heavier than the Coupes, the subframes REALLY help beef up your suspension!! Unfortunately, I had to cut mine off when I got my side exaust put on ....

No need to put a bunch of goop on it, just keep it clean, and if you get caught in the rain, wipe down your interior so it does not spot. I myself, and my daughter love to ride in the rain, and have been caught in a few storms....quite a few. But if you go fast enough, You DONT get wet!!!

It does feel good though. Just make sure you take care of it when you get it back in the garage.

I have the hard boot, will only fit stuffed in the back seat, but theres no way anyone could fit back there w/ it. Also, Kids like the back seat, they hold on to the light bar, make sure thier butts are strapped in the seat and NOBODY stands up!

My daughter being raised in it, shes VERY good about it! She knows whats right and wrong, whats safe and whats not and where the cops are, she looks out for the for me.....

If you smoke, Hold your cigarette over your head, the ashes will clear your Stang....Trust me!!!

I never take my car thru a Car Wash, NOONE touches my car but me.

Well, there was something else, but of corse, I cant remember it now!!!

I dont know if this will help you, but by seeing what us 'older' daily driven/Showcar verte owners deal with, I hope It will help..
Here is some pics of when they replaced the top in May...Im haveing SERIOUS issues w/ it now.

http://community.webshots.com/album/74017561eeFTtr

BTW: JEFF....thanks for your kind words about Topless...I really appreciate it! Ya, I got my top on, but now I'm dealing with other problems...its never ending, and I cant seem to get ahead of them....Got 2 broken window motors now....guess that should be expected. I'm about to turn over 116K....uggh......Ive been sitting on fixing them for the last few months....waiting for that money tree to grow in my back yard!

Anyways...best of luck to ya! And I am looking forward to seeing pics of your new baby!!!! I LOVE baby pics! lol!!!!!
Im chilled out now...just as long as this posts and dont time out, I'll be okay!

Good Luck and CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!!

TNT

06-16-2003, 10:24 PM	#1
MichStangFan Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 19	Tell me the do's and don'ts of owning a convertible Today marks 6 weeks since I ordered mine so I should be hearing from the dealer anyday now . I'm getting anxious so tell me some of the things I should and shouldn't do with a convertible. It can be anything from driving tips to cleaning tips....let me hear them.

06-17-2003, 04:43 PM	#3
Axman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 90	Do wear sunblock or at least a hat when the sun is on you. Don't put the top down with the trunk loaded or glass damage will result. I also find that a good upholstery cleaner works best on the top. __________________ Rice Hater's Club member #213 "If you've got it, get more, then flaunt it!" "...More power, arr arr!" --Tim Allen 1992 LX convertible, 2.3L 165 hp, I can't get it from the wife.. 1983 Chevy S-10, 2.8L engine, T4 trans, my daily driver. 1973 VW Beetle, 1.6L engine 57 hp. 1979 Chevy Malibu Wagon, 305/350, 250 hp more on the way. 1978 Honda Frankencivic CVCC, Ford 460 big block, C6 trans, currently rated @208 hp more on the way.

06-18-2003, 08:17 AM	#4
crewzin Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Sour Lake, TX Posts: 211	Top down Congrats on getting a vert. The do's are always keep it down when your in it The dont's... Dont leave it in a bad hood... it takes about .2 seconds to ruin that expensive top. Go ahead and save up your deductable so when somebody puts a knife through it you wont be strapped for the money to get it fixed. Oh ya, enjoy the hell out of it. Later.....

06-19-2003, 07:15 AM	#6
Rice Hunter Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The special place in your heart Posts: 388	Unless you are going cruising and heading back home, don't put the cover on the top when it's down. If you park it somewhere, you should put the top up (security and fading issues), and there's no place to store the cover. Don't drive it too fast on the drag strip. If you reach a certain time in the 1/4 they'll make you get a roll cage before you can come back. (That's what I'm told atleast) Enjoy it, and feel your ego inflate when it's sunny out and the coup people look at your car lustfully __________________ Scott 453.9rwhp 387trq Lots of fun Convertible Penn State University Temple University School of Medicine (start August 27th )

06-20-2003, 04:06 PM	#7
MichStangFan Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 19	mustang The dealer called me today. I could have picked up the new 'vert today but I've decided to have them add a rear spoiler to it. It wasn't available on the package I got but they'll take another couple of days to order and install one. They said next wed or thurs by the latest.

06-17-2003, 07:08 AM	#2
cyberstang5.0 347ci of HORSE POWER!!! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,416	Don't put the top down when it's raining Ask Topless In Texas, she's shows her vert and looks sweet

06-19-2003, 04:00 AM	#5
RBatson Registered Member Join Date: May 1997 Posts: 3,028	Don't; go through an automatic car wash with it or you will be taking a bath and soak the interior. Don't; use armour all on the top, it will dry it out and become brittle causing it to crack prematurely. Don't; leave the top down all the time while its parked. It will cause the fabric to fade. Do; enjoy it! I'm curious about the loaded trunk and glass damage comment. What kinda of convertible are you talking about?

06-20-2003, 09:14 PM	#8
mustangII460 Factoy Five Roadster Join Date: May 2000 Location: Sevier Co,Tennessee Posts: 1,681	Don't park under power lines, trees or anywhere a bird can take a dump on your console, wose yet, your drink Especially those messy blueberry looking dumps. Don't they sell somethng you can lay on the back glass before you put it down? Keeping it from getting scratched? __________________ Frank

06-29-2003, 11:05 AM	#9
RBatson Registered Member Join Date: May 1997 Posts: 3,028	I never had any problems with problems with the back glass on my verts.

06-30-2003, 08:23 AM	#10
95mustanggt Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 2,875	Yep, keep stuff IN THE TRUNK. If anything ever falls in the space behind the back seat you could break your rear glass! Things I've noticed with my 2002 Vert: 1. When opening the top, always close the 2 side latch handles before retracting the top. If they are left open they can tear your top! 2. Becarefull when opening the top on a very windy day, it acts like a giant sail! 3. Don't use automatic car washers! 4. Wear a hat or sun screen! You will get a burn on your scalp!! LOL 5. Watch out for birds, I was almost hit a few months ago! 6. When raising the top, make sure the windows are the last thing you put up. 7. ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE LITTLE BACK WINDOWS!!! My wife scared the crap out of me one morning, because she forgot them. Makes breaking into the car REAL easy. 8. Have FUN!!! __________________ 1995 Mustang GT 20016 F150 Lariat Super Crew

07-01-2003, 12:07 PM	#11
hobgoblin351 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 245	Be aware that everything you do is 10X more visible. That could be good or bad. Oh and dont let the girls sit on the back deck with their feet on the rear seat pretending that they're in a music video or something. Yes you can get tickets for that. I always learn things the hard way! __________________ 1970 Stang Conv: en:Boss351 (balanced/blueprinted) mech cam(240*@.050/.540 lift) Scrw in studs/comp cams rllr rkr Mldn valves 2.19in 1.71ex ported polished cc'd hrdnd ex Keith Black FT pistons(10.25/1) Weiand Excellorator manifold Holley700 DP mech 2nds MSD 6 box and Dis Headers/2 1/2 inch duels tr: modified FMX re:9-inch/3.89 limited slip

07-01-2003, 04:39 PM	#12
J E T S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: TN Posts: 3	As far as cleaning goes, the owners' manual recommends that you use Motorcraft Triple Clean. I thought that this stuff would be really expensive, but the list price was $4.82 and I paid $3.89 at a local Ford dealer. I haven't cleaned the top with it yet, but I will be soon.

07-02-2003, 05:19 PM	#13
J E T S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: TN Posts: 3	Note that my previous post is regarding the convertible top...

07-06-2003, 04:45 AM	#16
ed1371 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 469	had my vert for a while...lessons learned: 1. Dont put the top down when the nitrous bottle is mounted in the trunk, the back glass WILL break (if it does happen, blame a kid with a baseball) 2. Always watch the weather forecast... 3. Get a roll cage/bar installed for 3 reasons...one it looks bad *****! two, it stiffens up the frame which you will find is a little looser than a coupe, and three you will need it at the track if you run faster than 14.00 seconds (a gimmie) 4. Regardless of what people tell you, buy a lot of Simple Green to clean your top. I have tried everything and it is by far the best (and I have a white top btw) 5. Treat your rubber moulding well, keep it clean and supple...or you will be wet. __________________ My Mustang

07-13-2003, 04:35 AM	#17
Topless In Texas Not broken anymore! Join Date: May 2001 Location: La Porte, TEXASS :) Posts: 1,963	Your new VERTE!!! ;) Well, I just spent a damn HOUR on this and had it TIME OUT... UUGGGHGHGHGHGHGHHG (Im saving it to an email this time...IM NOT gonna type this again!!!!) I just put on my new top I"ve had sitting in my living room for 16 mos. (money issue).. I had to get it put on before the MCOA NATIONALS in MAY... they did a SHITTY job, and I'm pissed about a few things and I've got to go see them. But, thats another thread later on when I"m in the mood... The top at hand: Sunscreen, that is common sense, depending on your tanning ability... Make a list of 'checkpoints' so you dont ever forget anything: 1) Windows down 2) Latches undone. (I have forgotten to undo the latches and try to put the top down. not a good thing on the motor. I did have my motor to my top replaced about a year and a half ago. I was prolly shy of 100k at that time...it left me high and dry(not really, it was raining) of corse. When it happens, you'll know it. Not only for SECURITY, you should put your top UP when Your Stang is left unattended in the sun for these reasons: 1) The Sun will CRACK AND LEAVE GAPPING HOLES IN YOUR LEATHER! 2) FADES your CARPET! 3) FADES THE HEADLINER WHERE YOUR TOP MEETS YOUR WINDSHIELD IF YOUR BOOT IS NOT ON!!! leaves it a NASTY lite brown color....I suggest putting your boot on at all times to protect your headliner, if your top is down...once again, school of hard knocks! I AM NOW DEALING with all this and my interior is SHOT! BUT.....I ALWAYS have to have the top down! Even now, but i"m to the point, the int. is so fkd up right now, whats the point? I just wish I'd taken better care of my INTERIOR in the first place! I NEVER had a problem w/ my back window other than the canvas shrinking and exposing glued seams but it NEVER leaked...till I got golf ball sized holes by my hinges. They started as small 'imperfections' and grew over the last couple of years. Duct tape is NOT attractive on a good looking Stang! A roll bar is not required, if your racing . Down here anyways I think you gotta be in the 13's or less. Mine is just a light bar and not a functioning roll bar. I would suggest subframe connectors to beef it up, although the vertes are a few hundred pounds heavier than the Coupes, the subframes REALLY help beef up your suspension!! Unfortunately, I had to cut mine off when I got my side exaust put on .... No need to put a bunch of goop on it, just keep it clean, and if you get caught in the rain, wipe down your interior so it does not spot. I myself, and my daughter love to ride in the rain, and have been caught in a few storms....quite a few. But if you go fast enough, You DONT get wet!!! It does feel good though. Just make sure you take care of it when you get it back in the garage. I have the hard boot, will only fit stuffed in the back seat, but theres no way anyone could fit back there w/ it. Also, Kids like the back seat, they hold on to the light bar, make sure thier butts are strapped in the seat and NOBODY stands up! My daughter being raised in it, shes VERY good about it! She knows whats right and wrong, whats safe and whats not and where the cops are, she looks out for the for me..... If you smoke, Hold your cigarette over your head, the ashes will clear your Stang....Trust me!!! I never take my car thru a Car Wash, NOONE touches my car but me. Well, there was something else, but of corse, I cant remember it now!!! I dont know if this will help you, but by seeing what us 'older' daily driven/Showcar verte owners deal with, I hope It will help.. Here is some pics of when they replaced the top in May...Im haveing SERIOUS issues w/ it now. http://community.webshots.com/album/74017561eeFTtr BTW: JEFF....thanks for your kind words about Topless...I really appreciate it! Ya, I got my top on, but now I'm dealing with other problems...its never ending, and I cant seem to get ahead of them....Got 2 broken window motors now....guess that should be expected. I'm about to turn over 116K....uggh......Ive been sitting on fixing them for the last few months....waiting for that money tree to grow in my back yard! Anyways...best of luck to ya! And I am looking forward to seeing pics of your new baby!!!! I LOVE baby pics! lol!!!!! Im chilled out now...just as long as this posts and dont time out, I'll be okay! Good Luck and CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!! TNT __________________ R.I.P. my Kinde..Jan. 19,1992-Aug. 22, 2003. Shes Cruisin' doggie heaven in a Blown Verte or a GTO!!! 2005 ROUSH GT Verte SuperStallions of the Net Feature, May 2002 RICE HATERS CLUB MEMBER #38!! O.B.C #5..thank you!! I feel so priveledged!! BONE STOCK~ Hell, its a ROUSH!