top up or top down?!?

That leather cover that goes over the top (when it's folded down) tends to flap loose from the metal snaps once you are well into triple digits.


...not that I'd know.

 

I (theoretically) had the same problem today as a matter of fact. Unfortunately, the owner's manual says to leave the leather boot cover on at all times with the top down.

 

The boot cover on mine chatters a bit between 40-50mph and then stay planted thereafter with the volume pedal planted. Now as to triple digits, let's just say there is room for plausible deniability.

 

I was afraid that problem might crop up, so opted for a GTB

Actually same issue in my Firebird, I won't go over 3 digits for fear of that conv top boot tearing off....

 

i remember reading you should not take a murcie roadster over 140 with the top up

 

I "know this guy" with at 99 Spyder (not me of course), who has NO PROBLEM with tripple digist and the top down. Specifically, "the guy" has done 135 with the top down and no flapping (but my - I mean HIS cover - fits tight).

The only problem I've encountered with the top down is a whistle from 90 to 97, then the whistle goes away. Anyway, check to see if your cover pulls tight or if it has excess room. If the cover isn't tight try to relocate the two metal studs behind the seats near the doors.

 

Couldet live with the fact that i had to think about other than actually driving when trying hit 280kmh.

...I really love my Berlinetta

 

Mine is pulled really tight. Especially with the seats pushed back, there's very little flapping. Maybe I'll take her out today for a test drive under "very controlled conditions" of course!!! It's shaping up to be a gorgeous day here in the southeast.

 

I think there is a problem with the snaps on your car, those things should lock on. I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy, with a spider who on occasion has been over 160 with the top down with no issue.

 

Hi all,

I have seen 300 KPH (180 on the speedo) with the roof up on my 348 Spider, its still attached ok .

By the way it was on a unrestricted motorway in Germany at the time (LOL)!!

Regards,
Phil.

 

125 is nutty in a converitble.

120 isnt AS crazy in a targa type car (elise etc.)

 

Or GTS, if you can find one. Having that fixed rear window makes triple-digit cruising more exciting and less punishing. My 328 is fine at 120+. I haven't taken it up to 150+ (that would take a lot of track...), but top speed probably requires the targa top in place to reduce drag. Honestly at those speeds I feel better being a bit enclosed.

I had a first-generation SLK when they came out, and according to rumors I've heard regarding my car the retractable hard top/cover was perfect at 130+. Again according to secondhand accounts, the alleged wind noise and drag apparently meant that the guy driving my car didn't want to sustain that kind of speed for long.

If you're going to do that in a 348/355 Spider, I'd have your upholsterer check and replace the snaps if needed. You don't want any flapping whatsoever - ultimately it could damage the top and (maybe) paintwork.

 

Have had the spider to 140ish with top down and cover. No flapping, buffeting issues. Has a lot to do with the rake of the windshield. C5 vette is same way, can't tell the difference between 80 and 120 with the top down unless looking at the speedo, Scott

 

A friend of a friend of mine.........ran a 355 spider to 170 with top up and no sign of top flapping or any issues whatsoever...... !!!!

 

My friend will look foward to that meeting

 

It shouldn't. Mine did not, until recently. I replaced the offending snap with a new one.

 

Clearly this test needs to be repeated under controlled conditions, then!

 

Isn't that funny, we all "know someone". The guy "I know" has only been around 130 with the top down and 156 with the top up. Of course none of us would do that!

 

Ditto here on a 348 spider and 170mph, top up I think from memory (on a racetrack of course). No flapping etc problems, and car was rock steady.