Just a word of caution, a decade or so ago, I had a lovely 1966 mustang convertible, Left the top down just long enough to run into the ATM at the bank and when I returned there was the remnants of a strawberry milk shake laying on the back seat. I had the interior recently reupholstered and was heartbroken, the stain never came out. I drop the top whenever the weather permits, above freezing no rain or snow. But if I get out of the car and go more than 2 meters away the top goes up!

 

But, who could drive around in a car that smells like me before surfing?

People are, envious, jealous and retarded ********. They would rather waste the money they spent on their food to chuck it at an object of desire that they could never have. If only they had studied and worked hard enough, they wouldn't be in their position.

 

I live in Salt Lake City. Once the weather is good, I leave the top down and use a cover.

 

MRomanik, I can't imagine that that cover is easier or faster to install than pressing on the button and raising the roof. Looks cool, but it kinda looks like a step backwards.

 

Just use it when it's parked overnight. Faster than raising the roof, elastic hold down on the door handles, velcro on the wiper arms, trunk holds down in back.

 

I like the looks and concept. Plus it would be easier on the pumps and hoses. Where did you get this?

 

That's a neat cover. Where from? Reading the large print over the windshield says its ftom the California Car Cover Co. with 800 number and web site..

 

Hi all.

Drive open as much as I can, but that is not often enough living this far north. Had some days well above 80F, but today it's raining again.
I have the remote top opening modification, and that makes the hole process a game. Approach the car, push, and all open. Leave the car, push, and all close.
Have also installed wind deflector and rear quarter window close, so I drive open down to 60F.:icon_lol :

 

I think that some of us always open and close the top with a bit of dread as to the inevitable consequence of doing so.

 

That's been my basic problem. I was not totally surprised to have the hose at the latch start leaking within a few months of initial ownership but was still freaked a bit. After having the hoses replaced and was happily using the top again (after installing the pressure relief valve) only to have the pump motor go south a short while later. So that was replaced as well. Luckily none of this was out-of-pocket but these experiences were enough to give me pause every time I think of lowering the top.

Doug

 

How often is it likely to happen? I had my hydraulics and pumps worked on like 5 or 6 years ago.

 

If I was a wise guy I would say likely to happen every 5 or 6 years. Actually I have no idea.

Doug

 

Is there such a thing as a permanent fix, or are we doomed to the cycle?

 

The hoses are not that big of a deal since if they failed again I would opt for the much better ones that Gus helped develop. The real PITA would be the pump. The retail on those is about $2,000 and they are virtually impossible to get. I reckon they can be repaired though.

Doug

 

Jag#4, Steve8 Got the cover from California Car Covers about $95.

 

Though I am far from an expert on the subject (I'd say that Gus probably is) I've been around here for four years, and I'd have to say to nobody knows the answer to that question for sure.

When I asked, a few years ago, what everyone thought was the cause of the problem, I was told that they suspect that it is the heat from the Sun shining on the top that eventually causes the problems with the hoses.

My car is a 2001 and the previous owner drove it very little and kept it in a large garage with several other cars. I keep it in in a carport, so, once again, it is not subject to the Sun shining on it all day. I have had no problems with mine, and I hope to keep it that way. I only drive it about 3000 miles a year and don't leave it sitting out in the Sun very much at all.

What I am saying is that I suspect that the answer to your question is largely dependent upon how the car is used and what it is subjected to, rather than a time span.