Convertible cars with the roofs up rant !!!

[Mactech]

I know there's fun to be had with the wind in your hair (or what's left of it) but I have to say that when we had the SLK it spent only about 5% of it's time as an open car
It's not the security and it's not even the cold or weather, for me it's the noise!
Most of my journeys are long and the quieter a car is the better the journey. Like a rock concert, open cars are fun for a limited time.
Call me strange but I wear earplugs when I'm on the motorbike and find it much better as allows me to concetrate more on what the road and bike are telling me.
Stranger still is that when I'm on the bike I miss the information from an outside temperature gauge

 

[SilverSaloon]

for me it's the noise!

i know where you are coming from and this was one of the reasons why i didnt get the top down in the CLK as much.

however in the R107 i find its noiser with the roof UP because of the wind going over the roof and old-fasioned sealing (no sound proofing in the roof etc). - at higher speeds anyway. atleast with the roof down you expect the noise - with the roof up, because you have something over you it makes you feel it should be quieter, but it isnt.

 

[w124nut]

One of the conditions I set myself is that if the weather is so inclement that the soft top needs to be up, then the cabriolet stays in the garage and I take one of the other cars.

As for noise when driving the cabriolet, I avoid driving it in town and on motorways. However, when on the open road, I cruise.

 

[corned]

Noise

I well remember when I was first offered a ride in a real open-topped car - an E-Type roadster. My good friend Frank (yes, I talk to him quite frequently!) has a nice example and we were on a long trip down South and used the motorways for speed and convenience.

He did warn me beforehand as to just how noisy it is at speed in a rag-top, but it still came as a bit of a surprise - especially when passing artics! The tyre roar from an 18-wheeler at close quarters is unnerving to say the least - until you get used to it.

Also of note was the real feeling of vulnerability and being exposed which came with it. Sort of like what I imagine it would be like to ride a motorbike with no leathers - or helmet. Shudder.

 

[G.O'Rilla]

Best reason I heard was "it's too hot"!!

You've obviously been listening to Mrs O'Rilla....... Rented a convertible in USA for 3 weeks and had this continuous droning sound from the nearside. he sun was too hot on her head and the hat ruined her hair. Same noise when out sailing.........

Ignored it and the noise went away eventually, but she does have a point (not a very good one...)

 

[lovely09]

The convertible roof is sometimes used for fashion but not to the point i will get sick when i don't used it.I don't want to be burn by the sun or even get sick when raining so i always used the roof.

 

[Satch]

Earplugs on a motorbike? You are not strange at all:



http://www.etcproceedings.org/paper/download/590

 

[NuisanceValue]

i've also now decided to take the SL on any day that looks like there isnt rain and the sun is shining. i drove back from yorkshire to scotland all the way with the roof down at 80mph, even when it started to get a little chillier into the evening - i just put the heater on.

need to invest in a baseball cap though to keep my face getting sunburnt lol. i almost bought a Merc club one at the SL rally and wish i did now

great fun!!

Same here, The A1 isn't that fast a road in places and is a lovely roof down cruise once you get past Newcastle. I also need a hat, but I'm looking for a cheap fishing style hat.

 

[Geezer]

Only 'suspect' people wear hats in a convertible! Real men don't wear hats!