Miata Mailing List: December 1993, Message #220
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   From: Herb Samuels 
Subject: Top Down Driving in the Winter
   Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1993 08:31:27 -0500

I've driven with the top down in the winter since 1990 as long as the
temperature doesn't go below 30 to 35 degrees.  I wear a long sleeve
crew neck cotton shirt with a tight fitting sweatshirt over it.  If it
seems to be colder than I like I also wear a zippered sweatshirt with
a hood although I don't ususally wear the hood unless its really
cold.  This clothing arrangement is not bulky but is warm.  I havn't
yet worn gloves but raise the passenger window and lower the drivers
window and set the heat on high directed at the dash level and direct 
the three dash vents towards my hands and face.  Its actually quite 
nice on a 35 degree day particularly when the sun is out.

There are three other things that I've considered doing to make it
more comfortable and perhaps you have some good ideas.

The first is driving gloves.  Does anyone know a good set which would
keep your hands warm without significantly taking away the steering
wheel feel?

The second is to get a wind blocker since the only cold wind comes
from the rear when the passenger window is up and the drivers window
is down.  I've seen some advertised in Miata Magazine and wonder if
anyone has them and how well they work.  Also, Miata Magazine said
that the Atlantic Design coolent holder which connects just behind the
seats also has a wind blocking effect.  Down anyone know if it is
effective as a wind blocker?

The third is to block the dash vent at the door near the passenger
side.  If you drive alone in the cold weather covering this vent will
increase the heat at the other three vents by 25%.  Its too bad that
Mazda or some aftermarket company does not sell a solid vent
replacement cover for use in the winter for some of us fanitics who like
to drive with the top down in the cold weather.

Herb Samuels