Miata Mailing List: December 1993, Message #222
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   From: buck@petra.ma30.bull.com (Kenneth J. Buck)
Subject: Top Down Driving in the Winter
   Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1993 08:55:30 -0500

> From: Herb Samuels 
> Subject: Top Down Driving in the Winter
> 
> 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. [...]
> Its actually quite nice on a 35 degree day particularly when the sun is out.

i've done some of this but feel a little nervous about stressing
the top fabric by raising/lowering it at really low temps - roundabout
35 degrees it starts getting pretty stiff.  mazda recommends a limit
of either 40 or 45 degrees - i don't mind going a little past that,
but it seems that as you get closer to freezing it gets a little risky.
i guess i'm happy enough with my hardtop during the snow months that i
can survive until spring (barely :-)

> 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?

i don't this matters too much.  my regular winter Polartec (tm) gloves
are kind of slippery, but if you get leather gloves or have gloves with
gripper material on the fingers/palms, you should be fine.

> 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.

not a bad idea, but maybe this isn't necessary.
the key areas are the back of your head/neck, and the top of your head.
my winter jacket collar folds up quite high (to about the tops of my
ears), and i find that's just fine for blocking the wind from
behind.  otherwise, use a scarf.  finally, for your head, if it's
really cold, pull on a ski hat.  i found driving 60-75 mph in the
mid-40's gets your head pretty cold without a hat.

my main problem is that below 40, my legs get cold, even with the heater
on full in the floor-only position.

> 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.

good idea, i'll have to try that.

--                                             
Ken Buck                                          /|
Internet: k.buck@ma30.bull.com                \'o.O'    ACK!
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