Miata Mailing List: June 1996, Message #35
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   From: Stuart Hellis 
Subject: Re: Windstop vs. "homebrew"
   Date: Sun, 2 Jun 1996 11:22:16 -0400

Keith Tanner compared in part:
> 
> I'm not sure what the advantage of mesh would be - it seems that a
> "reasonably unobstructed" rear view wouldn't be as good as an "unobstructed
> rear view".  What am I missing?   The mesh won't scratch, that's for sure.
> I've noticed from driving behind UMN members with my own design that you
> can't see it at all on their cars (unless they put stickers on it).  I asume
> you can raise the top with the Windstop in place?
> 
> The attachment method sounds pretty good.  I was trying to find a way to use
> those holes for my design.  One disadvantage is that you can't lend your
> Windstop out to a friend unless they want to mount the hardware to their car.
> 
> The way I see it:
> Windstop:
> -looks like Mercedes
> -no scratches
> -fits in trunk
> -folds flat on top of boot
> 
> Homebrew
> -much less expensive
> -possibly more effective with windows down (subjective)
> -no hardware attached to car
> -doesn't obstruct vision, more subtle looks
> -top can be dropped with it sitting on the rear shelf
> -great place to put club stickers :)
> 
> I'd still like to see one.  I've tried to make this as impartial as
> possible, and I'm always improving my own design (approx 14 made so far).
> If anyone want to lend me a Windstop for a while, I'll make a better
> comparaison :)
> 
> Keith and Baby, who attracts lots of attention because of her windblocker.
> 

We just did a run yesterday involving about 600km of highway driving, 
starting in fairly cool and cloudy weather, and turning into relatively 
warm and sunny.  This was the third time I had a chance to use our 
Windblocker, created and provided by Keith Tanner (for a price).

Mounting is easy and secure, providing I put pieces of felt between the 
Plexi and the backs of the headrests.  Without the felt, the squeaking 
noise of the two rubbing together is intolerable.  There is a definite 
difference to cabin turbulence relative to wind and car direction.  
Initially, we had a tail wind, and, at 110 km/h (72 mph) it was almost 
dead calm in the cockpit with windows rolled up.  When heading into the 
wind, I still had a draft down the back of my neck, but well reduced from 
a non-windblocker situation.

The only negative about the Plexi, IMHO, that the mesh would fix, is the 
reflection of sunlight into the cabin when the sun and car are oriented 
in certain positions.  Glare into the centre rear view mirror making it 
hard to see behind, and/or glare onto instruments.  This can also be a 
bit disconcerting when doing a right shoulder-check, because reflections 
in the windblocker can be deceiving.

On the plus side, which Keith did not mention, the plexi one does fit in 
the trunk (without spare tire) quite easily.  We found it easier to just 
take it off and put it in the trunk when raising the top, than to try and 
fiddle our way around it.

We were the only Windblocker equipped Miata at the show-and-shine out of 
about 1800 cars.  (We were also the only Miata, although there were close 
to a dozen MGBs).

All in all, I'm glad we got one of Keith's.  It is well worth it, and the 
Miata.net sticker draws interesting questions.

YMMV etc.

Regards,

Stuart & Tabasco

-- 
Stuart Hellis			health4u@connect.ab.ca
Edmonton, Alberta CANADA	
				http://www.connect.ab.ca/~health4u