I drive with the top down pretty much all the time unless during heavy rain or someone with me is uncomfortably cold or hot...

I am using the S2000 for the first time this winter and recall reading somewhere that the plastic rear window cracks if top is folded when the temp. is below freezing.

I typically bundle up and I am fine. I have put the top down at below freezing temperatures, but I typically drive for a while first with the top up and heater on to bring the interior temperature up to a comfortable level as well as allow the rear plastic window to warm up. I would rather just open up the top before I leave my drive way on my way to work rather than have to pull over 1/2 way to open up the top.

Any advice other than buy a glass rear window top? Makes no sense to buy another top when mine is just fine.

Thanks in advance

W

 

There was another discussion about this not too long ago and it was recommended to warm up the interior (and thus the top) before operating it. I don't recall if there was any talk of the plastic window being a factor though. If search is working again sometime I'll try to find it. xviper was part of that conversation IIRC.

 

I think a lot of it has to do with the condition of the plastic window ...

If the window is well maintained and pliable there should be little problem ... however there are limits with regard to how cold you want to attempt this.

The windows that are cloudy, yellow, and brittle will be less forgiving.

 

The actual wording in my owner's manual is "near freezing temperatures". If you account for things like windchill, humidity and barometric pressure, "freezing" can take place above 32 degrees.
Yes, it was me in that discussion about the ramafications of folding and unfolding our tops in cool temps. It's not just the plastic window that is suseptible. It's also the top itself as it's just plastic (vinyl that is). We talked about decreasing the lifespan of the top if it is folded and unfolded too many times when cool. Plastic has a "comfort zone", beyond which, it resists folding (or unfolding). Bending plastic once in cold temps "may" be equivalent to doing it many, many, many times within its "comfort zone".

As an aside, some people have reported "wear holes" in their tops near frame supports. It may be entirely possible that these are not actual holes from wear, but rather, cracks in the plastic that develops into a tear that thins out and has the appearance of a wear hole. I'm beginning to wonder if some of these resulted in the owners of those cars operating their tops at temps that were getting near "freezing temps".

 

mine just cracked the other night after i began to fold it down at around 32 F.

i have owned the car for a total of 7 days and it was my fault for not paying attention, but i have a friend willing to sell me his top after he converts to one with a glass rear window. I had to tape the plastic window with black tape as to make it less noticeable. i can post pics if anyone is interested

 

Other people have reported that their rear window cracked when operating the top in weather that was in the 40s and 50s.

I always took good care of the rear window and top on my MY00, but I wouldn't operate the top in weather below 50. YMMV

 

Like I said, under the right conditions, 50 degrees can be "near freezing" temps.

 

All great info...thanks! I suppose I should continue to warm up the car's interior before operating the top.

Thanks again for all the info.

W.

 

[QUOTE=xviper,Dec 5 2005, 01:45 PM]"wear holes" in their tops near frame supports.

 

Absolutely do not put it down when its too cold. I put the top down just recently when it was ~45-50 outside and cracked the window (car was warm too). Broke my heart because its a hassle and $$$ to get fixed I took good care of that window too and it let me down.... Now it looks all gangsta with clear tape covering the cracks until I get it fixed.