Curbside Wordless Outtake: Ready For Winter
– Posted on January 9, 2021
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American Brands: GM 
American Brands: Ford 
American Brands: Chrysler 
American Brands: AMC, Jeep and All Others 
Automotive Histories and Misc. 
Asian Brands 
UK Brands 
Australian Brands 
European Brands 
Cars Of A Lifetime & Auto-Biography 
Buses 
Trucks, Pickups and Vans 
Design 
Trains, Planes & Ships 
Motorcycles, Trikes, Bicycles 
Engines, Transmissions and other Tech 
Tractors, Lawn Mowers, Off-Road Equipment 
RVs, Motorhomes, Trailers, Campers
Wonder how long the Mustang will stay this way? Will they remove the tarp on dry days and make sure the interior is dry?
I think the thing that shortens convertible top life the most (particularly the cheapest vinyl tops) is sun damage. So, this isn’t quite as ludicrous as it first might seem.
Sun? Isn’t this in Eugene, Oregon?
The covering looks somewhat temporary, like it could be removed and stowed very quickly. Perhaps there is a split or a cut in the top. Also, that door is misadjusted by about a half an inch, the lower hem flange is likely hitting the rocker panel.
I’d roll it warts and all.
-Rich
This is exactly what I did for my ’96 Mustang when I first got it. It had a few tears on top and around the rear window. I used a slightly bigger tarp that overlapped the side windows a bit more. It was only for one winter. I had to save up the 1,000 dollars that the new top set me back. I’ve done the same on my XJS but I covered the car with a car cover so you can’t see it. Haven’t had that top replaced yet, it’ll be twice as much as the Mustang. Fortunately I’ve been able to move the Jag into the garage. I keep my Mustang under a cover when I’m not driving it, the new top has almost ten years on it and still looks great.
Have heard you make references to some of your cars over the years, particularly the Jag. You should write them up for us here at CC!
My 67 Ford convertible was 10 years old when I got it. The top was watertight, but snow was another thing. It was not uncommon at all to find a little snowdrift on the driver’s seat from windblown snow that would find its way around the gaps in the weatherstripping, particularly the place where the A pillar, vent window frame and top all came together.
From my rust belt perspective this Stang looks to be in great condition. Something tells me the finances just aren’t their for a new top.
As a Minnesotan, it is not at all rare to see a tarp placed over the roof of a convertible here this time of year. I can walk up 4ish blocks and there is a white 97-99 Eclipse parked in a driveway hibernating just the same. The car looks great for it’s age, so I’d assume the owner has a reason and knows what their doing. That driveway is shared with a final Saab 9-3, so they clearly are dedicated. Here I’d assume it’s so ice doesn’t form on the canvas and create havoc. Just pull the tarp off after it snows, then install it again.
I’ve been in this boat, “hmm, fix relatively minor problem, OR buy shiny new wheels/sport tires?”
Here’s a lady in similar process who is ready for summer! (so to speak)
Tarps are great unless it’s windy. The wind will work on a tarp, eventually loosening it and abrading the paint no matter how snugly one ties it down. Fitted covers are better.
Some of my cars are stored outside in a region so windy, it’s home to Canada’s largest wind turbine generating complex. Tarps are out of the question. If they aren’t abrading paint they’re blowing away into the next county.