Top down in 100 degree weather

[jtvang125]

It was triple digit yesterday in many parts of SoCal. Saw more than a handful of drivers with their top down while driving home. Not sure what these people are thinking. Top down in 85 degrees midday is already pushing it for me. It's actually quite miserable at this temp. You're slowly getting cooked while stopped and then it's like having a blow dryer on full blast in your face at speed.

 

[skyking]

My old falcon did not have A/C of course. When it got that hot we would leave the top up for sun protection and unzip the back window for maximum airflow.

 

[NoCreativity]

Probably had the air cranked as well.

 

[NutBucket]

My limit for open window/sunroof cruising is somewhere in the 90's. It was 105 in Woodland Hills yesterday...the AC was definitely on!

 

[Wuzup101]

Yeah - I'm more of a 50-85F and sunny guy. 100F would be torture to me for sure.

 

[tweakmonkey]

The main reason I sold my last vert was too much sun on my white skin worried me about burns and cancer. Even when I drove top down for years I'd pretty much only do it when the temp was under 75. You feel good while moving but cook when stopped. And 80+ is just like you describe.

 

[JulesMaximus]

It was triple digit yesterday in many parts of SoCal. Saw more than a handful of drivers with their top down while driving home. Not sure what these people are thinking. Top down in 85 degrees midday is already pushing it for me. It's actually quite miserable at this temp. You're slowly getting cooked while stopped and then it's like having a blow dryer on full blast in your face at speed.

You live in the Valley or inland empire? It only hit 80 here yesterday along the coast in San Diego.

 

[Meghan54]

Gotta agree, OP. Driving around with the top down in the summer sun is just a recipe for cooking yourself. I've lived with 3 converts and a Targa top.

On the other hand, driving around with the top down in the middle of winter, like cruising the GW Turnpike in No. VA in January, well, people do stare. All windows up, heater on full blast.

 

[Sulaco]

As the happy owner of the same great drop top for about a decade now, my philosophy is this:

Convertibles exist for one reason. To provide fun. That's it.

A big part of fun is being comfortable. If I'm too hot or too cold, I'm likely not having fun. At which point, dropping the top in the first place has become silly.

I'll occasionally make an exception, like if it's a gorgeous (but still quite cool) day in winter with the sun up and temps not too cold, or a hotter but sunny/clear day in summer if it has been raining for weeks on end.

By all means, if 100 isn't too hot, go for it. But I choose to be comfortable when I drive, especially if I'm driving a fun, toy/car like a 'vert.

 

[Scarpozzi]

It wouldn't be bad if you drove with the top down in the morning and put it up in the afternoon when top temps are reached. Occasionally, storms are pushed by cold fronts that bring those sub 80 degree temps in the afternoons and it's nice to have the option to drop the top and cruise....with the AC on, of course.

 

[QueBert]

I live in Riverside, I LOVE the heat, 100 is hot yes, but perfect weather for me to put my top down. I have to slather myself in suntan lotion, but it's worth it. top & windows down + AC on = good ass day for me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Bunch of wussies. Try riding a motorcycle in 100 degree weather with a full face helmet and leathers on.

 

[xaeniac]

Jules I can handle it I'm in LA. Except for the leathers but if I had to I could.

 

[RLGL]

I had one of them things years back.... a distant memory. Summer in Mn it's ok. But the wind noise drove me crazy.

 

[angminas]

Bunch of wussies. Try riding a motorcycle in 100 degree weather with a full face helmet and leathers on.

Why would I do that? Why would anybody do that?

 

[Brian Stirling]

Back in 2006 if I remember correctly I drove from Cali to Las Vegas and went through Death Valley to do so. This was in July I think and as I descended to below sea level the temps reached 126F. The thing is, once you reach the bottom you then have to climb back out and up about 5000 feet and even modern cars are not really designed to handle 126F heat + climbing 5000 feet + having the AC on so I had to turn the AC off. Not that the AC was noticeable at 126 degrees.


Brian

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Ya I'm usually like "oooo 65 degrees, think I'll open the sunroof!" "ack, 70 degrees crank the ac!"

 

[Railgun]

But it's a dry heat.

 

[KentState]

90 is my upper limit to have the targa top off the car and that can't be in stop and go traffic. Cooled seats help a little, but if you sit too much it just circulates warm air.

 

[soulcougher73]

Ill take SoCal 100 over KS 100 w/ humidity. Ugh. Walk out the door at 6:45am in mid summer to my car and already sweating in about 15'. Now that sucks lol