Convertible top question

[warren va]

Will it damage or disfigure a convertible top if left in the down position for several weeks ?

Thanks
warren

[Vic Piano]

As long as it was put down correctly, there should be no problems other then a few wrinkles that will smooth out once the top is secured in the "up" position. This is true for canvas as well as vinyl tops, In the Winter time, here in Florida, I leave the tops down on most of our convertibles for several months at a time, and I've never had any problems.

[Kube]

You may find the top will shrink and it will be difficult to stretch it back it to the closed position. If that happens, don't force it. Rather, close it as much as "naturally" possible and allow it to warm in the sun. Then you can close it the rest of the way.
No competent top installer would suggest you leave the top closed for more than a days travel.
Show cars typically never have the tops folded down after the initial install and test.

[blucar]

From my prospective, it is not a good idea to leave a convertible top down for long periods of time.. I always make sure the top is up and secured at the end of the day. especially in cool weather..
We have a 2004 Mercedes CLK 430, it is my wives car, bought it for our 50th anniversary. My wife is not a car person, she will put the top down, then leave the car sitting outside on the driveway all day.. Reputedly it is her car, so I'll "ask" her to not leave the car sitting outside in the sun with the top down. Bird droppings on the interior don't bother her until she has to sit in the car with same on the seats, etc.
Of course my wife knows I won't leave the car sitting out all night, I actually have to prove a point.. Many years ago I left "her" '57 Bird sit out for a week with the top down.. Being bull headed just put more work onto me to clean it up..
My son learned the hard way to not leave the top down on his Porsche. I finally bought him some top dressing that minimized the damage to the top.. he now puts the top down, enjoys the ride and puts the top up...

[Kube]

Originally Posted by blucar

From my prospective, it is not a good idea to leave a convertible top down for long periods of time.. I always make sure the top is up and secured at the end of the day. especially in cool weather..
We have a 2004 Mercedes CLK 430, it is my wives car, bought it for our 50th anniversary. My wife is not a car person, she will put the top down, then leave the car sitting outside on the driveway all day.. Reputedly it is her car, so I'll "ask" her to not leave the car sitting outside in the sun with the top down. Bird droppings on the interior don't bother her until she has to sit in the car with same on the seats, etc.
Of course my wife knows I won't leave the car sitting out all night, I actually have to prove a point.. Many years ago I left "her" '57 Bird sit out for a week with the top down.. Being bull headed just put more work onto me to clean it up..
My son learned the hard way to not leave the top down on his Porsche. I finally bought him some top dressing that minimized the damage to the top.. he now puts the top down, enjoys the ride and puts the top up...

Oh man Bill, this SO rings close to home. We have a MB 600SL that on the rare occasion the wife uses it, will leave the top down. Like you, I have learned just who will eventually "fix" things so now quietly go put the top up.

[Vic Piano]

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At this time, we have a total of seven convertibles, three Lincolns, three Fords and one Jaguar. My dad had a 1980 Mercedes 350 SL. The Mercedes had a hard top that stayed on the car all winter long for many years. The original canvas soft top is still on the car and still serviceable, 34 years later. If you are building a "show car", and never plan on cruising topless, you'll have no problems but, if you want to use your convertible the way it was intended, over time the top will need to be replaced, just like brake shoes, etc. Like I said, I leave the tops down for extended time frames, depending on the weather. I also keep the convertibles in a garage, when not in use. The less you use your top (putting it up and down) the more likely you are to have problems like dry rot and shrinkage. Also, you should always put the boot on when the top is down. I've been driving and caring for convertibles for almost 49 years, so I have a bit of experience with them. Bottom line, don't be hesitant about leaving the top down, drive the car and enjoy it.

[36tbird]

I do not think I have ever seen a thread go so quickly into oneupsmanship in my entire life.

[warren va]

Thanks everyone..

Warren