2nd Gen R59 Roadster Top down? In cold weather

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by MiniJimi, Jan 29, 2014.

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  1. MiniJimi

    MiniJimi New Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    Last night I tried to put the top down and it wouldn't go. It was 8 degrees F. Anyone know if this is a "feature" or a problem? I haven't had the chance to get it someplace warm to try it since last night.
     
  2. whaap

    whaap New Member

    Jan 10, 2014
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    I don't know if it's a feature or a problem but what ever it was it probably prevented you from destroying your top. Have you read the owners manual yet? My Mini is not a convertible but I've owned probably seven or eight rag tops in my lifetime and you don't want to lower the top when it's freezing. You don't even want to lower the top when it's close to freezing. I find it hard your owners manual doesn't cover this.
     
  3. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    +1 what he said. Besides, if it's been up a while you want to give it a good cleaning before running it down again anyway. Be very conscious of running it up and down while it's dirty. Grit, dust, dirt, whatever can and will cut the fabric over time. You don't want to know what it costs to replace that canvas. The two most popular canvas cleaners are Ragg Topp and 303.
     
  4. MiniJimi

    MiniJimi New Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    Thanks for the feedback - my first convertible. Must be a feature, since it worked fine in my garage today. Since I have you attention and you both have some good real knowledge, what's your preferred cleaner/cleaning method for the top?
     
  5. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    You must have skimmed the last sentence there. Ragg Topp or 303. Accept no substitutes.
     
  6. JECO

    JECO Active Member

    Apr 22, 2012
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    I don't dare try lowering the canvas on my beautiful Roadster in the cold for the very reasons fellow MAers have said, but now I am curious. Is there really an interlock on the top at low temps? Am impressed if designers included that feature.
     
  7. mattc85

    mattc85 Active Member

    Sep 24, 2013
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    I don't know about the tops on mini's, but I used to have a jeep. I got it in January and couldn't wait to fold the top back. As soon as the first 55° day came along, that top was off. The problem was, I parked it in my garage and left it overnight. The following morinig it was around 20°. The fabric had contracted so much, I was unable to put the top back up, ended up tearing it at one of the seams, and got to drive to work in the freezing cold with the top down.
     
  8. TG.

    TG. Active Member

    Mar 2, 2014
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    As stated in the manual:

    "Safety notes on the convertible top
    ▷ At temperatures below +14 ℉/-10 ℃,
    do not move the convertible top or
    else damage could result."

    I would not be surprise if operation of the top was electronically blocked below that temperature on partially automated tops... though admittedly I have not tried.
     
  9. Spa2k

    Spa2k Well-Known Member

    May 9, 2013
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    Just do what I did with my TR-3: Don't ever put the top up. I used to drive it to work in the winter wearing my race helmet to keep my head from freezing - and earmuffs on the outside of the helmet for effect. :Thumbsup:
     
  10. TG.

    TG. Active Member

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    I would have like to see a picture of that :D
     
  11. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
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    We have motored topless in all kinds of cold weather conditions with no ill effects. 04 Justa cabrio, 13 Roadster S...

    Mark
     

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