Softtop mod?

[JamesL]

I was whizzing home today on a hot 270 mile run. Sun blazing and highway driving at 80mph most of the time so the roof was up for some of the run (shade and relative quiet) and I got to thinking.....

On some cars of our era - namely MGs and Triumphs - the rear window is a zip in affair. So the window can be opened and rolled down. Therefore, the cabin is dry, ventilated and shaded.

Anyone ever come across this on a 113 - or have any thoughts as to the implications of such a mod?

Thanks

[hauser]

Next time try securing the front of the soft top and use a bungee cord or similar to hold the window portion folded up against the upper frame work.  BMW had a version of this with the 2002 Bauer edition.  Also similar would be the Mercedes Landaulet.

[tuultyme]

I thought of this the other day when I looked at a convertible Mazda Miata; the rear window zipped down.  maybe we could get one of the top manufactures to add this option.

[thelews]

It's been done on a friend of mine's 190 SL in California.

[mdsalemi]

Next time try securing the front of the soft top and use a bungee cord or similar to hold the window portion folded up against the upper frame work.  BMW had a version of this with the 2002 Bauer edition.  Also similar would be the Mercedes Landaulet.

Pagoda Landaulet:  For those of you who might remember OR attended Dan Caron's "Meeting of the Clans" a couple of years back, one of the attendees was noted songwriter (and Canadian) Ian Thomas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Thomas_(singer-songwriter), brother of Dave Thomas (noted comedian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Thomas_(actor) )

Ian had a very peculiarly-colored Pagoda; electric Lime Green Metallic, as I recall, and had the front of the soft top latched at the top of the windscreen, and some bungee contraption with the rear folded up.  Apparently he had been doing this for some time, finding it adds quite a bit to the ventilation while cutting down on glare and noise on the highway...

Never did get a photo of it.

[Cees Klumper]

My '72 Triumph Spitfire also had a 'zipper' rear window - this was a very useful feature. It would certainly enhance the soft-top experience on my Pagoda. Maybe I will ask for it to be added when I replace my current softtop.

[norton]

Maybe a Bimini top for the Pagoda?

[mdsalemi]

Maybe a Bimini top for the Pagoda?

..perhaps you ought to explain that nautical term since there are probably a lot of landlubbers here...

[J. Huber]

Well, this is an example of a Bimini top. Folds down or can be up to block the sun...

[66andBlue]

I believe that Porsche had the best solution for this - anyone remember the "soft window" Targa?
It was made for only two or three years.

[paulr]

The spring on the rear part of my soft top seems strong enough for me to drive with the rear clipped up. I do it nearly all the time that the roof is up, partly because of the recently cured heater on situation. I've often wondered if others did the same.

[The Hawaiian]

I agree that a zippered rear window would be great.  However, the bulk of the zipper and extra fabric that covers the zippered section may make the top too bulky to fit into the top enclosure when lowered. 

I do drive with the back section open, but I've been careful to use a bungee card to ensure that it stays up. 
Two cautions:  1.  if you do not use the bungee cord, be prepared that a hard bump could cause the back section to slam down, potentially screwing up the insert lockdown pin or holder not to mention scaring the crap out of you.  (2) ensure that the top lid is locked back down or it could fly open at speed potentially bending the hinges.
While I have not had any damage, it has been due to blind luck rather than any technical talent on my part, but both incidents have happened to me.

[JimVillers]

Just my two cents ...... I have a zip out window in my MG and never use it.  If it is nice enough to zip the window, the top is down.  The top is only up if I need the top (and the window).