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Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:15 pm

A Quick Q-

There is a bag for the roof of a convertible to cover the roof when it's open. Is this necessary to have to hold the hood while driving at high speeds? or can the car be driven with the roof down period? Want to know before the car is driven on the interstate and the roof gets damaged. Is this purely for cosmetic purposes or is there a security and safety issue also?

Thanks
:oops:

Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:36 pm

Driving with the "boot" on will keep your top and headliner cleaner. I also always thought that the "boot" kept the top more firmly in place and less bouncy which could cause extra rub wear. Make sure the latches that hold the top down are always latched. I always treated my top with extra care because they cost so much to replace. If you do not have an owners manual for your car be sure to check the manuals in the archives section of this site for the proper way the top folds before putting on the boot. Just my .02

Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:49 pm

The boot is mainly keeping the top clean, you can drive without it.It does compress the top down a little to improve rear visibility and offer protection to the headliner from flapping around at higher speeds

BUT as noted if you ever shell the $$$ for a top replacement you will see the wisdom in being very attentive in caring for the top by using the boot and how you clean the top. Spend the money on a good top cleaner (i.e Raggtop).Using a detergent is a slow death for tops especially canvas ones