The addictive qualities of the open car.

Today it was 94 degrees with high humidity. I had several errands to run, a striping job to look at and made a trip to a buddies shop to check on progress on the new "bobber" truck.

Three vehicles to chose from, two with A/C and the only car that left the drive today was the T.

While the T is my first open hot rod it's not my first rodeo with a roadster. Had an MGA in H.S. which shared most of the attributes of any other roadster, hot, windy, wet when it rains.

What makes a sane man make the choice to forgo creature comforts. Could it be these cars are just so damned much fun?

 

Yes

 

At age 60 I wonder the same thing, but then again, Its my choise and is PURE FUN to drive my vert in AZ

 

My first and only vert was a Vette Roadster. I only put the top down on hot summer nights. Didn't care for the beat down the sun would give you during the day. Now with skin cancer, I try to stay out of the sun.

 

I fully understand. My coupe and pickup both have their own appeal, but there is definitely something very special about roadstering. One of those things that if I have to explain, you won't get it, anyway.

 

I am convinced also ... the wife and I drove 521 miles last Saturday in our 32 ...

Had mine 30 years and do not ever plan on selling it

 

My T Bucket is not only my first hot rod, but my first roadster. This weekend was my first weekend driving her legal. I put over 300 miles on her. The temp was in the 90's, humid and I even got caught in some early morning rain drizzle Sunday. Wouldn't trade the experiences for anything.

 

I don't know how you guys do it. I am a coupe guy. My last 2 old cars have been converts... but I just can't get comfortable with the top down.

Great looking car Deuce!

Hyfire

 

I saw a lot of things, this weekend, that I wouldn't have noticed in a closed car. At first, sitting in traffic felt like I was naked in a room full of people, but that quickly wore off, after this cute chick said my car looked cool.

 

roadsters are 'GREAT' for backing up! twist around & look back & you can back into any position you want day or night. (with the top down that is)

try it with a coupe or sedan or roadster top up looking through a little what seems like mail slot to peek out of & then you try to look out the little mirror thats vibrating some on the door & your back to peeking out the back window next thing you have the door open trying to put the car away or in some fukked up spot & then your lookin around for someone to direct ya in.

yes roadsters rule!

 

Some folks are topless lovers, others such as my Dad aren't. He hated his '37 Ford convert and hardly ever put the top down unless my Mother really wanted to. Me, I couldn't live without one. Drove Big Olds 450 miles this weekend. Life is good.

 

>> At first, sitting in traffic felt like I was naked in a room full of people >>

That about sums up my thoughts... hahaha. Except with me the part where you get the complement would have had the opposite effect. Maybe I need medication.

All you guys are awesome... Racking up so many miles.

Hyfire

 

Chicks dig it.

 

Nothing more fun than a roadster. Hell, it's even fun while getting rained on.

 

I think it's kinda like trying to explain why people want to ride motorcycles without helmets.

 

In addition to our roadster, my daily is an '02 Mustang convertible. I only put the top up on the Mustang when I have to, in the case of actual rain or cold. I carry a warm jacket in the trunk all the time. If the weather turns cool, I'll resort to the jacket before putting the top up. I absolutely love driving an open car.

 

I drove the roadster to work today,,,,I do love to drive that car,, HRP

 

Whats amazing about the roadster biz are the guys who want one all their lives, finally get one and for whatever reason are afraid to drive it.

'Cept to the car shows or Saturday night rod runs.

I like driving mine a whole lot and don't hesitate to run a lot of errands in it.
Brought a bunch of 8' long 1 x 2's and2x2's home with it a few days back.

Today, should be nice, predicted sunny and 78 degrees F.
Out to the airport steel supply place in the roadster to buy some expanded metal.

I haul a lot of stuff with it, but there are limits.
When I was at Home Depot getting the lumber I almost bought a bunch of Redi-Crete . . . then I remembered I was in the roadster and the doggoned pain in the ass rumble seat would make it a bitch to unload as well as getting the trunk area filthy.

I could go back and get some Redi-Crete in one of the pickups, but the project with metal looks like more fun than digging postholes and doing the cement em in bit today.

The roadster is great for meeting people and even more fun to take off in.

Anywhere will do, you don't have to have a particular destination.

Once upon a time somebody said, "the view of the world through a roadster windshield is like nothing else."

True for me....

Arizona
















Nevada




California







And sometimes the view outside ain't bad at all.

 

Very good Gordon - get's me to thinkin'........

 

I couldn't agree more on the joys of open air driving. My '34 Ford Cabriolet has a functional folddown top, but looks like s**t with it folded down, so as soon as it gets above freezing I take off the top and hang it in the garage where it stays until the temps drop back towards freezing. People ask what it's like riding in an open rod especially in bad weather and I tell them it's like riding a 'cycle with training wheels. It feels claustrophobic when I put the top back on.

 

drove the TD home last night at 1am, leather jacket and a sweatshirt underneath to keep warm. Driving down 24 towards the city, everything was so clear and quiet. The freeway was deserted, kind of serene and beautiful. Watching some strange city rise is the distance all bright and sleeping. SPF 15 for the days.

 

I've had 'em both, roadster and my coupe. Down here in Florida we have year round roadster weather but in the summer it's too damn hot for me. Not too bad if you are moving but if you stop, your brain gets fried. The other three seasons are great. There is nothing like an open car when the sky is an electric blue and the temp is slightly chilly. I do like my coupe more, though, as it's more versatel. I don't give the weather a thought (except for the mud from my dirt road). If it's too hot, I turn the air on. Come rain, the wipers and defrost are nice. I guess my ass has reached the point that it likes a little of the creature comforts. I will say, I do prefer the air off unless it's just hot. The sound of the engine, exhaust, and tires on the road are just too sweet a symphony to pass up.

 

Deuce, am I correct in thinking I've seen your roadster with a black top?

 

I have a black top ... but it has not been on the roadster in 2 or 3 years. After I get the 3W finished ... it will most likely NEVER be on the roadster again.

 

Coupes are for chickens!!

 

My coupe will be for traveling with a roof and A/C ...
The roadster will be for cruising and trips of 3 to 5 hundred mile one day trips.

 

Where were you Saturday?

 

When I had my 61 Lincoln sometimes I would set my alarm for 2am and get up and take her out couple hour spin with the top down and the heater blasting...Driving a vert late at night is very relaxing.

 

This is, for sure, no light shit. This is the kind of driving that re-affirms how good life really is.