On Miatas and 2-door Broncos/Jeeps, and the like.

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction) 07/14/2020 at 17:45 • Filed to: None

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It just kind of came in my head today that these two cars (or classes of automobile) are very much cut from the same cloth, just on opposite sides of the roll. Both are quite impractical for most people’s daily uses, “toys” as some would call them, but very much in line spiritually with those of us who consider ourselves automotive enthusiasts. They’re aspirational: whether the desire is to get out on the back roads regularly or to an autox/track event, or to get off the beaten path, go someplace that few have ever been, and really get away from it all for a while. The two would make quite a pair in the garage.

As someone whose track-capable car hasn’t been out on circuit for far too many months now, and whose 4x4 hasn’t tasted sand, mud & rock nearly as often as I’d like in the 2 years I’ve owned it , I guess the point is this: don’t let these aspirations remain only that. If you finally get the thing that’s capable of doing the things you want to do, make sure you don’t stop short of the doing.

I’m looking forward to the day when I can have an impractical toy in my garage!

Disclaimer: if all you really want to do is cruise around town, top down, and look good doing it, that’s fine, too, of course.

Milky > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/14/2020 at 17:58

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The last autocross here filled up quick. Then I emailed a track day organizer about the miata because their site had a convertible section that pretty just said “ maybe” . N o reply :( Im trying!

sony1492 > Milky 07/14/2020 at 18:07

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We live in a world where the stock miata can’t be autocrossed!?

This is indeed  the darkest timeline

Just Jeepin' > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/14/2020 at 18:10

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It still baffles me that some people don’t like convertibles. I can’t imagine life without them. 

Milky > sony1492 07/14/2020 at 18:12

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No, no, the autocross and track day were separate events.  But my ass waited too long to be in either.  

Cash Rewards > Milky 07/14/2020 at 18:18

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What gen Miata? They should have it spelled out pretty clear somewhere. My local one (haven't gone yet) says convertibles must have either a rollovers mitigation system (ND does, I think NC?) or a rollbar (required for NA and NB). If you have a rollbar, you must pass a broomstick test in the seat with your helmet on. Hard tops on Miatas do not count, they are not structural. Roll bars must have at least one diagonal.

sony1492 > Milky 07/14/2020 at 18:18

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Thats a better problem 

shop-teacher > Just Jeepin' 07/14/2020 at 19:02

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I have no interest in them whatsoever.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Just Jeepin' 07/14/2020 at 19:04

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The other day it was sunny, like 81. And I was driving behind a mustang convertible with a sticker on the back that said “go topless”

But the top was up. My point is it’s even crazier that people buy a convertible for the image and then leave to top up because they gotta have their conditioning. When I had my convertible running that top was down anytime it wasn’t pouring rain. 

Just Jeepin' > shop-teacher 07/14/2020 at 19:11

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I feel for you. 

shop-teacher > Just Jeepin' 07/14/2020 at 19:21

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No need, I'm fine.

atfsgeoff > Just Jeepin' 07/14/2020 at 19:35

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I like the idea of convertibles but the reality of winter in my region precludes their practicality. Removable hard tops are much more useful around here.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Just Jeepin' 07/14/2020 at 19:43

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I’m melanin deficient. But the few times I’ve driven a convertible, I have enjoyed myself. One day. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > sony1492 07/14/2020 at 19:50

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They’ve always been an issue with some groups - roll protection is pretty important. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Cash Rewards 07/14/2020 at 19:51

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Didn’t realize that rollover mitigation was an acceptable alternative to a roll bar. 

sony1492 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/14/2020 at 20:28

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I understand why they are like this But the idea that a roof is suddenly safer is not waterproof. Who would rather roll a 2016 miata then a 91 323 (or any number of older cars).

Not to mention personal accountability, the extra danger only extends to ones  own life society shouldn’t make my decisions on that front

Cash Rewards > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/14/2020 at 21:01

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I might not be everywhere. It is near me.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Cash Rewards 07/14/2020 at 21:22

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Makes sense (although there’s no way to completely prevent it, of course). 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/14/2020 at 21:32

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That's what a hat is for! I also am pasty white and drive my miata top down in sunny socal. I'd be burnt to a crisp without my safari hat. Only when I'm headed through the desert would I rather have the other car with a roof. 

Milky > Cash Rewards 07/14/2020 at 23:50

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ND, but yea you’d think they would have it clearly spelled out, I’m certainly not the first one to ask. I want to at least autocross so I should just get a helmet and do the broomstick test myself.

Cash Rewards > Milky 07/15/2020 at 08:29

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Look at the track webpage, not the organizer. Here, NASA runs events at Summit Point, and it's summit points convertible policy, not NASA (or BMW CCA, scca, etc).