? for Vert owners

[newguy]

considering 04 GT Vert... was wondering a couple things as Ive never owned a convertible.

1. Is the road noise, and/or exhaust sound, going to be a good deal more noticeable in the cabin??
2. Also, in general are the mechanisms pretty reliable/durable.
3. I guess lastly can they be prone to leaking, whether it be water, or even just air around the seals??

Any feedback greatly appreciated

 

[reptilla]

I had an 01 cobra vert and to me it was not very intrusive at all. Hopefully the top will be down most of the time. It is louder than a hardtop of course but to me the fun factor is in the vert. Wait till your first top down cruise with 80 degrees and some of the warm summer nights. Can't be beat. Forgot, I never had any mechanical issues and never had any leaks ever. If the rubber around the top is good you should not have any issues. Just check that the seals have not been compromised, i.e. Dry rot, tears and things like that.

 

[BAzombie]

I got to agree with Reptilla, there's nothing better then a top down cruise on a nice summer's night.

Only regret I have from owning my vert are the added restrictions at the drag strip. Need a minimum of a 6pt cage for 13.49 and under.

 

[newguy]

Thanks guys! That's what I was hoping to hear

 

[Chief Gilly]

Nothing beats driving at night on a back road during the summer. Driving through times square at night/summer is priceless. My '00 top was replaced once and the new one (5 years old) looks in mint condition. I take better care of the new one.
Don't even think twice about it, you'll love it!

 

[On Edge]

Yes, a little noisier ...... But my exhaust note is sweet.
Yes, reliable.
Of course, " can be " prone, but probably not. Most don't.

Wouldn't trade my vert for anything.

And you have to get the light bar, it finishes the look.

 

[Tony01GT]

selling mine to go back to a hardtop, kids don't like the wind in back seat:nono:

check out my ad 2002 Mustang GT Convertible - Low Miles!Lots of Extras!

 

[djhayes1963]

So glad I got a vert, there's nothing like it......

 

[newguy]

I'm leaning towards it!

Out to view a couple cars this weekend... thanks again for your input folks

 

[Cobra Esq]

Agree with everyone else. I have owned a convertible for most of the last 20+ years, never had a problem with the mechanism or a leak.

Biggest issue was the plastic window turning opaque and the old style vinyl cracking, though most are cloth and glass now a days. Yes they are a little noisier, but not much, especially with my Terminator which is multi layered (sourced from Jaguar when Ford owned them). I would never go white again b/c it is a bitch to keep clean.

Down side is they are not a rigid as a hard top, but this can be improved greatly with a front strut brace and full length weld in subframes (required mod!). And don't forget that a good heater and sweatshirt can greatly lengthen the top down season!

 

[On Edge]

selling mine to go back to a hardtop, kids don't like the wind in back seat:nono:

check out my ad 2002 Mustang GT Convertible - Low Miles!Lots of Extras!

Huh ..... So when the kids are in the vert, just put up the top .... No wind.
Why would you sell it because of that reason ??

 

[newguy]

I've got the bug so bad!!! I have a handful of options right now, and can't make up my mind... low mileage stock GTs in near perfect condition, clean mid-mileage GTs with desirable mods done, and then THE MACH!

I would love a vert, but IS the car noticeably less rigid?! I'd rather not sacrifice handling for the cool factor, but I don't think full length sub conn's and strut tower brace alone are enough to compensate. BTW; what do you call that bar that goes up and over the seating area, and is it for show or of some value?

(I'm just gonna have to make a trade-off, aren't I???!)

 

[reptilla]

Subframe connectors and cowl brace will firm it up quite a bit. The thing between the seats is normally called a styling bar, some call them light bars because some have a light on the back side that shines with the brake lights. It's jusst for looks. Not a safety device in any way.

 

[newguy]

Thanks. That's what I figured, and I found the 'style' bar on AM.

Like you said looks great, but no functional value.

Subframe connectors and cowl brace will firm it up quite a bit. The thing between the seats is normally called a styling bar, some call them light bars because some have a light on the back side that shines with the brake lights. It's jusst for looks. Not a safety device in any way.

 

[On Edge]

I've got the bug so bad!!! I have a handful of options right now, and can't make up my mind... low mileage stock GTs in near perfect condition, clean mid-mileage GTs with desirable mods done, and then THE MACH!

I would love a vert, but IS the car noticeably less rigid?! I'd rather not sacrifice handling for the cool factor, but I don't think full length sub conn's and strut tower brace alone are enough to compensate. BTW; what do you call that bar that goes up and over the seating area, and is it for show or of some value?

(I'm just gonna have to make a trade-off, aren't I???!)

Don't worry about structural integrity and rigidity .....
There are things you can do as previously stated.

In addition, there are plenty of 600 rwhp verts around , without any issues.

 

[BAzombie]

^ correct.

I've been running ~425/470 for half of last yr. Would like to turn the boost up this year to ~550whp.

 

[Sebs96gt]

I have a 96 GT Vert and I have always been against verts because of the structural integrity and blah blah blah...yea that went all out the window when I put the top down put it into first n popped the clutch....I have a lot of mods n the two things I highly recommend are subframe connectors and a rear shock tower brace...enjoy those beautiful days

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[Cobra Esq]

I would love a vert, but IS the car noticeably less rigid?! I'd rather not sacrifice handling for the cool factor, but I don't think full length sub conn's and strut tower brace alone are enough to compensate. BTW

By definition yes it is less rigid. Would you notice the difference at Lime Rock (assuming you could run a vert without a roll cage) yes, around town, on the open road, clover leafs, etc. not much if at all and any difference is quickly overcome by the "boring" factor of a coupe!

I have never had rigidity issues under power and mine came stock with an underreported 390hp/390tq.