I recently replaced the black wire mesh wind blocker with the clear plastic wind blocker. I feel it is a big improvement to rearward vision but have noticed that when I get to about 70 mph with the roof down that it vibrates to a low audible sound as the wind hits it. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what happens at speeds above the legal limit. Would it shatter ?
I have the ILMotorsport version, which (I think) is slightly taller than the Mazda one. Not had any issues with noise at varying speeds. However, it’s not as practical for me, as the standard folding one as it’s more difficult to put the roof up (at least from inside the car) and it effectively blocks the rear shelf with hood in up position. Still like it though
Barrie
Hi Barrie,
Thanks for that. Being lazy I have the roof that operates with a button and just disappears into the back, so no shelf on mine. Agree with you I prefer it to the wire mesh.
Dennis
I’ve the clear one in my MK4 and it too shakes at 70mph plus, i’ve had the car much faster than that with no further issues though.
We have the clear one and it is secure.
Was a problem once BUT that was our fault for not doing up the bolt securely.
Main problems are:-
sunlight reflections on it
can’t get at the rear window internally to clean it easily on our PRHT
can poss scrath easily - notice this with sunlight problem.
Otherwise £40 well spent (it was a new, unwanted gift!)
Hi Dennis, no such luxury for me poverty spec here!! Interesting that others have the noise issue as well though?
Barrie
Guys thanks for the replies.
Gareth, nice to know that it dosent shatter if I go over the legal limit and yes, have also noticed the suns reflections. Its still much better than the wire mesh.
Thanks guys
Dennis
Haven’t examined any of these wind blockers but I believe some of them should really be attached to the hoops with screws or brackets. These fixings may be suggested, optional or however else you like to put it. Do they vibrate if fully fixed the way the designers intended?
The main reason I ask is that I’m looking to design one myself for the Mk4. I have a plan in my head (don’t use paper, more the wing it sort of person) and am looking to attach it firmly and effectively without screws. Hoped to have my prototype done by now but got rather waylaid by doing a full refit on our main bathroom. Got a few weeks to have a go now as apparently I’m planning to do the en-suite early in the new year. Hadn’t realised that until SWMBO told the nice planning lady in B&Q this afternoon.
Hi Roadie,
The clear view wind blocker is fixed to the hoops with screws and brackets, so is very secure, but still vibrates.
Hi Roadie,
The clear view wind blocker is fixed to the hoops with screws and brackets, so is very secure, but still vibrates.
yes. Mk3 ones attached with one screw on each side into the hoops.
screws also into a baseplate where the original one fitted
Mine doesnt vibrate or cause problems…
MXparts has pix of them as do others.
The ILMotorsport one also has L shaped hoop fixings but just fits in a groove on the foam base that replaces the OEM blocker, which, in turn, just sit’s in the recess left by the removal of the OEM one. I made sure that the brackets were low enough on the hoops so that some pressure is needed to seat the blocker into the groove and align the screw holes. Made it a very stable install with no movement. Not had the genuine Mazda one to compare.
Barrie
I had the IL motorsports one on mine- no issues at all for me - it was a great add on.
Hi Dennis. Would you mind elaborating as to why you prefer the clear plastic one. I am asking as someone who used to have one of these and am thinking about getting the MX5 Parts mesh one which to me looks more substantial and also just fits into the existing mounting without drilling. I removed the clear one as a) I didn’t like the fact that it screwed into the roll bar covers and b) I didn’t think it was that effective. Your opinion which seems to be shared by others is putting me off a bit. Many thanks.
I changed to clear for an un-obstructed view out of the rear view mirror, it also has a much cleaner look. It does also reduce buffering in the cabin but a definite downside is that it does somewhat hinder raising the roof from inside the car (not too much of a problem for me personally as I have long arms and don’t drive the car much at all when the weather is poor)