I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Rigidness with roof open
Anyone else notice less body rigidness with the roof open? I had the roof open on a country lane the other day, was quite bumpy, but I thought I felt that there was more vibration with the roof open than with it closed?
Maybe I’m imagining it, but definitely seemed to settle when I closed the roof on the same road a bit later. i would of thought with all the bracing under the car this wouldn’t of been an issue. My car is the Homura spec, so has the strut brace etc.
Is my mind playing tricks? Waiting to hear the thoughts of fellow RF owners.
I would say no, been out quite a bit on country lanes with top down . Obviously with top down you can hear so much more of everything.
Is it possible there’s something loose in the recess where the roof panel and rear window are stowed?
I have a 2021 GT. Definitely a bit more shake with the roof open, but raising the windows seems to lessen the effect, perhaps my mind is playing tricks also. Raising the windows does reduce buffeting though.
I’m definitely not one of the 5% but there is a very noticeable difference in my Launch edition RF between top up and top down, I’d say it’s even more noticeable since I fitted the Eibach springs, maybe because the suspension is a bit stiffer and transfers the bumps more??
I think I’ve got a reasonably sensitive backside and apart from the open air and more audible exhaust note, I have never noticed any difference top down . And nor would I expect to - a canvas folding hood is not going to make any tangible difference to structural integrity.
It’s noticeable that there is more scuttle shake roof down, I don’t find it unpleasant generally, but if I really want to enjoy some twisty roads I’ll often leave the top up as the car feels more accurate, especially if the road has a poor surface. So yes I think the handling is better top up.
I think we can all agree that whatever the case is about rattles etc, the car has been designed without a roof which is infinitely better than making a convertible from a saloon by cutting the roof off - I know there is a bit more to it than that but you get the idea.
We are lucky that our cars can match different moods and driving conditions just by raising or lowering the roof. Blooming marvellous IMHO
Surely any loss in chassis rigidity with roof down is offset with lowering the centre of gravity. I’m semi joking of course. But would be very surprised if anyone can tell the difference. I’ve had 7 convertibles (3x Z4, 2x Jaguar FType’s, S2000, MX5 NC2) and I can’t say I’ve noticed any noticeable difference with handling roof up or down.
I’m really pleased I can’t tell the difference as I would hate to think I needed to put the top up so I could max out a twisty. Roof down all the way for me - unless its raining or I am told to close it by the boss
There is a difference in the underbody X brace on the RF compared to the ST, Mazda made it less rigid on the RF because of the extra stiffness the roof provides, I think it’s discussed in one of the Dave Coleman videos.
but there is a very noticeable difference in my Launch edition RF between top up and top down, I’d say it’s even more noticeable since I fitted the Eibach springs, maybe because the suspension is a bit stiffer and transfers the bumps more??