Getting ready to pull the trigger on the MK4 soft top

[Papa]

I'm ready to place my order for the MK4 soft top offered through FFR. Anything I should know before placing my order?

[John4337]

If you’re talking about the premium top, you’re going to love it. I got mine early and there weren’t any options then, but they now offer a zip down rear window and quarter windows, both worthy of consideration.

John

Here’s mine on a recent road trip

355CF857-9D1F-484A-A533-1A47B935426F.jpeg

[Papa]

Yes, the premium top is what I'm going to buy. I'll be asking about the rear zip-out window for sure. Anyone have pictures with the quarter windows? Also, I'll be running with the wing deflectors with Terry's mirrors. Any issues with that combination?

[cgundermann]

I'm ready to place my order for the MK4 soft top offered through FFR. Anything I should know before placing my order?

My guess is that you are already aware, but - your windshield rake needs to be at the 27” measurement (tip of w/s to top of rear door opening).

Chris

[John4337]

Nope, I have those mirrors, they are excellent.

Here’s a shot of Chris’s Mk 4 with the quarters, not the best photo, but you get the idea. If you search the other forum, you’ll find more. I know Chris is real happy with both options.

853BDA74-3414-4785-8C53-47EEADBA659E.jpeg

John

[Papa]

My guess is that you are already aware, but - your windshield rake needs to be at the 27” measurement (tip of w/s to top of rear door opening).

Chris

Yep - I made a brace that goes from the top, center of the windshield frame back to the body that sets the angle while mounting. I'd like to get the top fitted before Mr. Kleiner gets the car for paint this winter so that I don't have to drill into the painted body for the mounting studs.

[Papa]

Nope, I have those mirrors, they are excellent.

Here’s a shot of Chris’s Mk 4 with the quarters, not the best photo, but you get the idea. If you search the other forum, you’ll find more. I know Chris is real happy with both options.

853BDA74-3414-4785-8C53-47EEADBA659E.jpeg

John

Thanks, John. That's helps a lot. I like the look without the quarter windows a bit better, but a removable rear window will definitely be on my order.

Dave

[John4337]

Yep - I made a brace that goes from the top, center of the windshield frame back to the body that sets the angle while mounting. I'd like to get the top fitted before Mr. Kleiner gets the car for paint this winter so that I don't have to drill into the painted body for the mounting studs.

I’m with you, I had to take a bunch of very long deep breaths before I could bring myself to drill those holes.

[Jazzman]

The roadster is not the most graceful car when it comes to getting in and out. I was taught to slide either up or down the back of the seat to get in and out. With the top on the car, how difficult is it to get in/out of the car? I have considered getting the top, but without AC, it really doesn't make sense for me. I will be interested in your observations.

[CraigS]

Based on my hardtop experience I can't agree more w/ the removable rear window and quarters. My top never comes off the car but the windows are in out depending on the temp. It's really nice being in the shade. I finally cut quarters into my top maybe a year ago. Now I can actually see when pulling out into traffic.

[John4337]

The roadster is not the most graceful car when it comes to getting in and out. I was taught to slide either up or down the back of the seat to get in and out. With the top on the car, how difficult is it to get in/out of the car? I have considered getting the top, but without AC, it really doesn't make sense for me. I will be interested in your observations.

Jazz,

It’s really not that bad. I think those that have one develop a system that works for them. I put my right leg in, sit down, then lean toward the center of the car, and then the left leg comes in. There’s plenty of headroom with the top on.

You will need to make some sort of arrangement for fresh air ventilation if you button the car up, say during rain, especially if you’re in a humid climate like mine. I built my car with A/C just for that reason. We run the top on for our road trips just to stay out of the sun and reduce the wind battering. We usually only put the windows in if its raining.

All the best,

John

[David Williamson]

I have the original soft top design. It does not get used often but it is handy when you get cought in a Thunder storm miles from home or are parking the car outside over night on a trip. It does limit visibility and definitely makes getting in and out of the car interesting.
David W

[Papa]

Thanks for all the insight guys. I really want the top for some of the exact reasons you all have mentioned. First to keep out of the sun on longer trips. The sun gets pretty intense at our high altitude. Second is for those surprise thunderstorms we get here in Colorado. Humidity usually isn't a problem here with the typical summer day being less than 20%. As long as you have some shade and even a little air movement, you are comfortable. We get into the 90's during the hottest part of summer, and I've seen a few 100° days, but with low humidity it is very tolerable. At 12,000 feet up, you will want a light jacket even on the warmest days.

The only thing I'm debating now is whether or not to get the quarter windows? I like the look better without, but visibility is a real concern.

Dave

[John4337]

I think you’ll be ok either way. Without Terry’s mirrors, I will say that changing lanes was a bit nerve wracking, but since I’ve added them, there’s no problem. You can see how good the field of view is on that photo above

John

[Papa]

Okay, I'm going with my gut and ordering without the quarter windows, but with the removable rear window.

I also am assuming that I can't have the sun visors on with the top?

[John4337]

I also am assuming that I can't have the sun visors on with the top?

No, you can, if you look at the pic above, you can see them. You just have to have the mounting tabs on the windscreen frame pointing down.

[Papa]

No, you can, if you look at the pic above, you can see them. You just have to have the mounting tabs on the windscreen frame pointing down.

Cool! Thanks again, John. That one picture really summed up all my questions.

Dave

[Papa]

The top is ordered!

[John T]

I enjoyed the discussion on the soft top. It is making me consider one for my MK4. I was wondering why I shouldn't set the windshield ready for the soft top even if I don't install one as part of the original build?

[Papa]

I enjoyed the discussion on the soft top. It is making me consider one for my MK4. I was wondering why I shouldn't set the windshield ready for the soft top even if I don't install one as part of the original build?

No reason not to as it's already likely to be within a degree of what the top requires just by setting it in place.

[John4337]

You’re very welcome, keep us posted

[wltrmtty]

I'm curious, will the soft top also work on the 289?

[GWL]

Here is the evolution of the quarter windows with pictures.

https://www.ffcars.com/forums/138-ha...-roadster.html

George

[Avalanche325]

The quarter windows are really nice to have. (That's me in John's pic - I'm Famous!) They help for lane changes and backing up.
The zip down, not completely removable, gets you a nice little breeze on the back of your neck.

One tip for the rear window. When you roll it down, DO NOT just let it sit on the paint or it will scratch it as it vibrates. I use a large microfiber towel and roll the window up in it and the towel sits on the paint.
I put the towel on the trunk. Pull the window out through the opening onto the towel. Flip the edge of the towel over the edge of the window. Roll it up. Tuck it back inside. No scratches. You can get a big micorfiber towel from here: www.chemicalguys.com

[Papa]

The quarter windows are really nice to have. (That's me in John's pic - I'm Famous!) They help for lane changes and backing up.
The zip down, not completely removable, gets you a nice little breeze on the back of your neck.

One tip for the rear window. When you roll it down, DO NOT just let it sit on the paint or it will scratch it as it vibrates. I use a large microfiber towel and roll the window up in it and the towel sits on the paint.
I put the towel on the trunk. Pull the window out through the opening onto the towel. Flip the edge of the towel over the edge of the window. Roll it up. Tuck it back inside. No scratches. You can get a big micorfiber towel from here: www.chemicalguys.com

Great advice and thanks for the link.