View Full Version : Opinion: if you have a soft top, did you get the quarter windows?
My understanding is that you have a couple of options when ordering a soft top for a roadster: zip out rear window (or not) and quarter windows (or not). Which did you choose? Why? Thanks for your opinion! (photos are appreciated...)
steno
01-10-2023, 08:47 PM
Get them! I love the visibility!
mburger
01-11-2023, 05:30 AM
There were only two options when I got mine. I wanted the visibility so I got the quarter windows and when speaking with Rod Tops, they said being that I’m in Florida, I’d appreciate the additional airflow from a zipped down rear window.
The main reason I got both options is I figured if I’m spending this much money on a top, give me the works! lol
CraigS
01-11-2023, 07:41 AM
Based on my APE hardtop absolutely YES to both. The 1/4 windows were so good I was actually surprised. I made my rear window easily removable and that was great. I am not a sun person so my top was never off. The air flow w/ the rear window out was absolutely an improvement. A hint from the 60s. Get it so it comes out completely and keep a towel in the car to wrap it in. Wrap it so no plastic touches another part of the plastic. If it just folds down still attached at the bottom put the towel on the paint under the plastic. If the plastic gets damp from condensation or whatever and sits on the paint til it dries, there will be near impossible to remove marks on both paint and plastic.
I got the zip down rear window and love it. I did not get the quarter windows and really have no visibility issues. I use homemade mirror brackets similar to the ones breeze sells.177937 177936177935
I did the zip out rear window and no quarter windows. Why? I was concerned that I would get buffering at highway speed without a way for air to exit the inside of the car. That hasn't been a problem, and I have only unzipped the window once to check it. It doesn't get humidity in Colorado, so that could be another consideration depending on your location. I chose not to do the quarter windows simply because I preferred the look of the top without them. It does block your visibility and create a blind spot, so you need to be careful with Lane changes, but it hasn't been a regret not getting them in my case. Another bit of insight is that I've never used the side windows. They just seemed to be cumbersome to install and I haven't used them.
Cutter 54
01-11-2023, 09:23 AM
As a future soft top buyer, I am interested in other owners’ opinions on the side windows. Pain in the a** to install, enter/exit car when installed? Thanks.
I use the side windows alot. Yes they are a pain but you figure it out and get a method. I will install the passenger window and run with that until its so cold its not comfortable then start using the driver window as well. I have heat and A/C and the top is a game changer. I find it to be a pretty cool feeling when its cold outside and getting all zipped in and going for a cruise. Certainly wouldn't want to be getting in and out all day with the driver window in but it is certainly doable and extends the driving season alot. I live in Massachusetts and have driven my car to work in under 30 degree weather. With a sweatshirt and the heat on its not a problem. I leave all the snaps snapped, unzip the window as much as possible and just kind of dive in. Its really not that bad. I love the top and highly recommend if you want a long driving season.
mburger
01-11-2023, 09:59 AM
I use my windows on my longer cross country trips, such as to LCS or to Texas. It helps lock in the heat or AC. Does very little to keep the water out. I’ll only put the driver side in during those cross country runs, and it also tends to keep some of the noise down. Much, but some. As compared to installing the top, putting the side windows on really isn’t that big of a deal. just like anything else, you do it a few times and you get a process and it’s not an issue at all.
Geoff H
01-11-2023, 11:28 AM
I have the top with zip out rear window and quarter windows. Quarter windows do help with visibility, but I still needed to add better mirrors especially when using the side windows (would lose passenger side visibility with the border of the window). I have used the side windows a lot on cooler/rainy days. They are quite easy to install once you have done it a couple of times but it does turn into hot yoga session inside the car to get them zipped up and velcro attached.
Thank you all for your input! It really helps!
PaulProe
01-11-2023, 09:49 PM
My understanding is that you have a couple of options when ordering a soft top for a roadster: zip out rear window (or not) and quarter windows (or not). Which did you choose? Why? Thanks for your opinion! (photos are appreciated...)
Al, Curious where you're seeing this? I am looking for a top and the FFR site only shows tops in the parts section and no options, or at least what I can see. Looked at Rod Tops and they show 33 type tops with a rear window zip out option, but nothing on quarter windows.
Where did you find this?
Paul
Al, Curious where you're seeing this? I am looking for a top and the FFR site only shows tops in the parts section and no options, or at least what I can see. Looked at Rod Tops and they show 33 type tops with a rear window zip out option, but nothing on quarter windows.
Where did you find this?
Paul
When you buy the top from FFR, they place the order with Rod Tops. If you want any "options", you call Rod Tops directly and pay them for the changes. Unfortunately, you can't order the top direct from them.
CraigS
01-12-2023, 07:59 AM
Either hard or soft top and a heater really extends the driving season like DW66 says. From 2007 to 2019 we had our FFR and lived in surburban DC area. The Capital Area Cobra Club had a New Years day cruise every year. My wife and I and maybe two others had tops and heat while everyone else suffered. That was a blast. I bet that even in Ill there will be some winter days where it is bright sunny and the roads are clear. You will not believe what a 30 min FFR cruise does for your attitude. At the west capital parking lot in 2019.
177967177968
Al, Curious where you're seeing this? I am looking for a top and the FFR site only shows tops in the parts section and no options, or at least what I can see. Looked at Rod Tops and they show 33 type tops with a rear window zip out option, but nothing on quarter windows.
Where did you find this?
Paul
Paul, Papa (Dave) is correct. I learned of the options from another thread on tops posted earlier this year. I traded messages with Chad at Rod Tops and he confirmed that this is true. Order thru FFR; specify options thru Rod Tops.