How is wind protection on a DHC for long-distance events?

[collins_dan]

I have a roll bar and had a clear plexi wind deflector. It did some good. I took it off as I have some cleaning up to do on the roll bar (still covered in padding and electrical tape from the 70's). Once that is done, I will put it back on. Dan

[clivetonge]

I can still remember parking up for lunch in Bordeaux in the early eighties. Got back to the car (S3 DHC) and couldn't touch the steering wheel or the seats. And yes I was in shorts. So towel on seat and gloves! Maybe that's why there's not many native convertibles in southern France??..

[tdskip]

Top up when parked for lunch - got it!

How are the tops actually? Easy to use / fit?

[trw99]

Series 3, 4 and Sprint tops are easy to erect and effective, provided they have been fitted correctly in the first place. Their fixed windows also help in this regard.

There have been previous discussions here on fitment of wind deflectors. Easier if there is a roll over bar, a little more work required to make up a bespoke version. As has been mentioned one sits low enough in an Elan for the back draught to be less troublesome than in many other cars.

Of course on very long journeys what may be an insignificant distraction on a short drive can become magnified. I've always carried a long sleeved, long collared jacket, scarf (silk polka dot, of course!), gloves and a hat in my open cars. They can be used or not depending on temperature, sun, mood and so on.

Tim

[tdskip]

Thanks Tim. Having layers does help.

I apparently need to upgrade my scarf collection. Grin.

Thanks for all of the responses here.

[elanner]

A pair of ear plugs can make long drive with the roof down much less tiring.

Nick

[Keith Scarfe]

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=28862&start=

[Davidb]

I tried a full height one-right up to the roll bar--and it worked but I didn't like the look of it. This was in heat up to 40 deg. Minimal wind buffeting. If you have a good radiator that is not a problem but it is till very hot! I have done most of my 1000+ mile trips with a hardtop in place.

[tdskip]

Neat, and it looks like I need to upgrade my hat!

[tedtaylor]

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=28862&start=

exactly what I did to my Elan..... M100 Elan that is.

[The Veg]

I live in Southern California so warmer weather and cockpit temperatures warrant some consideration.

But you don't have the humidity like we do here in the southeast. It's scary!

[Certified Lotus]

No problems driving long distance with the top down. Very happy driving like this.

[tdskip]

It?s a dry heat!

Darn, that looks like fun.

[pereirac]

I gather the MGTF wind deflector can be made to fit, I saw an Elan with one last year and the the owner assured me it did a really good job without requiring loads of extra mounting holes..

I bought a deflector but have not drilled any holes in my car yet... Whatever you do make sure it does not stop you raising the hood...


Carl

[tdskip]

There are large sections of the year where we don?t get a lot of rain down here so something like that could be a great solution. I did find a DHC so I have cast my lot.