New Roadster Owner
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: SW Florida
New Roadster Owner
Hi,
I will soon be a new 2005 roadster owner and I am new to this forum (well any kind of forum actually).
My "new" vehicle has 29,000 miles but it will inclue new tires, a new top, and new brakes as well as the balance of the Chrysler warranty.
The old top had 1" long wear spot on the both the left and right sides so I'll be trying to figure out whether the old owner somehow contributed to the problem or if it is a mechanical issue that needs a solution.
I am interested in suggestions on this topic as well as "opinions" on the best type of replacement tires for someone who lives in NJ and needs to deal with a variety of weather conditions and really doesn't need to hit 150 mph on country roads!
thanks
I will soon be a new 2005 roadster owner and I am new to this forum (well any kind of forum actually).
My "new" vehicle has 29,000 miles but it will inclue new tires, a new top, and new brakes as well as the balance of the Chrysler warranty.
The old top had 1" long wear spot on the both the left and right sides so I'll be trying to figure out whether the old owner somehow contributed to the problem or if it is a mechanical issue that needs a solution.
I am interested in suggestions on this topic as well as "opinions" on the best type of replacement tires for someone who lives in NJ and needs to deal with a variety of weather conditions and really doesn't need to hit 150 mph on country roads!
thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Massachusetts
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Re: New Roadster Owner
Lou,
I had a 66 jag roadster and the previous owner used the car in the winter with the hard top on...It did no justice on the rag top, creased and worn from being in the down position for long periods of time. Just purchased a 07 crosfire ltd. and from my past experience with roadsters I would not think of leaving my top in the down position when not driving it...Where are you from in Jersey? I live in New Providence....I will be hitting the Whiskey Cafe in Lyndhurst for the car show every Saturday night..some great looking cars there...
Don
I had a 66 jag roadster and the previous owner used the car in the winter with the hard top on...It did no justice on the rag top, creased and worn from being in the down position for long periods of time. Just purchased a 07 crosfire ltd. and from my past experience with roadsters I would not think of leaving my top in the down position when not driving it...Where are you from in Jersey? I live in New Providence....I will be hitting the Whiskey Cafe in Lyndhurst for the car show every Saturday night..some great looking cars there...
Don
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 620
From: St Louis MO
Re: New Roadster Owner
I have had rag tops since 1968 and have never found it to be a good idea to store them down for any period of time.
If you are storing the car with the top down, it can set creases in vinyl or canvass that sometimes will never come out. It also bends the fibres so that they will weaken and break when straightened. Constant friction of the folded fabric will cause wear patterns that can show up when you raise the top.
That said, you should be sure to operate the top from time to time. This will keep the hyraulics from settling and seals won't dry out. It also coats the piston rods so they don't corrode or collect dust which can mess up the seals.
I have looked at two XFire roadsters, fairly new, with the same two obvious wear points on the top. Required replacement. In both cases the previous owners said they almost never had the tops up. CA cars.
Finally, the mechanism on the XFire top is somewhat complicated. While I don't miss the old tonneau top cover will all those rivet/snaps, I wonder how reliable the computer operated systems will be. I like checking mine out. I do so at least once a month. Even in winter.
roadster with a stick
If you are storing the car with the top down, it can set creases in vinyl or canvass that sometimes will never come out. It also bends the fibres so that they will weaken and break when straightened. Constant friction of the folded fabric will cause wear patterns that can show up when you raise the top.
That said, you should be sure to operate the top from time to time. This will keep the hyraulics from settling and seals won't dry out. It also coats the piston rods so they don't corrode or collect dust which can mess up the seals.
I have looked at two XFire roadsters, fairly new, with the same two obvious wear points on the top. Required replacement. In both cases the previous owners said they almost never had the tops up. CA cars.
Finally, the mechanism on the XFire top is somewhat complicated. While I don't miss the old tonneau top cover will all those rivet/snaps, I wonder how reliable the computer operated systems will be. I like checking mine out. I do so at least once a month. Even in winter.
roadster with a stick
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: North Attleboro, MA
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 105
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From: Springfield, MO
Re: New Roadster Owner
You'd do well to follow this advice! I've had droptops from a '68 GTO to this '06 Crossfire, and this post is right on the money. Congrats on the new ride, enjoy ...
Originally Posted by Franc Rauscher
I have had rag tops since 1968 and have never found it to be a good idea to store them down for any period of time.
If you are storing the car with the top down, it can set creases in vinyl or canvass that sometimes will never come out. It also bends the fibres so that they will weaken and break when straightened. Constant friction of the folded fabric will cause wear patterns that can show up when you raise the top.
That said, you should be sure to operate the top from time to time. This will keep the hyraulics from settling and seals won't dry out. It also coats the piston rods so they don't corrode or collect dust which can mess up the seals.
I have looked at two XFire roadsters, fairly new, with the same two obvious wear points on the top. Required replacement. In both cases the previous owners said they almost never had the tops up. CA cars.
Finally, the mechanism on the XFire top is somewhat complicated. While I don't miss the old tonneau top cover will all those rivet/snaps, I wonder how reliable the computer operated systems will be. I like checking mine out. I do so at least once a month. Even in winter.
roadster with a stick
If you are storing the car with the top down, it can set creases in vinyl or canvass that sometimes will never come out. It also bends the fibres so that they will weaken and break when straightened. Constant friction of the folded fabric will cause wear patterns that can show up when you raise the top.
That said, you should be sure to operate the top from time to time. This will keep the hyraulics from settling and seals won't dry out. It also coats the piston rods so they don't corrode or collect dust which can mess up the seals.
I have looked at two XFire roadsters, fairly new, with the same two obvious wear points on the top. Required replacement. In both cases the previous owners said they almost never had the tops up. CA cars.
Finally, the mechanism on the XFire top is somewhat complicated. While I don't miss the old tonneau top cover will all those rivet/snaps, I wonder how reliable the computer operated systems will be. I like checking mine out. I do so at least once a month. Even in winter.
roadster with a stick
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 33
From: Holland MI
Re: New Roadster Owner
I garage my roadster and leave the top down most of the summer and use a car cover to keep dust off. I probably put the top up/down once or twice a week - at least once a week just to wash it. I do notice some fine creases at the end of the summer, but I store it all winter with the top up and they're gone by spring.
I think I'll take my chances with a little crease rather than wearing out the up/down mechanism. There are so many cables and pulleys - it's the sole reason I took an extended warranty. So far 26k miles over three summers and no problems.
I think I'll take my chances with a little crease rather than wearing out the up/down mechanism. There are so many cables and pulleys - it's the sole reason I took an extended warranty. So far 26k miles over three summers and no problems.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 168
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From: Athens, TN
Re: New Roadster Owner
Welcome and congrats on your selection of a truly wonderful automobile. I purchased a new 06 last year in July that had 300 miles on it. Today the car is less than 100 miles away from 10,000 and we're still having a blast with it.
As far as tires go, I am having good luck with the original Continental ContiTouring tires that came on it. They're showing good "slow" wear. I was very worried at first because I'd read numerous horror stories about these tires being soft and chewed up quickly all over the internet. We don't drive the car hard and it is my wifes daily driver so it does get plenty of use. I've also read many positive reviews on the tires as well from drivers who drive sensibly and they seem to get decent treadwear as well.
TireRack.com carries them $149.00 for the front each and $231.00 each for the rear. That's about the best priced all season tire you'll find, or at least I've found besides a Goodyear Eagle F1 but I'm not a Goodyear fan. Do be careful on who you let work with your wheels. If you'll read my horror story post from my first and last trip to PepBoys you'll understand that "chain mechanics" will hire anybody to work on your car.
Enjoy !
As far as tires go, I am having good luck with the original Continental ContiTouring tires that came on it. They're showing good "slow" wear. I was very worried at first because I'd read numerous horror stories about these tires being soft and chewed up quickly all over the internet. We don't drive the car hard and it is my wifes daily driver so it does get plenty of use. I've also read many positive reviews on the tires as well from drivers who drive sensibly and they seem to get decent treadwear as well.
TireRack.com carries them $149.00 for the front each and $231.00 each for the rear. That's about the best priced all season tire you'll find, or at least I've found besides a Goodyear Eagle F1 but I'm not a Goodyear fan. Do be careful on who you let work with your wheels. If you'll read my horror story post from my first and last trip to PepBoys you'll understand that "chain mechanics" will hire anybody to work on your car.
Enjoy !
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,015
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From: MOFN, AL, 70 miles from George
Re: New Roadster Owner
Originally Posted by As far as tires go, I am having good luck with the original Continental ContiTouring tires that came on it. They're showing good "slow" wear. I was very worried at first because I'd read numerous horror stories about these tires being soft and chewed up quickly all over the internet. We don't drive the car hard and it is my wifes daily driver so it does get plenty of use. I've also read many positive reviews on the tires as well from drivers who drive sensibly and they seem to get decent treadwear as well.
TireRack.com carries them [b
TireRack.com carries them [b
$149.00[/b] for the front each and $231.00 each for the rear. That's about the best priced all season tire you'll find, or at least I've found besides a Goodyear Eagle F1 but I'm not a Goodyear fan.
Enjoy !
Enjoy !
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