They must have. I had a '98 vert before my Oh Five ragtop, and the difference in structural integrity was immediately apparent. Perhaps that's because the 05's in general have a stronger structure than the 98's (not trying to flame anybody), rather than an improvement of the 05 coupe vs. the vert.

Concerning sound, the 05 IS quieter than my older vert. One nice feature in the 05 is the speed volume on the Shaker 500, which allows you to increase the volume automatically as your speed increases. It's totally adjustable, and is a great feature. It allows you to have a conversation without having to talk over the radio (or turn it down) when you come to a light. Very good idea Ford (perhaps that's something they got from Jag or Volvo?).

A problem with sound on the 05 is all the comments, horn honkin', and general good attention the car gets on the road, in shopping centers, gas stations, etc. That will certainly die down once more new generation Mustangs get on the road, but it is fun for the moment.

 

Well, *I* don't consider that a problem...

It is less noisy/windy at 70 in my mustang than it is in my WRX with 2 windows down, (AC is broke)... I did hear... somewhere... that they changed the angle of the windscreen slightly to facilitate creating that "bubble" of air...

 

==I notice the motor for the top makes a high-pitched noise just as it gets within a couple inches of the windshield==

I always "catch" my top when I'm putting it down. As soon as I can reach it, I grab it by the center handle as it is lowering. Seems to be significantly less strain on the motor when I help the top down to the header this way.

==Did Ford make any noticeable body changes to the convertible to make it quieter with the top down? I can't see any from the pictures I've seen. I know Ford made changes to the suspension to reduce body 'shudder,' but wind noise is the great enemy of all convertibles. ==

The feature they added where the windows crack down & up by about 1/4" when opening and closing the doors means that the windows seal quite tightly into the weatherstrip channel. That has done more than anything else to almost eliminate wind noise. On my past convertibles, the wind noise was always created at highway speeds because the glass pulls out from the weatherstripping slightly due to uneven pressure between the interior and exterior. On my Mustang the only noise I get is sometimes there is a bit of buffeting on the top if I drive behind a tall vehicle (like a semi). Overall it's amazingly quiet for a convertible.

 

You make a great point when the top is up. Hadn't considered that aspect; I was asking about when the top is down, and thanks for mentioning it! I doubt I'll be going cross country with the top down, and it's nice to hear that the wind noise is much improved over older models.

I've heard that the top is insulated. Is this true? Can't you see the top's frame when the top is up? I haven't been to a dealership to check one out, since there aren't any vert GTs around here.... None that aren't owned already!

 

The first section is actually psuedo-hard. It is the part that sits on top when the top is down. The rest is double layered, but I am unsure if there are any insulating materials in it.

 

I just picked up my '05 GT Vert (Legend Lime). Is the top vinyl or is it canvas which is impregnated with some type of coating material ?

If I use RaggTop product to clean the top, do I use the Vinyl or Canvas product ?

Thanks,


Dave[:-]

 

Having driven my father's '71 Mustang Convertible I must say that hearing the top on an '05 took me back! It sounds exactly the same, as did the Mustang convertibles I rented in 200 and 2001. It's important for 2005 vert owners to realize that it'll be at least 1 1/2 to 2 years before you can expect to see any problems with the top. Leaks won't really develop until the rubber has started to dry out, warp or contort, especially if you have been in any accidents.
And yes, if yours is a daily driver, eventually you will have to (or want to) replace the top. usually after 15- 20 years! But this does vary, and vary a lot I bet!
As far as leaving the top down... I don't recommend it at all! Even if you've got no personal effects to be stolen, the sun will fade your interior over time, bugs and birds will show their presence and dust will gather. Unless you'll just be a few minutes I advise to put that top up.

[IMG]local://upfiles/15212/271038E46EBC468F8EC380165B35C427.jpg[/IMG]

 

... or you park it in the garage...

 

Yes! I was looking for this on the boards. Mine partially broke the second day or so also. It still works and I'm hoping to make it to 3k miles so I can bring it in for that and an oil change. I have 1800 miles currently. This is my 4th Ford yet I've never got one serviced at a Ford dealer before. I bought my 05 GT out of state so I'm even less looking forward to bringing it to my local dealer that's charging 8k over sticker for GT convertibles.

 

I agree 100%. IN my 95 GT convertible, over 70mph I'd raise the windows because the noise and wind was too much even in the front seats. With my 05, I have yet to reach a speed where I'd even consider raising the windows. It's absolutely awesome!