Override Speed Limiter on Convertible Top?
09-06-2013, 07:10 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NY
Posts: 33
Override Speed Limiter on Convertible Top?
Is there a way to bypass the speed limiter for opening/closing the convertible top? Not that I'd want to do it at high speeds, but I sometimes find myself in stop and go traffic and would like to open/close the top in those situations without having to be at 3mph.
09-06-2013, 02:12 PM
#3
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
most manufacturers have their speed limiter set to a speed they know the top can handle. Cloth/vinyl top acts like a wind sail and while not a big deal to the car itself, will bend/break hinges and fabric at higher speeds.
I've only seen hardtops where the top remains in the horizontal position during the entire process set their limiters faster....
I've only seen hardtops where the top remains in the horizontal position during the entire process set their limiters faster....
09-06-2013, 02:34 PM
#4
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 1,214
I would bet you just need to use a power source that is straight off the ignition switch to the power top switch. That should bypass all the top safety items. Be sure to do a video when the top leaves the car....
09-06-2013, 02:47 PM
#6
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Reminds me of the guy that installed a remote start kit on his Manual Mustang...against the advice given in the thread he started about wanting to do it.
Fast forward a few months and a Dealership had left the car in gear while they were servicing it and remotely started it on accident. Car ended up in a pond. Owner tried to sue the dealer.... the owner lost of course. All the while the owner was on this forum bitchin and whining.
At first everyone was sympathetic, then someone posted the link about the advice, after that, he was blackballed.
Fast forward a few months and a Dealership had left the car in gear while they were servicing it and remotely started it on accident. Car ended up in a pond. Owner tried to sue the dealer.... the owner lost of course. All the while the owner was on this forum bitchin and whining.
At first everyone was sympathetic, then someone posted the link about the advice, after that, he was blackballed.
09-06-2013, 02:48 PM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,060
I did 40mph once in a 07 gt/cs when I forgot to put my top all the way down. Dumb-*** move on my part, but nothing was wrong with the top afterwards. Not to say you can't 100% fubar your top with a stunt like that. I got lucky, must have had a tailwind.
. I only wanted to be able to do it in stop and go traffic. I have no interest in raising/lowering while cruising down the turnpike.
09-07-2013, 12:25 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 1,214
All it takes is one mistake to twist the frame and cause issues. I always did my 07 GT vert in stop light traffic with no issues over the speed restriction. Try it with a SN95.....the parking brake must also be up at least one notch....
A coworker lowered my '64 Comet Caliente while doing 25 mph....bought me a new frame for the car....way back.in '72. Damage is hit and miss with each situation. Is it worth an extra couple mph to chance damage??żż
A coworker lowered my '64 Comet Caliente while doing 25 mph....bought me a new frame for the car....way back.in '72. Damage is hit and miss with each situation. Is it worth an extra couple mph to chance damage??żż
09-07-2013, 01:54 PM
#10
6th Gear Member
I guess I don't understand why you want to defeat the speed limiter for that. If you're raising or lowering the top in stop-n-go traffic, then I'd think you'd be... stopped. Or at least not ABLE to go faster than 3 MPH. But since I haven't owned a vert for about 35 years, who am I to talk?