Vert in the snow?

[caddick]

Just wondered if anyone could advise on how their bug gets on in the winter; especially with frost and snow. this is the first year we have had a vert and so dont quite know what to expect in a harsh winter. We dont have a garage and so this is not an option.

Any thoughts greatful.

Caddick and Herb

[CGK]

Handling in snow is like any other front wheel drive vehicle. Very stable and with ESP you really don't have any worries about driving through a dusting or a blizzard.
There are two things you really need to watch for though.
1. Remove heavy snow accumulations from the fabric roof quickly and carefully to help eliminate the excess weight. Do not use sharp or hard objects to do so. Only use a soft bristle brush.
2. Always remove any accumulation of frost or ice from the door windows BEFORE you open the doors. Heavy ice will prevent the windows from dropping below the roof seal and if you pull the door open you will hit the roof cloth with the window glass. So, keep a window scraper handy with you somewhere in the trunk (boot) so you can clean the windows first.

Aside from that, winter driving with a vert is easy and on those nice sunny days you can go topless with the heated seats turned up and your heater blasting nice warm air.

[caddick]

Thanks a bunch. Hope it works as we will test it tomorrow as we have our first frost BbbbbbRrrrrrrrr

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by CGK

Handling in snow is like any other front wheel drive vehicle. Very stable and with ESP you really don't have any worries about driving through a dusting or a blizzard.
There are two things you really need to watch for though.
1. Remove heavy snow accumulations from the fabric roof quickly and carefully to help eliminate the excess weight. Do not use sharp or hard objects to do so. Only use a soft bristle brush.
2. Always remove any accumulation of frost or ice from the door windows BEFORE you open the doors. Heavy ice will prevent the windows from dropping below the roof seal and if you pull the door open you will hit the roof cloth with the window glass. So, keep a window scraper handy with you somewhere in the trunk (boot) so you can clean the windows first.

Thanks for that info on the snow, CGK. We don't have any snow to speak of here in S. Carolina (unless something freakish occurs), but I have wondered about things it I visit elsewhere. Snow can get heavy at a certain point, whether it be on the housetop, or atop a NBC.

[Lov3Bug]

what about the windows and ice? If the windows have to go down to open the door slightly and they're stuck/frozen, won't that damage the roof?

[caddick]

exactly...what if?

[CGK]

As I mentioned above, clean the ice from the windows BEFORE you open the doors.
Keep a scraper and can of deicing spray in the trunk so you can make sure the windows are clear before you pull on the door handle.
If the window does not drop, it WILL hit the roof cloth and pull at the glass and, over time, wear away at the cloth and damage it.

So, just be aware that if there is a build up of ice on the windows, clear it off first.

[caddick]

first fffrrrrossst says fankkkks. brrrrrr

[Timber]

Thank you for that tip, it never occurred to me that I would have to treat a convertible different. I so hate wasting space in my shop with a car

[CGK]

Hey Timber,
Where are you from in Mass.? I grew up in Littleton and went to college in Mass. before coming south to N.C.
Still have a bunch of family up there and we visit once or twice a year.
Welcome aboard and post up some pics of that vert.

[Timber]

Originally Posted by CGK

Hey Timber,
Where are you from in Mass.? I grew up in Littleton and went to college in Mass. before coming south to N.C.
Still have a bunch of family up there and we visit once or twice a year.
Welcome aboard and post up some pics of that vert.

Thanks for the welcome, I'm in East Bridgewater Ma near Brockton. My dad has a place in Advance NC. I have had several aircooled Bugs and Buggies over the years. I built a nice 68 Baja swing axle years ago and Glass buggy with nice lines. I just picked up the vert the other day. It is a silver 06. I'll take some pics soon