Top Down vs Up When Parked

[modawg2k]

So I'm heading to the gym right now, like I did yesterday with my car, and I was wondering everyone's opinion about the top status when parked there. Regardless of the situation (which happens to be a very safe, not so busy neighborhood), what do you guys think of leaving your car parked for a little bit outside with the top down?

In this situation, I would see it from the window (so guilty, I kinda want to stare at it in between reps...... and guilty, I want the hot moms in there to see it also). I parked a bit further away than the cars so it sits there alone, and not under any trees. The sun isn't harsh yet so it's not baking the leather, and nothing would be in there to steal.

[Dznts]

well as long as the neighborhood is good and you can see it from the window, then i would think that i would be ok down. but always keep in mind these cars are magnets for accidents. birds will be aiming for the interior. lol

[modawg2k]

Originally Posted by Dznts

well as long as the neighborhood is good and you can see it from the window, then i would think that i would be ok down. but always keep in mind these cars are magnets for accidents. birds will be aiming for the interior. lol

So I should probably not leave out that bag of french bread in the backseat then right?

[Dznts]

lol yah might attract some unwanted attention. lol

[Old Guy]

Originally Posted by modawg2k

.....I want the hot moms in there to see it also)...

[motorhead]

Originally Posted by Dznts

well as long as the neighborhood is good and you can see it from the window, then i would think that i would be ok down. but always keep in mind these cars are magnets for accidents. birds will be aiming for the interior. lol

This is the biggest reason I didn't when I had Verts. I never really worried about someone messing with. If their that type of person, they'll mess with top up or down. I just never left any valuables in it.

[Drago77]

I regularly keep my top down. A perfect example of why: last week, myself and another 2SS (coupe) were parked in the far back of the gym away from the general public. Came out 90 min later to find the coupes window smashed out. My car (top.down.and interior empty, minus my steering wheel.lock) was untouched. Smash-n-grabs are common at gyms, parks, malls etc... in my experience, its better to show everyone there's nothing to take rather than lose a window or worse, a slit top! In all my years w T Tops, I never had anything thrown into, nor bird Shit inside the car...

[Blitz]

Originally Posted by Drago77

I regularly keep my top down. A perfect example of why: last week, myself and another 2SS (coupe) were parked in the far back of the gym away from the general public. Came out 90 min later to find the coupes window smashed out. My car (top.down.and interior empty, minus my steering wheel.lock) was untouched. Smash-n-grabs are common at gyms, parks, malls etc... in my experience, its better to show everyone there's nothing to take rather than lose a window or worse, a slit top! In all my years w T Tops, I never had anything thrown into, nor bird Shit inside the car...

You better be knocking on some wood... you just jinxed yourself!

But you are right about just letting them see there's nothing to take. My wife had a smashed window once on a car and nothing was taken!

[ambientweather]

Top down until someone f's with it, and they you will change your mind.

Someone put two bullet holes in my Durango when I was out hiking in the mountains. I will never take my Camaro to the hiking trail as a result.

This is Arizona and I pack heat when I'm in the mountains due to mountain lions. I just wish I would have been there to witness the dirty deed. It would have been interesting for the twits that shot at my car.

[Lightrider]

I had a Jeep, the top is too annoying to put up/down regularly and the windows would still be out so I pretty much dropped the top in April and put it back up in October.

Never left anything of value in it, always left the console and glove box unlocked. Had a nice Alpine head unit, I always removed the faceplate and took it with me.

Never had a problem leaving it open. In fact, because of how easy they were to get into with soft top up, I always kept doors unlocked so they wouldn't cut the top.

Never got bird crap or trash in it, ever...but now I'm jinxed...

Depending on weather, where I'm parking and how long I'll be away from it, I'll leave the top down.

[572HP]

With the tonneau cover on, I'd leave the top down if it wasn't long. Birds and sun are not good on your interior. If the tonneau cover isn't on, it is so easy just to close it. If you are worried about vandals, leave the windows down enough to be able to reach in, and leave the doors unlocked.

Vandals are using screwdrivers under the door locks now. Easier than slitting the top.

[Nutbutt]

I don't know all the insurance rules in all states but in MA. Some insurance companies have failed to cover stolen items out of verts if the top was left down. Reason, owner didnt take enough precautions to keep the theft from happening. This type of arguement spins my head!

[Supercamaro64]

no offense, but every time i see a convertible parked with the top down, i laugh a little at the owner. no matter how safe the neighborhood is, little critters and birds will just see it and think, "wow, what a great place to take a crap!" & u never know who mite be rollin through wen they see your car and want to wreck somethin. i dont even keep my windows rolled down unless im standing rite next to the car or IN it lol. keep the car nice! put the top up! it may be a hassle, but how much would it suck to go outside and see your interior has been trashed by an angry squirrel! just my opinion!!

[Cbrenthus]

I've owned a few convertibles and the answer always depended on the area and length of time. Heck, I left my Jeep at the airport garage a few times with no doors or top, and I'm pretty sure that someone sat in it to check it out on at least one occasion. However, I never had anything stolen or any other ill effects. Before you all go off about someone sitting in my Jeep, half the reason I bought it was so that I would have a vehicle I wasn't OCD about for awhile

I also always left my doors unlocked in th Jeep and never had anything taken, but also never left anything inside.

The best is just to use your judgment. How long will you be, and what is the area like? An open convertible may be more inviting, but also says "I don't have anything in here worth taking". If they want the whole car, you aren't going to stop them.