Windscreen advice needed

[My Raven]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

I have one that my Ford Dealer gave me about a year ago ... It is in a vinyl black pouch. I pulled it out once and looked it over and put it back.

If it is not OEM as Dot advises I have not clue where it came from: I will look tonight to see if there is any markings on it. It was left in the trunk in a 04 that they accepted on trade.

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

I had an extra piece of plexiglass and used this to test effectiveness. I found that the effectiveness depended on the strength and direction of the wind in relationship to the direction the car was going. Decided it was not worth it. Personally I like the wind. Sometimes my wife doesn't want it and, like another said, have her put her side window up, or, if occasion is that hair really important, put the top.

[MikeB]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

I like mine too! I've had it 6 or 7 years now and always have it on with the soft top. I think it works well and so does Sue. We don't find it ugly at all (it's clear Plexiglass!). I put a lot of stickers on it behind the headrest area (NEVER a sticker visible on my Bird). I recommend it!

Wow, I guess I might be the only one that likes the windblocker/windscreen! I usually don't have the top down without it, as a matter of fact! It is very effective in reducing cabin noise, and at 70-80 mph, you'll still want to have a conversation or listen to the stereo, and you can do that pretty well with the windblocker in place. It cuts down on the wind coming in as well. Yeah, I know, it's a convertible, it's supposed to have wind, but occasionally, it's a bit inconvenient (like when my wife decides to rummage through her purse and 50 million little pieces of paper and receipts decide to go airborn). You can always roll the windows down to get the wind effect when you want it.

Additionally, without the windblocker in place, the air conditioner seems to be not as effective in cooling the cabin down. With the windblocker on, the cool air seems to stay in the cabin longer. Here in Alabama, with the temp at 95+ degrees during the summer, that makes a difference in whether I put the top up or not during the hotter part of the day.

Overall, I like the windblocker. I don't think it's ugly; seems to add a "sporty" look as far as I am concerned, and it's effective in doing what it's designed to do. Just my opinion, of course.

Steve, since you're local to me, if you want to get together during lunchtime this week and take a look at mine, let me know.

-bobby

[5bird7]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

since there are a number of styles of wind screens available thru the years, it might help if people posted a small picture of theirs on the thread.

[MikeB]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

since there are a number of styles of window screens available thru the years, it might help if people posted a small picture of theirs on the thread.

Mine was purchased in spring of '03, I believe (could have been fall of '02 though). It's called a "Wind Baffle." It was not from Thunderbird Concepts. It has velcro strips that hold it on the headrests. It also has a safety tether cable on the bottom of it should the wind ever completely blow it off its tethered to a metal hook on the passenger seat. Sue wanted it and I'm glad we got it.

When the hard top goes on, the Wind Baffle comes off.

[joe166]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

Mine was purchased in spring of '03, I believe (could have been fall of '02 though). It's called a "Wind Baffle." It was not from Thunderbird Concepts. It has velcro strips that hold it on the headrests. It also has a safety tether cable on the bottom of it should the wind ever completely blow it off its tethered to a metal hook on the passenger seat. Sue wanted it and I'm glad we got it.
When the hard top goes on, the Wind Baffle comes off.

Different strokes for different folks. Never on my car, thank you.

[MikeB]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

Different strokes for different folks. Never on my car, thank you.

Or as another would say, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder;" we love it!

[snowbird]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

Different strokes for different folks. Never on my car, thank you.

Since we are discusing items mounted behind the seats, has anyone ever or does any one know if there is a roll bar available for the Thunderbird to mount behind the seats like I have seen on the Miata's ?
MartinB

[Jim Young]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

I made my own windscreen you can see it here http://www.psend.com/users/jimyo/screen.html

It stays in the car and really makes a difference at high speed.
You are welcome to copy it if you like.
Jim

Note that the screen slides up and down to accomodate the cooler in the back

[RED03BIRD]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

Wow, what a great response to my plea for help! To those who think their bird looks better without a windscreen, I agree. Unfortunately, it is a necessity if I am to have top down time when Ann is riding with me.

Mike B: Thanks for your input regarding the velcro attached windscreen. One similar to yours is probably what I will try next.

Jim Young: Fantastic! That is the most heavy duty windscreen I've seen. Very creative.

Bobby Rogers: Thanks for the offer to meet you for lunch and check out your windscreen. I will PM you to arrange a meeting day and time.

Thanks to everyone for your help and I look forward to seeing you in Chattanooga,

Steve

[tattwo98]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

I spoke with Dan Fawcet at www.lovethedrive.com on designing a wind screen and his reply was :

Thank you for your interest in a wind deflector
I have tried a couple of times. The goal is to make a wind deflector that requires no modifications to your car. But so far I have had no luck
I have a couple of new ideas which I will work on in the fall,
I can email you when I think I have some photo’s to show you

Dan Fawcett, Driver
dan@lovethedrive.com
www.lovethedrive.com
(O) 604-628-7529
(P) 778-898-9555

I told him I would keep the forum updated, possibly someones ideas here might help him out...I also sent the link to him to check out Thunderbirdnest to see the interest for himself.

[5bird7]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

JIm, that's quite a screen you designed. Looks like it stays put and gives access to the shelf. question though, can passenger get into the cooler while car is moving?

[Ediron]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

That's the kind of screen I like.If it's made he will be selling them.

[kobrah]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

Hey Steve,

Here's something to help with the rubbing and scraping. I took a peice of rubber hose, like the small vacuum hoses you can buy a roll of, at the local auto parts store. Cut a length to cover the distance accross the console area, or corner to corner of the bottom egde of the plexi. Take a razor blade and slit the length open, and slide it in the lower edge of the plexi. It not only adds protection, it also adds a bit of stability to the mounting point. This can also be applied to any other areas that rub, like behind the seats.

Hope this helps.

George

[Jim Young]

Re: Windscreen advice needed

JIm, that's quite a screen you designed. Looks like it stays put and gives access to the shelf. question though, can passenger get into the cooler while car is moving?

yes it slides up and down pretty easy, and just need a little of its travel to get the chest angled out enough to open the door, but its still a hassel so we normaly get drinks out at a rest stop.
Jim