Two questions - Retrobird

[bobc4383]

1) I have a 2003 Torch Red with a black convertable top. For the years of the retro birds, did each year have both soft top colors (black and 'gray') available for each body color?

2) Regarding fuel mileage: my wife and I were discussing which gets better gas mileage, the convertable with the top up or the hardtop? I figure the ragtop not being a smooth surface might be worse, but the hardtop has more weight so I figure it is a wash as to which would be better. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Bob Cunningham

[5bird7]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Stock soft top is black for all red tbirds and most of the other colors but it will turn grey looking if kept out in the sun (sun bleached) or not washed when it needs it. it's the nature of fabric tops to bleach out some if kept in sunlight for long periods of time.

grey (ash) is found only on the PCR
medium stone (light tan) is only on the cashmere
steel blue is only found on the steel blue 05s with blue interior and silvers 05s with blue interior,
light sand is only found on 04s and 05s with the sand interior including red, black, ice blue, bronze, platinum silver, and med. steel blue body colors.
merlot may be found on 04 merlots and 04 black
All other colors have black.

as for gas mileage - top up will give you the best gas mileage but I don't know of anyone who has tried to compare hardtop vs softtop gas mileage. I think it would be a wash, too.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Hard Top weight is only 88 lbs. would not think it would change the gas milage.

[Ediron]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

What's gas milage ?

[bobc4383]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Thanks Dot - good listing.

One more thing: what is PCR?

Bob

[Lonestar]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Pacific Coast Roadster - a 2004 Special Edition

[FEsTbird]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

I have never seen much change in the gas mileage between hard-top or rag-top. Major difference relates to how much freeway mileage I have between fill-ups.

[bobc4383]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Tnx - new term for me.

Bob

[bobc4383]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

With the HT on, I noticed it is MUCH quieter (never owned a rag top before). We are going to Wisconsin next weekend so I'll see if there is any significant difference. I suspect very little (and it will be warmer too).

Bob

[tbird6t4]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

With the HT on, I noticed it is MUCH quieter (never owned a rag top before). We are going to Wisconsin next weekend so I'll see if there is any significant difference. I suspect very little (and it will be warmer too).

Bob

I wouldn't think it woud be warmer in Wisconsin than any other other northern states at this time of the year.

Gord R.

[bobc4383]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

There was 18" of snow in Denver today so WS has to be 'better'. <G>.

Bob

[billm]

Re: Two questions - Retrobird

Not all Red birds came with a black soft top.
I looked at and drove a Red '04 at a Ford Dealer on the MS gulf coast
that had the Sand appearance group, Sand interior and Sand soft top.
At the time I thought I wanted black, so didn't take it. Later I decided I liked it ok, and went back to find out it was sold! Was a nice combination.