PDA

View Full Version : Miata Windblocker Options



BlackoutA4
06-22-2014, 06:41 PM
I took the newly registered NA on a 50 mile (highway, each way) roadtrip today with my girlfriend. She's not a convertible person, but she grudgingly agreed to take the Miata since its my new toy and my sister wanted to see it. She probably wouldn't mind riding with the top down if I could get a windblocker for it, since I'm pretty sure that the wind blowing forward into the cabin is the key concern rather than the noise or temperature. My dad's Porsche 993 has one that attaches to the top and automatically pops up with the top goes down. Gratuitous picture (terrible quality, from an old phone) below. I was skeptical about it but it definitely made it calmer in the car. Does anybody have any recommendations regarding vendors or specific ones that work well for our cars? I'd prefer not to spend a ton on it, given that long roadtrips won't occur too much with this car, and she doesn't mind the car on low roads.

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/263488_10150289691550039_3024027_n.jpg?oh=1ea52757 1e82362e0c41384bfe51b4dd&oe=542F789C

BlackoutA4
06-26-2014, 06:16 AM
Nobody has tried one of these? Looks like I may end up being the guinea pig here, or I'll just be taking the Audi on long trips.

tsingson
06-26-2014, 06:56 AM
I know some have made their own out of plexiglass to work with their rollbars. I had an OEM NB one in my car but removed it and gave it to a friend. She was able to use it with her NB from what she told me. I will see if I can find out how she mounted it.

KAL
06-26-2014, 07:05 AM
I have a blocker that extends to a "double" windblocker (really high), with buttons to attatch to the rear shelf. If i flip it forward and down its small and effective.
Can't find the brand though :(

RoadsterTech
06-26-2014, 09:53 AM
Here is my prototype for RoadsterTech's windblocker..

The final design is somewhat different than this. The blocker is a bit taller, and the curve radius on the edges is larger this matches the curve of the roll bar better.

(this is my God daughter and her new husband)

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-xgFgsnw/0/L/IMG_8527-L.jpg

Here is a picture of the windblocker with the Lexan section retracted.

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-C6WLZZB/0/L/IMG_0031-L.jpg

Here's a shot of it outside of the car with the Lexan up.

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-3NC3XLz/0/L/CA_10031218000978-L.jpg

Here it is with the Lexan down.

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-GhnXS7f/0/L/CA_10031218122716-L.jpg

The Blocker is hinged with friction hinges and it can fold down when not in use.

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-9vGXkJD/0/L/CA_10031218053214-L.jpg

We're also working on one to mount under the cross brace on later NA's.

Phatmiata
06-26-2014, 10:01 AM
looks awesome Rick, and luck with the door panels? I also had a couple more designs for you, can you make it to next weeks meeting?

JLBMX5
06-26-2014, 10:09 AM
If your going to use lexan or plexiglass put some sort of tint on it. A cpl of weeks ago I was following JamieH and he had a DIY lexan wind blocker. The sun was glaring of that thing bad right into my line of sight so you might not notice it driving but the people behind you might have issues.

RoadsterTech
06-26-2014, 12:22 PM
If your going to use lexan or plexiglass put some sort of tint on it. A cpl of weeks ago I was following JamieH and he had a DIY lexan wind blocker. The sun was glaring of that thing bad right into my line of sight so you might not notice it driving but the people behind you might have issues.

We could also set it up with a bit of down angle to reflect the light down. With reflective material it could be black and still send the light back at you.
the big thing tint would help with is refraction but the slight angle down would help with that as well.

RoadsterTech
06-26-2014, 12:24 PM
looks awesome Rick, and luck with the door panels? I also had a couple more designs for you, can you make it to next weeks meeting?

I'm ready to start back up on these. I could be at a meeting with some enticement. I was stuck with a massive project that took 18 hours a day from me for the last three months. that's why I've been somewhat incognito as of late.

Hammerhead
06-26-2014, 08:37 PM
I have an Oris wind blocker, which is the same style as the OEM offerings on higher end convertibles - I don't recall if they are still being manufactured. I love mine; with the windows and the Oris up, there is very little wind buffet in the cockpit.

BlackoutA4
06-26-2014, 10:03 PM
Thanks all! We're taking it on another shorter (20 miles each way) trip tomorrow night so I'm sure I'll hear about the wind buffeting again... Lol. I saw this one online, and it looks ideal because:

A.) Cheap, which is good since I'll only use it occasionally when she's in the car
B.) Highly portable and I can keep it in the trunk
C.) No bolt holes or other damage from installation

Anyone tried this or something similar?

http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=74323

VolleKanne
06-27-2014, 02:26 PM
What's wrong with the NB blocker? Looks better and does the job, too.

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2mhbd54.jpg

BlackoutA4
06-27-2014, 03:33 PM
What's wrong with the NB blocker? Looks better and does the job, too.

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2mhbd54.jpg

Good suggestion... I prefer a clean look and that one looks great. How does it install? Is it a direct fit even though it's for the later platform?