weatherproofing on all spyders and other q's

Ok, I've been reading on all makes of the spyder repros, and I've noticed that they leak water...Why isn't the manufacturers doing something to improve this?

Does any maker offer roll-up windows? I'm sure this would make driving with the top up easier. Side curtains really don't help your field of vision.

And finally, has anyone been able to modify a hardtop to fit the spyder? Call me crazy, but I think hardtops look better and does a better job of weatherproofing (if done right).

Dude, buy a Boxster or something. That's not what these cars are about. Even if you did seal them reasonably, without a proper heat/defrost setup you will not be able to see.

Spider0--my Speedster and my Spyder both leak from the underside. When the windows are in place correctly, there is very little leakage from there unless it's raining cats and dogs or for a sustained period of time. And I'm totally amazed, as you are, that this problem hasn't been addressed by the manufacturers. It's my biggest problem, especially daily driving it as I do. v

Just yesterday I was bitching about problems with my Spyder, so this defense of the car may seem schizophrenic. Additionally, the following is just my humble opinion...I don't want to confuse the issue with facts.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, the attractiveness of the 550 replicas is their relatively authentic nature. The original cars had no amenities to speak of and the replicas are designed "replicate" that experience. So the way I see it, Spyder owners have the choice of risking getting wet driving in the rain OR leaving the car under the cover and driving the daily driver...And this is what I sense that most Spyder owners, except the mildly masochistic Vicki V. and a precious few others, do.

From a production/cost point of view, adding roll-up windows and the requisite mechanical do-dads, seals, etc. would only serve to significantly increase the build complications and costs, both of which would be passed on to buyers in the form of an increased sell price.

Personally, I when it comes to weather, I regard my car the same way I would a motorcycle...The increased probability of rain/cold increase my chances of getting cool/cold and/or damp/wet depending on how cold it is and/or hard it rains.

And without at all intending to be a smartass, people who want a completely climate controlled sports car have numerous options that fall within the price range of a new Spyder...In fact, this month's issue of Grassroots Motorsports has an excellent article on used Boxsters, Audi TTs and BMW M-3s...And don't forget that a new Miata and Mini can usually be bought for less than a new Spyder.

Again...Just my humble opinion.

Well excuse me, for expecting some improvement over the years...You'd think that after years of experience, they'd work out some of the kinks. Better seals, I don't think I'm asking for too much here. As for the rest, I just like having options as to what's possible.

As far as roll-ups, this is just a personal preference...It would make top-up driving safer, because I can actually see when I need to. Granted, I won't use them as much since I live in sunny FL. But it'd be nice to have, especially in unexpected moonsoon-like weather!

As for the Boxster? You don't fear the handling on that car. I'd like to keep that Porsche driving characteristic which would punish you if you don't drive it right.

I know what these cars are about. Maybe not as much as an owner might know, but I stil expect a no-frills sports that no current car manufacturer offers.

Arvin, don't take it personal.

The cars are basically play toys with little or no refinements over the original Porsche race cars. Most of the water leak issues can be solved with a little sealant placed in appropriate places. Granted, the manufacturers should be paying attention but, they're not. Most of the water leaks can be atributed to holes in the front wall for the master cylinders and to the bottom floor of the car where it attaches to the body. If necessary, several auto paint shops carry panel sealant that can applied via caulking gun. As far as windows go, the only option available is side curtins that seem to do an adequate job. The folding convertable top seems to repel water adequately.
Someplace here or on the other board is info. re: a hard top. I saw photo's someplace and it really didn't look asthetic.

Not taking it personal, but the "Buy a _____." comments really don't answer anything. I realize I COULD buy something else, but I don't really WANT to buy something else.

Although, I probably would have a 2nd car for rainy days, but you just never know for sure when it's gonna rain...So this is still important to me.

I also just saw pic of a hardtop, and I agree. It's not very aesthetic, oh well.

As Heiko put it - these are dune buggies with a different body shape. That might put it in perspective.

Not trying to insult you, Arvin, but merely illustrate a point. The 550 is a slightly safer 4-wheeled motorcycle. Period. I'm sure you could spend the money and make one-off rollup windows, or have them made for you. Like I said, with that being done you would require a good heater/defroster system. Then you would cut holes, install vents on the dashtop, etc. Weight of the car would increase, complexity increase, performance decrease. Like has been said, with the exception of Vicki, everyone has a second vehicle of some type.

Arvin - With all due respect, you DO want to buy something else...You want something that looks like a 550 Spyder but with roll-up windows, ventilation, and a hardtop...At which point it will cease to look or have the traits of a 550 Spyder.

Porsche did produce 550 Coupes...They won their class at LeMans and the Carrera Panamericana in 1953 I believe. I always thought it would be cool to reproduce that car, but as has been mentioned, issues like ventilation and fabrication would render the costs prohibitive.

Regardless, the fact that today's manufacturers haven't produced such a variant of the 550 can be traced to the distinct probability that there is little or no demand for such a vehicle. That being the case, a custom built car would be your best bet.

you need one of the later model 356s...

Yeah, he needs an Abarth Carrera. But the reliability might be an issue, what with the 4-cam and all.