Dirty car with the top down?

[msutton1951]

I'm wondering what other Tbirders think about this:

Yesterday I saw a woman in a dark blue GM convertible. The car was filthy with a week's worth of North Texas freeway dirt and sand scum. The sides of the car actually appeared to be brown. But there she was, with the top down and big sunglasses, just cruising away.

I always thought it was declasse to drive a dirty convertible with the top down, sort of the automotive equivalent of walking around with bathroom tissue stuck to one's shoes. Personally, I've never done it. It would be weird.

What do y'all think?

[Gobird]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Top up or down or with hard top on mine doesn't leave the driveway unless it's clean.

[NotU]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Good for her!
This tells me that she's a busy lady with no time to stop for a car wash but wants the top down. At least she gets some enjoyment, while not having any free time.
Just my humble opinion.
Randy Mattson

[tbird05cel]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Sir, you have too much time on your hands to worry about someone else's driving habits. Enjoy your TBird!

[Kokomo]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

I'm wondering what other Tbirders think about this:

I enjoy driving my bird clean or dirty. I don't let it stay dirty too long if I can help it. Does snow count the same as being dirty?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

You call that snow?

[jerrym3]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Can't keep a car clean all the time in the north during winter. Hoses are stored away, outside water is turned off from inside the house.

Got my LS washed the other day. First time it's been clean since late November.

Don't want to take the retro to a carwash.

63 degrees coming Friday; may do a "bucket brigade" on the retro and the Galaxie.

Snow forecast for next week.

Ouch.

[TexasWhiteBird]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

I would say 'whatever floats yer boat' , but for me, I don't think I've ever driven my 'bird dirty!

[merlot4]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

I prefer to have my car clean, but why care if someone has a car in different condition that they're enjoying?

[nj susan]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

I never leave the house with even a dusty bird. However, the weather does dictate what I drive. Sometimes the Charger gets dirty, but never the bird.

[redbirdsal]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Sometimes you just run out of time...and have to make a choice.
If you're gonna be driving, and the weather is as nice as it's been for the last few days, you may as well enjoy the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

Guess my holdback is that I don't want to drop CARTOY's dirty softtop in her well.
So, I either go top up, or start early enough to clean the car, and let the top dry.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Sally, that was some mighty fine Texas back peddling.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Back in the day it was 'Camp' to not wash the car. Just drive it as is.

As for the lady spotted driving her convertible top down while dirty....more power to her. At least she's out there enjoying her car & the weather. Not many places in the US can you drive a convertible with the top down on the 15th of February.

[jayred1]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Personally, I leave my bird in the garage when the streets are sloppy; however, I've got another daily driver. That car often goes multiple days/weeks without a wash. Why? Busy, car will only be clean for a few hours, or lazy/cheap ... probably a combination.

If the bird were my daily driver, it would frequently be dirty. If after weeks of cold weather, followed by melting of a foot of snow, and we had a day hitting 70 (like this Thursday!), I'd absolutely have the top down (clean or otherwise).

Not everyone can have the luxury of time to keep their car looking great nor does everyone feel their car is something special. Just be happy if you have the time and enjoy your car ... that person was just enjoying theirs.

[2k2tbird]

Re: Dirty car with the top down?

Yikes!!!!!
I hope you never spot me out some day having a bad hair day.
It happens; I just hope you never spot me.
Sheeessssh let the lady enjoy her drive.