Is it ever too cold?

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Is it ever too cold to drive my 58? I know this is a goofy newbie question but I thought it was better to ask now than repair later. I was worried about inducing new stress cracks in the body. If temp. is a factor what is a "safe" temp to take the car out for a spin around town? Thanks in advance, Ken

[James F.]

Re: Is it ever too cold?

Kenneth,
You'll be more likely to crack the vinyl seat bottoms and backs than the fiberglass in below freezing weather. Reagrds,

[Don H.]

Re: Is it ever too cold?

Twenty nine years ago I drove my 60 all winter as it was the only vehicle I owned at that time. Not a great snow car but that is what they were made for - driving. Depending on how cold it is and how rough the road is what cracking could happen. Don H.

[Rich Beauchamp]

Re: Is it ever too cold?

Ken, I agree that they should be driven if possible, but a concern I have is salt on the roads. Even if the roads are dry, there is a ton of powdered salt on the roads here in Illinoise. Bummer! Depending on your location, that might be a consideration.

[Donald O.]

Re: Is it ever too cold?

I keep mine in hibernation until the daytime highs reach the high 50s. Its just too cold with the top down at any temp colder.

[Dave Suesz]

My '55 was a daily driver...

until 1967, I have home movies and photos which show the car parked in the snow in the background. Had the body restored in '88, only had about a dozen small stress cracks. I think bad roads or parking in hot sun would be worse.

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Re: My '55 was a daily driver...

Thanks Gentlemen. I took her out yesterday in 30 degree Penna weather. Only saw a single C3 on the whole hour plus ride. Felt GREAT! Ken

[Christopher R.]

Re: Is it ever too cold?

In the cold, the vinyl rear window of the convertible top might shatter if you try to lower the top. If you keep the top up, you should be OK. When you lower the top, it makes a 180 degree fold. It can't take that.