Mickey Mouse Ears! Windblocker

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:29 pm

Thought you might like to see my home made windblocker.
After removing the factory windblocker, and fitting the MX5 Plus TB Twin Hoop Roll Bar, we noticed a big increase in wind blowing through the cockpit.
Also there was a bit of whistling around the hoops.
Couldnt find anything stock to buy, so I built my own.

1\" neoprene sheet from the Rubber Shop, some contact cement and some black 'car' carpet from Buninks.

Done in a couple of hrs.
I know many wont like the look, but my god it works well and is fairly inconspicuous. Stops wind around hoops, under and over torque box.
It is not tied in so can still fit the toneau cover, or not.

What do you think?

Ajay · Postby **Ajay** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:31 pm

who cares what anyone thinks.. if you like it and it does the job! A+

Good to see people trying new things..

PS.. love the seat covers

mhj · Postby **mhj** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:34 pm

i get the problem...ive got the problem!

i love your creativity

but i dont like the look

i've ben thinking of something in perspex, or maybe wire mesh

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:58 pm

Good work Stu!
Even though I don't have the same wind/noise problem, I am thinking of doing the same thing with a mesh/stocking-like material.

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:16 pm

Actually the photos dont do it justice. The flash makes it stand out more.
In normal conditions at a glance, you dont notice it so much.
Would be nice upholstered in leather with red stitching!
But alas, I cannot sew.

redwards · Postby **redwards** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:08 am

I'm with the 'does the job' mob

But if you're concerned about looks, you could split it into three parts by fitting the foam inside the hoops, then just making a middle section.

Boags · Postby **Boags** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:46 am

I love that you DIY things but they look professional. Nice work!

The carpet does stand out with the flash; maybe take some outside pics in the day without flash for us?

Boags

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:43 am

You dont really need the rabbit ears part for an effective wind blocker. About 85% of the wind blocking in the factory blocker is done by the part that doesn't fold down. So any more height than that isn't really required unless you want a totally wind free cockpit, but then you might as well just put the roof up.

sliq · Postby **sliq** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:01 pm

looks tops minx - looks close to something you'd expect from the factory :lol:

i like the throw-over mazdaspeed seat cover.. where'd you source it from?

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:39 pm

Thanks guys,
I know its a bit ugly but makes the ride much more comfortable especially for the missus with long hair.
It is also much quieter.
Daylight pics- no flash.

As for the throw over seat cover - just happened to spot it in AutoBarn.
Saves some wear and tear on the leather getting my fat arse in and out 6 times a day. Bit slippery though - no good for track days. :shock:

marcusus · Postby **marcusus** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:03 pm

If you could get the foam stuff to be lower than the bar so the bar is visible from behind, I think it'd make a world of difference in terms of noticeability.

Boags · Postby **Boags** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:35 pm

Very schmick.

MX5CHIC · Postby **MX5CHIC** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:20 am

It looks very professional, I made a custom windblocker to fit under my Style Bars, it was necessary after fitting a new Cloth Top when I discovered the new top would no longer lay flat on the rear deck.
I used MDF Panel with Black Speaker carpet from Jaycar Electronics.
While I was at it, I fitted speakers in the space between the seats.

..... and being a chick with long hair I totally agree with your \"missus\"!

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:15 pm

My impression is very good. If you garnish it too much ( red stitching etc0 then you bring more attention to it when my thought it that less is best - making it look a blended is more sophisticated. The original unit although small is made to look part of the upholstery so a pc blocker may look out of place.