Trunk space?

[Tazz2000]

Originally Posted by 101jinx101

... what are runflats?

Basically tires that, once punctured, don't go flat for like 50 or 100 miles I think...not sure exactly on the milage, but most Corvettes require them so you don't f-up the wheels. They aren't cheap though.

[swatthefly]

Originally Posted by Tazz2000

Basically tires that, once punctured, don't go flat for like 50 or 100 miles I think...not sure exactly on the milage, but most Corvettes require them so you don't f-up the wheels. They aren't cheap though.

no they arent cheap and it kinda makes the ride a little more rough because the tires dont give as much when you hit bumps, but for a car that doesnt have a spare, this isnt a bad idea.

[KappaMan]

They are called "self-supporting" run flats.

If punctured, they can run for about 50 miles (100 on the 'vette tires) at zero pressure.

They achieve this by increasing the sidewall rubber by about 4X, adding weight (about 5-8 lbs PER TIRE over the non-runflat version of same size tire), and resulting in a VERY hard ride.

The harsh ride also highly dependent on the load rating of your tire versus the actual load that your car operates at, coupled with the sidewall height (aspect ratio X section width). Self-supporting run flats work best if the sidewall height is low (<105mm or so).

Example: if you work out that your car SHOULD have a load rating tire of about 88-90, going to a run-flat would work for a tire with that load rating and a sidewall height of 104mm or less. If you want a tire between 225 and 245 wide, you could chose a 225/45, MAYBE a 235/45, or a 245/40. Tie in the wheel size and you can narrow down the choices by using the load rating.

However, if you have a tire with a large sidewall (>105mm), AND your tire load rating is many points higher than what you need (like a 96 instead of 90 or so) you'll have a punishing ride and possibly steering and other effects. I could almost guarantee that a 245/45 would be a nasty choice for any car that operates at a point significantly lower than the load rating.

Just would like to save you the cost and trouble of trying to do a straight replacement into something that might f*$k up your car pretty bad.

I know this because I know.... unhhhh... someone that tried to upgrade their tires on a car with an available run flat... $500+ later, that "someone" replaced their car back to non-runflats. And learned that there is more than just a straight substitution.

[swatthefly]

Originally Posted by kappaman

They are called "self-supporting" run flats.

If punctured, they can run for about 50 miles (100 on the 'vette tires) at zero pressure.

They achieve this by increasing the sidewall rubber by about 4X, adding weight (about 5-8 lbs PER TIRE over the non-runflat version of same size tire), and resulting in a VERY hard ride.

The harsh ride also highly dependent on the load rating of your tire versus the actual load that your car operates at, coupled with the sidewall height (aspect ratio X section width). Self-supporting run flats work best if the sidewall height is low (<105mm or so).

Example: if you work out that your car SHOULD have a load rating tire of about 88-90, going to a run-flat would work for a tire with that load rating and a sidewall height of 104mm or less. If you want a tire between 225 and 245 wide, you could chose a 225/45, MAYBE a 235/45, or a 245/40. Tie in the wheel size and you can narrow down the choices by using the load rating.

However, if you have a tire with a large sidewall (>105mm), AND your tire load rating is many points higher than what you need (like a 96 instead of 90 or so) you'll have a punishing ride and possibly steering and other effects. I could almost guarantee that a 245/45 would be a nasty choice for any car that operates at a point significantly lower than the load rating.

Just would like to save you the cost and trouble of trying to do a straight replacement into something that might f*$k up your car pretty bad.

I know this because I know.... unhhhh... someone that tried to upgrade their tires on a car with an available run flat... $500+ later, that "someone" replaced their car back to non-runflats. And learned that there is more than just a straight substitution.

good info. ill have to take that into consideration.

[browndawgdude]

My guess is 2 sets of clubs for sure! and...the top doesn't take up trunk storage...mark my words.

[brentil]

Originally Posted by browndawgdude

My guess is 2 sets of clubs for sure! and...the top doesn't take up trunk storage...mark my words.

I hope you're not being serious about the roof in the trunk. Because it goes into the trunk, so to takes up trunk space for sure.

[swatthefly]

maybe he meant you can drive with the top up?

[Canman]

Originally Posted by mdlestat

Jesus God.

What is it with people and TRUNK SPACE.


It's a two-seat convertible roadster!!

It is stunning to me that people seem so manically concerned with what they can carry in the trunk.

Don't take it personally bcboy-- I'm glad you're here!-- I just can't for the life of me understand why cargo space is such a prominent part of the questioning regarding what is clearly a car meant for everything BUT delightful cargo capacity.

I've said it before-- and I'll keep saying it:

If cargo space is ANY significant part of your decision to buy the Sky or the Solstice, you're probably not the kind of customer the designers had in mind when they created these cars...

Too Funny

[skyby]

according to the solstice site... cargo volume with top down is 1.4 cubic feet... and a whopping 3.8 cubic feet with the top up... so i don't think this is the car for people looking to buy a trunk.

[swatthefly]

Originally Posted by skyby

according to the solstice site... cargo volume with top down is 1.4 cubic feet... and a whopping 3.8 cubic feet with the top up... so i don't think this is the car for people looking to buy a trunk.

solution: buy an old mazda miata from the junkyard. paint it the same color as your car. take the motor out. lay a sheet of plywood where the motor used to be. presto! redneck towable trunk!

wait... wouldnt that qualify it as a 2X2 convertable(s)?

[SkyHawk]

Originally Posted by mdlestat

Jesus God.

What is it with people and TRUNK SPACE.


It's a two-seat convertible roadster!!

It is stunning to me that people seem so manically concerned with what they can carry in the trunk.

Don't take it personally bcboy-- I'm glad you're here!-- I just can't for the life of me understand why cargo space is such a prominent part of the questioning regarding what is clearly a car meant for everything BUT delightful cargo capacity.

I've said it before-- and I'll keep saying it:

If cargo space is ANY significant part of your decision to buy the Sky or the Solstice, you're probably not the kind of customer the designers had in mind when they created these cars...

Well, let me tell y'all sumpin.
I've had convertibles and roadsters out the ying-yang since you-know-who was a cowboy - and trunk space DOES matter.
My BMW Z4 allows me to do more than just tool around for the sake of tooling around (not that tooling around isn't fun - it is).
In the Z4, I can take my wife to a golf course (with the top down) with 2 sets of clubs and play a round. I can take my Z4 grocery shopping and load the back up with enough vittles to feed an average Canadian family of 12 for a week. OR I can pack enough into the trunk for a weeks vacation on the road.
A roadster doesn't necessarily need to be a completely useless vehicle.
There will be lot's of people who like the styling of of the Solstice and/or Sky to buy it for that reason alone, but many, (me included) will probably pass up on it if there's no trunk space because there are lots of alternatives that match our lifestyle better.

[JHen66]

I read through most of this string (honestly can't say I read all of it as I was watching the women's Olympic volleyball at the same time) and I don't remember anyone actually saying they tried putting a golf bag in the trunk. Has anyone actually tried it?

[Talz]

Yes it's been done, but the Sky wasn't availible when the previous posts were created.

[BLACK_SKY]

If I was a golfer, I'd just go down to the course "roof-up" . But that's IMHO. Research pretty much said what to expect before I considered the sky. It is what it is. I took one home anyway. Hey i really wanted the manual but after testing manual vs. auto trans, I went with the auto because I'm tall and just fit in the thing. With all the shifting and clutching I'd be banging into stuff all over the place. With the wheel all the way up and the seat all the way back the window controls are still at my elbow, and I operate them underhand with my right hand. So there was a little compromise for me as well. But it's still a lot of ride for the buck.

We can debate the targeted marketing aspect forever. Again, what it is... is what it is.
It's an impressively designed piece of eye candy that knows how to get out of it's own way.
And it does both very well.

[BSRL]

Talk about reviving an old thread...I can comfortably fit my set of golf clubs in the trunk with the top up. It won't close with the top down. Also, I don't have one of those huge golf bags, but it's a medium size one.

[GetAboutRL]

Originally Posted by GetAboutRL

you can get one 'normal' golf bag in with the top down or two driver/day bags. Now with top up you can get two 'normal' bags in.

I usually do not like to leave my top down while I am in the Mall or at the golf course/country club. Not only mother nature (sun & rain) but humans with personality problems too.

Also, since the Solotice does not have the two center metal rear supports .. better use of their trunk space is possible. Compare the two trunks and check difference in the inside rear center area.

I did move my ( SKYMAM-CT is correct ... I meant the "air-compressor) out of the trunk corner and store it ontop of the battery (remove it from the stra-form). That free's up more storage space too.

[SKYMAN-CT]

Originally Posted by GetAboutRL

Also, since the Solotice does not have the two center metal rear supports .. better use of their trunk space is possible. Compare the two trunks and check difference in the inside rear center area.

I did move my battery out of the trunk corner and store it ontop of the battery (remove it from the stra-form). That free's up more storage space too.

Bob,

I know you really meant to say air compressor, just thought I would clear that up for anybody looking for a battery back there.

[Rick Tinley Park]

If you can afford the cars mentioned that have trunk space, then please do so. But SKY owners can have a better looking car of comparable performance and save enough money to keep our clubs in a locker at the course....

[Showtyme5]

Two golf bags will not fit in there with the top up or down unless they're Sunday bags (soft and small.......carry about 4-6 clubs). My Ping Hoofer Vantage '07 stand bag was a little too big as well, so I went and bought this:

Mini Looper Stand Bag - Callaway Golf:en-US:Products:Accessories:Stand Bags:Mini Looper Stand Bag

fits perfectly in the trunk, even with the top down......and I can fit every club I need in the bag with room to spare. No cart bag will fit in the trunk. You have to get a small/medium stand bag, but it'll fit fine even with the top down. Keep in mind though that there won't be any room in the trunk for ANYTHING else with the top down and minimal room with the top up. Hope that helps!

[icarus]

Originally Posted by Showtyme5

Two golf bags will not fit in there with the top up or down unless they're Sunday bags (soft and small.......carry about 4-6 clubs). My Ping Hoofer Vantage '07 stand bag was a little too big as well, so I went and bought this:

Mini Looper Stand Bag - Callaway Golf:en-US:Products:Accessories:Stand Bags:Mini Looper Stand Bag

fits perfectly in the trunk, even with the top down......and I can fit every club I need in the bag with room to spare. No cart bag will fit in the trunk. You have to get a small/medium stand bag, but it'll fit fine even with the top down. Keep in mind though that there won't be any room in the trunk for ANYTHING else with the top down and minimal room with the top up. Hope that helps!

The only thing you need to be sure of is that you put the base of the bag on the passenger side of the trunk. The club heads should be by the air compressor.

Once April hits, my clubs are in my trunk, top up or down, every day. I carry all 14 clubs and even have a fuzzy "Who Dey" headcover on my driver!