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Space Beneath the Folded Hardtop

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E

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
We've read somewhere, but can't find it with the search feature, that there is actually some usable space in the trunk beneath the folded hardtop. Does anyone know how much space that might be - particularly the vertical height? We've got an upcoming trip to the beach (about a five hour drive) we would like to do with the top down, but we've got to take some clothes on hangers that need to be kept flat and are wondering if those might fit without any risk of damaging either the clothes or the top.

We'll appreciate any factual information that can be offered. Also, we were reminded doing the searches that some people experience heat problems with their trunks. Guess we're among the lucky ones and absolutely do not have that problem even on the hottest days, so we don't need any cautionary comments about that.

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra
 
A

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#2 ·
The Space Beneath

Ed and Sandra,
Yes there is indeed space under the top when it is down. Can't tell you how many inches as mine is at the Dealer for a leaky radiator replacement and the 4th time for the noisy rearend!!!
Anyway back to your question... When the top is down open the trunk, remove the cover from the latches, you know the ones that the cover has to be engaged to before the top will go down....then you can push it back. I always unfasten the other end of the cover from the floor too allowing the cover to lay flat on the floor. If you choose to do this remember you have rendered the top inoperable and you will have to reinstall before you can put the top back up. My girlfriend has a 4" (softside to keep from scratching the roof panel)) garmet bag that she lays flat in that space and we have two leather carry ons that fit at the rear of the trunk. Keep in mind that any clothes you place flat are going to become very hot (Exhaust) and will need pressing when removed! We do this all the time and enjoy our roadtrips so much more.

Allen & Angie
 
Caly

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#3 ·
There is a smidgen of room there, but remember the top needs manuvering room all the way down to the floor when opening/closing and will stall if anything is on the floor. Don't ask me how I know.
 
XLR I FL

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#5 ·
It is inded unfortunate that Cadillac didn't solve this problem like Mercedes did.

If you get a chance see if you can look at the 500 SL trunk. The trunk opens, the top while down and inside the trunk pivots up and there is a "well" below that which would solve most baggae/top down problems. It won't fix the golf club bag thing yet but maybe Cadillac will solve all of these issues later on........



 
G

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#6 · (Edited)
Best suggestion yet, and they won't be all sunburn...............Hans, your amazing
harrysxlr said:
Hi Ed and Sandra,
as you know the luggage room with the top down is very small but anyhow, on a five hour drive don`t you think it`s better with top up? No problems with your luggage that way and when you reach the beach and unload your XLR - TOP DOWN.

Hans
Click to expand...
 
E

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
Well, I just had an eye opening conversation with Allen Kulbersh :eek . He telephoned me to discuss the business of trying to use the space beneath the folded hardtop in the trunk. He said the only way that could be considered would be to carefully remove or lay flat the divider after the top was down and then slip something that was thin beneath the top.

What one should not do, which is what I was planning, is leave the divider in place, lay the clothes on the floor to the rear of the divider and then lower the top. Apparently during the folding and lowering process the rear glass sweeps across the carpeted area practically in contact with it before going to its final resting position several inches above the floor. As a consequence, things that are laying there can become entangled with and / or jam the top mechanism while it is lowering.

Needless to say, we've abandoned any idea of trying what we were thinking about.

Thank you Allen, aka Mr. XLR. :thumbs :thumbs

Best regards,
Ed of Ed and Sandra
 
D

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#10 ·
The other issue that could come up, is if you do put something under the top after it's lowered and need to quickly put up the top, such as if you happen to run into some rain. You would have to then take the time to remove the items under the top before you raise it. I think Hans has a good idea, it might be better to leave the top up until you arrive at your destination.
 
E

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Discussion Starter · #11 · (Edited)
Caly said:
There is a smidgen of room there, but remember the top needs manuvering room all the way down to the floor when opening/closing and will stall if anything is on the floor. Don't ask me how I know.
Click to expand...
Caly, I must say even though retrospectively you succinctly described the problem, it didn't fully sink in until I discussed the matter with Allen - guess I was being a bit slow to grasp the implications!

DarkJediTL, we agree. Now we're agonizing over another matter. We know it would be great fun to have the XLR at the beach, but we're beginning to wonder if we're going to worry too much about it being parked in the open air lot at the resort at night where drunks and vandals could have access to it :nodno .

Oh well, we shall see.

Best regards,
Ed of Ed and Sandra
 
Caly

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#12 ·
Carol and I often agonize over carring stuff versus enjoying the roadster aspect. We have learned to pack amazingly light and can do many 2-4 day trips with room to put the top down for those off-the-interstate rides.

Yep, we manage a sunburn from time to time but while it is reasonably cool (under 85) we're going to take advantage.

Both our Vette and the XLR are daily drivers for us, and I keep them looking new, but recognize that if we enjoy them they are going to show a little bit of that. Neither is perfect anymore. The result of this attitude is we have and do park at malls, stores and hotels. You know what I worry about most at a hotel/motel parking lot? The stinking SPRINKLERS. Some of those water spots can be brutal. Knock-on-wood we haven't really had problems with either car. Most people respect them and the car to worry about being stolen is a Honda or Toyota.

Less worry = more enjoyment. Just remember that you can not take anything with you that you own, only what's in your heart.

Frank
 
Mr XLR

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#13 ·
The issue as Ed stated, and everyone can see for themselves by lowering the top until it is about 3/4 of the way stowed. You will see the rubber weatherstrip sweeping the carpet until the top is fully seated. Anything located in the main compartment can and will usually get crushed or swept forward until there is no more room for it to go, and thats when the damage begins.

www.CadillacXLR-V.com

Thank you
Allen
 
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