Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: ThinAir Oct 19 2011, 10:44 PM

My top is so loose at the top back that it rattles when I hit small road imperfections. I haven't attempted yet to put any kind of shim under the hook to tighten things up, but I'm wondering if anyone here is producing new ones or is refurbing existing latches. I've never seen it mentioned.

Posted by: ConeDodger Oct 19 2011, 10:45 PM

Bruce Stone refurbs them but I think you have to start with good ones to begin with... Otherwise they start loose and ugly and end up loose and pretty...

Posted by: SUNAB914 Oct 20 2011, 06:50 AM

They can be adjusted up and down. Also, find vacuum plugs that will fit around the small hook, cut the nipple end of v. plug and of course just paint the latch. Good as new for less than a dollar. Good luck

Posted by: 76-914 Oct 20 2011, 08:10 AM

Hey that's my trick. Great minds think al.........nevermind. Talcum powder lightly dusted will help w/ the squeeking from the rubber.

Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 20 2011, 08:20 AM

Mikey914- (Mark) sells new rubber for the rear of the top. If your top is loose enough to rattle chances are you need a new top gasket not new latches.

Posted by: PDXMike Oct 20 2011, 09:07 AM

I suppose the right solution to squeaks is new rubber.

Not one to use the "right" solution (read: CSOB) I just took my rear latches off and slotted the mounting holes. The front latches have some adjustment front-to-rear, but I slotted out those, too so I could tighten it up even more.

It made a HUGE difference in the tightness of the fit, and driving around with the top on is so much more pleasant now. I wish I had done this two years ago.

Posted by: Mikey914 Oct 20 2011, 09:25 AM

The nipple is a good way to tighten it up. Slotting would work, but is much more work. Rubber is the answer if yours if completely flat. But more than likely it's a combination that will be the solution. try the rubber nipple trick first. If it's better, then try the seal. You could go refurbished latches, last as they are the most expensive.

-mark

Posted by: smontanaro Oct 20 2011, 11:02 AM

Exactly what I was thinking. I had an annoying rattle in front. I wound up buying a couple different sets of latches, when the ultimate problem was that my front seal didn't have enough "spring" anymore. Replacing that cured the problem.

Skip

Posted by: ThinAir Oct 20 2011, 11:08 PM

I've already got Mike's new seals on the top all-around. I think the rattling actually showed up after I replaced the rear seal because it wasn't as thick as the combination of stuff that was there before. I'll go look for some vacuum nipples and see how it does.