latches at maximum... what else?

Nov 20, 2007 9 Replies

Hi there,



Today I've put on my hardtop and the latches seemed loose, so I've tried to adjust its tension by turning the hex bolts in them. I've found out that they are already at its maximum, so there is no more thread available for those adjusting hex bolts.



Can the Frankenstein bolts be adjusted rearwards or something? Any other ideas?



I'm not even sure if new (and expensive!) latches would sort this out...



thanks!


Have you tried doing the adjustment in the opposite direction? I don't have a clue but some times these things can be counter-intuitive. It's worth a shot, right?

Chris

99BBB

Don't forget that the latches them selves might be moveable. The ones on the soft top have slotted screw holes, IIRC.

The metal part of the hardtop that actually attaches to the Frankenstein bolts is adjustable by about 3/4" forwards or backwards on each side. This is probably an adjustment everyone should investigate. To get to this, use a Philips head on the horizontal screws (careful, they're short) on each of these metal panels. Take those screws out and the top half of the panel will swing around to reveal the fun plastic bit that hooks on to the f-bolts. Loosen the bolts inside (8mm IIRC) and move the hook forward or back to adjust. I also put some washers underneath that part (between it and the part it mounts to), which raised it up, and helped me to further tighten down the rear end of the hardtop.

You should make sure you're using the side latches as well. They have made the biggest difference out of all.

One last note: my front latches are the loosest part of my hardtop assembly process...but I don't doubt that my hardtop is as tight and secure as it can be. Make the judgment yourself.

-r0ll

I'll have a look. Thank you!

Wow! I will investigate those bright mistery metal boxes ;) There seems to be plenty of potential :)

Thank you very much. The facts are:

-It seems loose

-It makes noises over low speed bumps (specially on single wheel bumps, where it sounds like if it was comlpetely loose!)

-At "high speed" driving (i mean over 140kph or so) you can feel aerodynamic noises coming from the front top end.

I hope I am able to fix all this before good weather cames back!

I forgot to mention...for noisiness, check out where the hard top has those tabs that hold down the soft top and keep it from rattling around...the latches and these tabs rattle around with each other all the time in mine, so I tuck the corners of the blanket I cover the soft top with between these two metal bits. This helps with noise at slow speed!

Best, r0ll

mmm.... tabs? I'll have a closer look!

By the way, I've looked into those mistery boxes, and I've seen I have something to experiment with during the weekend. I'll post a progress update next week...

thanks!

I have tried to tighten the hard top by moving those u-shape things which match the frankenstein-bolts, but the nosies are still there. The front latches are still un-tigth, and no further adjustment is possible.

I will try to move the position of the latches on the top, by making a little slot on the bolt holes if necesary, to see if this will help.

I've seen the tabs you mentioned to hold the soft-top in place while the hard top is on. They are fine, and the problem doesn't seem to come from there...

Thank you and regards.

At this point I'd try having a friend survey the source of the noise from the passenger seat while you drive...this is a great way to track down rattles.

Also, try putting on the latches in a different order...if you were doing the side latches first, do the front first, or visa versa.

-r0ll

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