Hi. I have a 1974 Corvette with T-top. The passenger side latch (front right corner) does not want to stay in a locked position; it's very loose and falls to the open position in about a minute after being locked. Any ideas on how to fix this problem? Thanks.

 

The latch assembly as a whole has a threaded portion which should have a flat rubberized insert at the end. This threaded portion has a hexagonal lip at the end near the rubberized tip (if still there), use a wrench or your finger and lengthen it until there is tension to the latch handle when you try to close it with roof panel in place. Your latch should not come loose if properly adjusted to tension.

 

Hi gf,
If adjusting the threaded pin as es suggested doesn't help it could be that the bolts that attach the locking lever to the top panel are loose or need to be adjusted.
I believe you can see them in this picture.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I posted in another ttop thread and didn't get a response (yet) so thought I'd try here as well.

I have an 81' with a slightly different problem. Passenger side top just doesn't want to fit right. No problem getting it latched in, but after it's in place, the panel seems to be to the right and forward more than it should be, particularly in the right rear corner like the panel is too far forward, at least on the outside edge.

Put new w/s on, (on the glass tops), didn't really change the fitment. Just seems like the top doesn't fit the opening the way it should. Shimming the receiver at the rear doesn't seem like a good solution as the gap in panels would still be horrible. Adjusted the front pin where it goes into the windshielf frame as far forward as it will go to try pushing the top back further on that side, but still just doesn't fit right. Am beginning to wonder if the windshield frame is bent. If the frame were "tweaked" back about a half inch or so, it looks like everything would line up right. Have done a carfax on the car, and no accidents show up, so am kind of at a loss as to what to do next to remedy the situation.

Am open to suggestions, and would like to hear others experience with similar situations, if anybody's had them. Just looking for someone who knows more than me about how to fix this the right way.

Thanks for looking and HAGO!

 

Hi tdw,
Since you mention 'tweaked'.... have you tried to make some measurements to see if the windshield frame is square to the halo and front to rear center bar?
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan...not yet. Not sure I "know" what the halo is, or exactly where to take measurements. First Corvette I've owned and am still working on it occasionally as it's as much a project as a driver. It's completly road worthy, but needs some help cosmetically. Working on removing the old carpet atm. Too many demands on my time, but I sure would like to get the ttops fitting right!

Thanks for the response and I'll see if I can figure out where/how to get measurements as that DOES seem like a fundamental requirement, for it to be square, or "to specs" i.e.!

 

You might want to consider a pair of replacement latches.

 

Tried to take some measurements, but finding a good point on both sides to use as a point A and B is somewhat arbitrary. Everything is still on the car trimwise, so might be different with bare frame to use, haven't tried that. BUT, using a common point, give or take a smidgen, it does appear that the passenger side top outside is maybe 1/4" to 3/8" farther forward than the drivers side. Maybe that's what I'm wanting to believe, cause it would explain the discrepancy in fitment that I'm trying to remedy. The hole that the large pin in the top latch goes into, with the plastic bushing in it, seems to be drawing the pass. side top panel forward on the outside edge, creating the larger gap at the back end of that panel. The fit is not "great" on any of it, if you ask me, but this is not only my first Vette, but my first TTop car as well, so I'm not really sure how they are "supposed" to fit. It just seems they should fit better than these do.

Any suggestions as to exactly where to measure to confirm uniformity or squareness in the openings? Somebody, somewhere has to know how to make these things fit better than this!

TIA for responses

 

First, when you install new weatherstripping on a t top you need to loosen all the fasteners (guide pins & latches) and install the t top making sure the new weatherstripping is laying flat and not twisted. If you install the top with the new weatherstripping twister it will stay that way and leak. The latch is attached with elongated holes so it can move around. Install the top with the front and rear guide pin in their respective holes and the latch loose. You can then slide the top around until you get the alignment you want. Then tighten the latch and guides with the top in place from inside the car.

 

Thanks for the reply gazman. That is pretty close to the method I used when installing the new W/S, made very sure it was not twisted. I originally thought because the old W/S was so tore up, that was why the panels didn't fit right, but now that they've been replaced with the same fit, (albeit "somewhat" better), I'm thinking there's something else needs done. I've played with the adjustment as much as possible, and it seems to be as close as it can get with everything like it is.

I see you are in WV. Any idea how far you are from Marietta/Parkersburg? Guess I can look it up, but just thought I'd ask.

Thanks again, still open to suggestions.

 

TDW..... I have a 79 with glass t tops and painted fiberglass tops. I must say the glass tops do not fit as well as the painted fiberglass tops. Have you tried taking the inside retainers off and adjusting the outside latch. If you can then get the outside latch adjusted to suit yourself you could add adjusting shims to the inside retainers one at a time to get both tops even with each other in the middle of the top.

Yes, I am in WV, but I'm about as far away from you as I can get and be in WV. I live in Greenbrier County close to the Greenbrier Resort. Good luck with the top.

Don't get frustrated. Save your frustration for when you have to adjust one of your door windows.

Ken

 

Thanks a bunch Ken. I've played with the adjustment as much as one can, that's why I came here, not enough adjustment available. Did think about getting some fiberglass panels, as I wondered if they fit any better. I'm beginning to wonder if the frames that contain the latches are glued in the wrong spot on the passenger side panel. I'll play with it some more when the weather warms up. Still in the process of changing out the carpet and installing new inner door panels. Got the new seat covers on, so, slow and steady wins the race?

Yea, I looked up your location on "google maps" and I see what you're talking about! That'd be an entire day down and back for me!LOL

Thanks again for your advice, I'll keep plugging away at it, bound to dial it in sooner or later.

TDW