Convertible Hardtop Noises Help?
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,839
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From: Belton Texas
Convertible Hardtop Noises Help?
We just purchased a 1993 Convertible with the fiberglass hardtop. When driving on even slightly uneven roads it is constantly creaking and cracking. Not very loud but but it is very annoying. Has anyone else experienced this and what is the solution? Any help would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
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From: Sarasota FL
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (TomLzzz)
I would park it on a hard level surface, loosen all of the bolts and retorque them.
My top squeaked a bit when first installed but the whole car is quieter than without the top. Besides some squeaking is part of the Zen of owning a plastic car. :D
My top squeaked a bit when first installed but the whole car is quieter than without the top. Besides some squeaking is part of the Zen of owning a plastic car. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (TomLzzz)
When my hardtop is installed, it actually stops the rattles I have. When the hardtop is installed properly, the roadster should actually be a bit stiffer than the coupe!!
Do you have the large metal B-pillar brackets installed? Are the front and rear top bolts tightened down properly? Another problem could be an inadvertant release of the rear decklid latches. If you could have hit the release button by mistake, that will cause some rattling.
It is important that the correct procedure be followed when installing the hardtop. I have a Word document that describes the install and bolt tightening sequences; let me know if you would like a copy and I can e-mail it!
Do you have the large metal B-pillar brackets installed? Are the front and rear top bolts tightened down properly? Another problem could be an inadvertant release of the rear decklid latches. If you could have hit the release button by mistake, that will cause some rattling.
It is important that the correct procedure be followed when installing the hardtop. I have a Word document that describes the install and bolt tightening sequences; let me know if you would like a copy and I can e-mail it!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (TomLzzz)
Welcome to my world. This sound is a recent problem for me. I noticed that the black trim piece that goes around the top of the hardtop might be responsible. I've held onto it tight and the sound cuts down.
If I leave the car in the sun it makes this noise. But not when I pull out of the garage and drive. It's when I come back to the car and drive home that it creaks.
[Modified by Raysur, 1:33 PM 6/16/2002]
If I leave the car in the sun it makes this noise. But not when I pull out of the garage and drive. It's when I come back to the car and drive home that it creaks.
[Modified by Raysur, 1:33 PM 6/16/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 159
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From: Lexington,ky,USA
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (TomLzzz)
Did you also purchase the two support braces that bolt to the side of vehicle behind the seats?? If your only bolting at the rear and front it will rattle. Also; if your front header W/S is worn and flat will cause the vibration to be worse. The same is true for the hardtop W/S that sits on the rear deck. Did you buy top new or used?
Rick
Rick
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Connectivette
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (RWarner600)
Did you also purchase the two support braces that bolt to the side of vehicle behind the seats??..........
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 623
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From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (c4cruiser)
It is important that the correct procedure be followed when installing the hardtop. I have a Word document that describes the install and bolt tightening sequences; let me know if you would like a copy and I can e-mail it!
rsharma@usa.com
Thanks in advance.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (XTwinTurbo)
I sent you an email XTwinTurbo.
Here is the link:
http://www.btinternet.com/~ray.quayl...op/hardtop.htm
[Modified by Raysur, 2:03 PM 6/17/2002]
Here is the link:
http://www.btinternet.com/~ray.quayl...op/hardtop.htm
[Modified by Raysur, 2:03 PM 6/17/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,763
Likes: 2
From: Connectivette
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (Raysur)
He is talking about the braces that bolt next to the seat belts. It requires five bolts per side.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,839
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From: Belton Texas
Re: Convertible Hardtop Noises Help? (chucks88)
Hi, Thanks for all the help. I went out today and removed the top and was going to reinstall it carefully according to instructions. But after driving it with the top off for the first time it may be a while before I put it back on. First time driving a vert and it is great.