Question: Convertible top rear latch release system
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Question: Convertible top rear latch release system
I have a 1992 convertible. I use a "TopHat" type external vinyl cover that covers the windshield, convertible folding top, and side windows when the car is sitting, to protect the folding top and the interior from ultraviolet deterioration. This top is secured by a total of 6 atatchment points. 2 of those points are the "pins" that secure the REAR of the folding top to the deck of the car.
Those pins are released by pulling a plastic release lever forward. That allows me to either lower the top, OR when using the TopHat cover, to attach the cover using 2 elastic "loops" that go around those 2 pins.
I have noticed recently that it is requiring more force on that plastic release lever to actually release the pins. This is a "new" problem that did not exist before. The only change I am consciously aware of is that the outdoor temperature here in Texas is a lot lower now than it was before.
I am wondering WHY the pins are getting harder to release, and I am concerned that I could BREAK the plastic release lever if I have to pull "too hard" to get them to release.
So, I am afraid to continue using the Top hat cover until I can reduce the force required at that release lever. And I REALLY want to continue to use the Top Hat cover, since it has both preserved my roof and intrior AND keeps the car about 30 to 40 degrees cooler in very hot weather.
Do I need to lubricate the pins or some portion of the latch release mechanism? Or make some adjustment? Or?
Jim G
Those pins are released by pulling a plastic release lever forward. That allows me to either lower the top, OR when using the TopHat cover, to attach the cover using 2 elastic "loops" that go around those 2 pins.
I have noticed recently that it is requiring more force on that plastic release lever to actually release the pins. This is a "new" problem that did not exist before. The only change I am consciously aware of is that the outdoor temperature here in Texas is a lot lower now than it was before.
I am wondering WHY the pins are getting harder to release, and I am concerned that I could BREAK the plastic release lever if I have to pull "too hard" to get them to release.
So, I am afraid to continue using the Top hat cover until I can reduce the force required at that release lever. And I REALLY want to continue to use the Top Hat cover, since it has both preserved my roof and intrior AND keeps the car about 30 to 40 degrees cooler in very hot weather.
Do I need to lubricate the pins or some portion of the latch release mechanism? Or make some adjustment? Or?
Jim G
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
How does the release lever work WITHOUT this cover thing in place. If it works fine...then it can be a temp thing. Colder temps even make us human not as productive.
If lubricating the cables and what-have-you does not do it. And I mean lubricating all of it...even if you have to remove it to get parts to free up again. Then I would then closely look at the loops that go over the pins. You could be running into a bind situation that is now showing up due to the loop material is beginning to wear out and lose its integrity...and possibly begin to pull down into the hole of the deck hatch catch area.
DUB
If lubricating the cables and what-have-you does not do it. And I mean lubricating all of it...even if you have to remove it to get parts to free up again. Then I would then closely look at the loops that go over the pins. You could be running into a bind situation that is now showing up due to the loop material is beginning to wear out and lose its integrity...and possibly begin to pull down into the hole of the deck hatch catch area.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Try pushing down on the pins while pulling the lever. If it takes less force on the lever, it could be the latches need some grease or that the cables need some lube.
Get a small spray can of silicone lube and squirt some into the cable housing at each end. Do that to both the latch handle cable and the cable between each latch. With the pins out, pull the release lever a number of time and keep spraying the silicone.
Of course it could be that the pins and latches are out of adjustment. Do you see the same problem with the convertible top up and latched down?
Get a small spray can of silicone lube and squirt some into the cable housing at each end. Do that to both the latch handle cable and the cable between each latch. With the pins out, pull the release lever a number of time and keep spraying the silicone.
Of course it could be that the pins and latches are out of adjustment. Do you see the same problem with the convertible top up and latched down?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
How does the release lever work WITHOUT this cover thing in place. If it works fine...then it can be a temp thing. Colder temps even make us human not as productive.
If lubricating the cables and what-have-you does not do it. And I mean lubricating all of it...even if you have to remove it to get parts to free up again. Then I would then closely look at the loops that go over the pins. You could be running into a bind situation that is now showing up due to the loop material is beginning to wear out and lose its integrity...and possibly begin to pull down into the hole of the deck hatch catch area.
DUB
If lubricating the cables and what-have-you does not do it. And I mean lubricating all of it...even if you have to remove it to get parts to free up again. Then I would then closely look at the loops that go over the pins. You could be running into a bind situation that is now showing up due to the loop material is beginning to wear out and lose its integrity...and possibly begin to pull down into the hole of the deck hatch catch area.
DUB
Jim G
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Try pushing down on the pins while pulling the lever. If it takes less force on the lever, it could be the latches need some grease or that the cables need some lube.
Get a small spray can of silicone lube and squirt some into the cable housing at each end. Do that to both the latch handle cable and the cable between each latch. With the pins out, pull the release lever a number of time and keep spraying the silicone.
Of course it could be that the pins and latches are out of adjustment. Do you see the same problem with the convertible top up and latched down?
Get a small spray can of silicone lube and squirt some into the cable housing at each end. Do that to both the latch handle cable and the cable between each latch. With the pins out, pull the release lever a number of time and keep spraying the silicone.
Of course it could be that the pins and latches are out of adjustment. Do you see the same problem with the convertible top up and latched down?
).I will attempt a massive silicone lubrication per your description! I will also lubricate the pins themselves.
Jim G
