Roof panel catch question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
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Roof panel catch question
2008 - May be a stupid question: There is no perceived problem when the roof panel is on, but when I removed it this time (for probably only the 2nd or 3rd time) I noticed that one of the front latch handles now rotates very freely when the panel is off (ie it does not stay in the closed position if I hold the panel vertically, front edge up). The other one stays closed, until manually opened - appears to be held in place only by friction around the mounting bolt. Both mounting bolts are
torqued correctly. Is this normal? Just loosening with use - or something that needs to be fixed?
torqued correctly. Is this normal? Just loosening with use - or something that needs to be fixed?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 867
Likes: 0
From: Cary North Carolina
I would take the car in and have it looked at - your situation does not sound normal, so I think something is wrong. My handles are still tight when top is off, after 30 months and the top off 20 times or so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
2008 - May be a stupid question: There is no perceived problem when the roof panel is on, but when I removed it this time (for probably only the 2nd or 3rd time) I noticed that one of the front latch handles now rotates very freely when the panel is off (ie it does not stay in the closed position if I hold the panel vertically, front edge up). The other one stays closed, until manually opened - appears to be held in place only by friction around the mounting bolt. Both mounting bolts are
torqued correctly. Is this normal? Just loosening with use - or something that needs to be fixed?
torqued correctly. Is this normal? Just loosening with use - or something that needs to be fixed?
The handle pivot bolt is a shoulder bolt, so tightening the handle pivot bolt will not correct the problem. It would just result in over torque of the bolt and possibly strip out the threads in the magnesium roof frame.
When the handles are open, they should stay in the open position due to the detent and shim. When my roof panel is off, I always keep the handles in the open position, otherwise, the handles will crash into the latch plate on the windshield header when I reinstall the roof panel.
Last edited by calemasters; Oct 11, 2008 at 05:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
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There is a "spring" metal shim between the handle and the roof frame. The shim has a notch in it which corresponds to a detent in the roof handle. This is what keeps the handle in the open position when the roof is off. I suppose you could tweak (bend) the shim a little to provide more positive retention of the handle in the open position.
The handle pivot bolt is a shoulder bolt, so tightening the handle pivot bolt will not correct the problem. It would just result in over torque of the bolt and possibly strip out the threads in the magnesium roof frame.
When the handles are open, they should stay in the open position due to the detent and shim. When my roof panel is off, I always keep the handles in the open position, otherwise, the handles will crash into the latch plate on the windshield header when I reinstall the roof panel.
The handle pivot bolt is a shoulder bolt, so tightening the handle pivot bolt will not correct the problem. It would just result in over torque of the bolt and possibly strip out the threads in the magnesium roof frame.
When the handles are open, they should stay in the open position due to the detent and shim. When my roof panel is off, I always keep the handles in the open position, otherwise, the handles will crash into the latch plate on the windshield header when I reinstall the roof panel.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
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1. I can almost guarantee that my dealer would say "it's normal".
2. If it is a minor fix, I would rather do it myself than risk them damaging the panel!
I have looked in the Helm's FSM for some detail on the latch and shim assembly, but can not find any. If anyone has found it, please let me know!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 7
From: Austin TX
i noticed the loose handled transpatrnt roof clicks when it's 60 degrees or below outside. i guess this is the popping everyone talks about. it's only on a rough road or when going up a driveway twisting the whole car. doesnt bother me that much tho. someday i'll get around to packing the rollers with grease to see if that cures the clicking, or do the 5/32 e-clip mod. the handles being loose should be fine, as long as when you are affixing it to the car, they snap securely in place 
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