Softtop latches not working
Discussion
Just bought a 98 Mk2, which is in generally good nick all round. It comes with a hardtop, and at the time of buying I checked the softtop - brand-new, whoop-de-do! However, finally got around to taking the hardtop off last weekend, and found that the latches on the softtop don't seem to work properly - they don't grab onto the windscreen rail part and hold.
The softtop doesn't look like its been used much, and was apparently an insurance replacement two years ago - got the receipt - so might be too tight for the old latches.
Any other thoughts? Is this something to be expected?
The softtop doesn't look like its been used much, and was apparently an insurance replacement two years ago - got the receipt - so might be too tight for the old latches.
Any other thoughts? Is this something to be expected?
On the hook section on the hood that moves there's a plastic cover that pulls back and reveals the flat edged adjuster post thing (Best way I can describe it!). Wind this in and out and experiment until the roof closes properly. I suspect the roof has shrunk a bit through lack of use.
Nick
Nick
That'll teach me to skim-read posts. 
Thanks for the tips about loosening/tightening the latches - I'll have a go this weekend as it looks like it might stop raining here long enough to try.
Not sure if this will be it though, as it seems as if the latch just cant grip onto the rail-mounted part - are these known for wearing down?
Not sure if this will be it though, as it seems as if the latch just cant grip onto the rail-mounted part - are these known for wearing down?
PomBstard said:
Not sure if this will be it though, as it seems as if the latch just cant grip onto the rail-mounted part - are these known for wearing down?
The position of the catches on the header rail and the catches themselves can be adjusted slightly by loosening the mounting bolts adjusting the position and retightening.OK had a go today - we've had a lot of crap weather here too, y'know - and seems that the problem is that the locking mechanism on the two latches on the soft top are worn such that the latches no longer lock. I'm going to fit a couple of new latches which should see me in roof down mode.
Adjusting the latches on the hardtop has reduced the noise it makes on bumpy roads, so thanks for that too.
Adjusting the latches on the hardtop has reduced the noise it makes on bumpy roads, so thanks for that too.
Before you buy some new latches (which are quite expensive, even for used ones) give this a try. http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2...
Worked for me when mine didn't lock at all and used to pop open themselves.
Worked for me when mine didn't lock at all and used to pop open themselves.
TVR MAN said:
Before you buy some new latches (which are quite expensive, even for used ones) give this a try. http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2...
Worked for me when mine didn't lock at all and used to pop open themselves.
Thanks for that - great tip and easy to do. Unfortunately my latches are just too worn for this to work - nearly ran out of metal to file. Instead have bodged some rubber onto the latch handle to bridge the gap to the locking clip - works a treat and holds fine at the 90kmh test speed this afternoon! I'll get new latches when I can track some down.Worked for me when mine didn't lock at all and used to pop open themselves.
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