Hooking the Convertible Top

[gstorek]

We are finding it impossible to hook the convertible top on the rear deck.  Does anyone know if this connection is adjustable, or the best way to solve this problem?  Thanks!

[Delvis]

Hello

Are you referring to the hard top or soft top?

[Delvis]

Sorry I hit “post” too quickly.  I just had my soft top refurbished by SL Tech. When it was returned I had to reinstall the soft top and make some adjustments to the alignment to ensure the pin on the soft top assembly secured with the latch. Have you tried loosening the 4 bolts that attach the soft top assembly to the body? This should allow some forward and backwards adjustment. Are your compensating springs intact? With the large springs installed it will be impossible to adjust. The center latch can be adjusted up and down by loosening the four nuts. However in my case this was not required. I only needed to adjust backward forwards until I found the sweet spot.

[specracer]

I too had my top redone @ SL Tech (this winter picked up 2 weeks ago, not installed yet), and when I was there picking it up, got a demo on the best way to operate the top, I was surprised how hard you slam the top bottom into the tonneau. NOTE be sure you have it perfectly aligned (as outlined in the post above) before slamming it the first time.

[Steve.k]

In the trunk, beneath the latch mechanism is a small box.  You can open it up and adjust the latch up or down to compensate for the tightness of the new top. 
Also, leave it out in the full sun for a day and exercise the top up and down to stretch it a bit.
Give those things a try.  Failing that, you can ultimately get into adjusting the cables in the convertible mechanism, but that's another ball of wax. 

[johnm]

 This may be well known but I find it is a lot easier to engage the latch while standing behind the car versus trying to do it from the side. I stand behind with palms to the left and right of the latch mechanism and then press firmly. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries but always engages. Its almost impossible for me to do from the side of the car. Must be a leverage thing for me. Just a thought.

[Mike K]

Had similar issues when replacing the sooft top.
I re-adjusted / realigned the square box containing the latch mechanism by loosening the 4 bolts.
It's not a very big adjustment.

Best
Mike

[49er]

 I agree with Johnm, always have had to push down from the back (with the front unlatched). My top is original and still takes a good "slam" to secure it.

John