Hardtop Lock Handle Loose

[Typpo]

Hi all,
My hardtop's driver side lock handle is loose and it won't lock. The one that locks down the rear portion of the hardtop. It will swing out while driving. Is there an easy way to tighten this or do I have to remove/replace the entire mechanism? I've read posts about removing it and I want to know if that is necessary for just a loose handle that won't lock.
Thanks.

[BobH]

Have a look on here, page 6, it may help

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/PagodaNotes?action=download&upname=PNv15i3.pdf

You may already have read this post, in case you need to take the latches apart

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6856.msg43077#msg43077

[Typpo]

No these don't help but thank you for your comment. The passenger side locks perfectly and I don't see any visual or functional difference between both sides including the chrome pillar caps. Puzzled.

[Typpo]

It just dawned on me that maybe my hardtop is sitting too low on the body and the latch's pin is not catching the chrome pillar cap. And i thought maybe the hardtop seal is old and flattening. So I searched the posts and I found it. https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2719.msg15207#msg15207

I am going to try the surgical tubing trick to puff up the seal. SO MUCH easier than replacing the seal. Even if it doesn't work, I will only spent a few dollars and a bit of my time. Thank you A Dalton!

Will report again.

[Typpo]

It was the old seal that became flat. Instead of surgical tubing, I just cut a piece pf neoprene rubber I had into a strip and inserted in the seal right below the latch. Now the latch locks. I will replace the entire seal when I get to it. For those of you having the same issue, hope this helps.

[Garry]

Good outcome and thought out interim solution.


I will move to Body area for future searchs.