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hardtop latches

Old Mar 30, 2012 | 08:59 AM
  #21  
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you can adjust the rear tabs on the back of the HT, that should help the top mount further back, then you need to have the latches pull it tigther...but that didn't do diddly for me.
Old Apr 24, 2012 | 11:18 AM
  #22  
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my softop latches work flawlessly, so the issue is the HT for sure.
Old Apr 24, 2012 | 05:28 PM
  #23  
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If you would like, I can scan my paper template I used to make my HT brackets. The final bends will be on you to do. I figured I would make my own rather than spend 60 bucks or whatever they are. I used 1/8" aluminum to make them.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 12:00 AM
  #24  
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Another option is to ream out the mounting holes for the attachment plates with the hook, so you can slide it farther down. Those plates have lots of material.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 09:45 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Mobius
Another option is to ream out the mounting holes for the attachment plates with the hook, so you can slide it farther down. Those plates have lots of material.

That's probably not a bad idea. it's just so weird it fit fine when I first put it on the car a few years back, and now it's just barely able to hold on, even after adjusting everything as short as possible.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 09:49 AM
  #26  
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It appears your car is slowly imploding.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 09:59 AM
  #27  
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you're probably correct. consdiering all the crap it's doing lately.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 10:45 PM
  #28  
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I had the same problem, the fix on miat.net worked for me.

I tried using the bolt on brackets to get the hard top to fit nice and snug during the cooler months. The front brackets didn't work to well had lots of gap and noise between top of windshield and hardtop. Anyone else have this problem. I even tried having my girl friend push down on the hard top while I bolted down the clamps. No luck ..

Beside getting a heavier girl friend, what else can I try to get the top to seal tight with those clamps??
Old May 30, 2012 | 11:23 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by RyanRaduechel
If you would like, I can scan my paper template I used to make my HT brackets. The final bends will be on you to do. I figured I would make my own rather than spend 60 bucks or whatever they are. I used 1/8" aluminum to make them.
Would you be able to post your templates?

What is the cheapest source to buy fixed latches?
Old May 31, 2012 | 01:39 AM
  #30  
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Yeah I'll scan it tomorrow
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 07:58 PM
  #31  
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Okay, here is the paper template I used to trace onto my aluminum. Now getting the bends right takes some trial and error. I was working around a roll cage so it made it even more of a PITA... I hope this helps somebody. I think you should be able to open it up to actual size and print it off, then cut it out. I used a hole punch for the holes.
Attached Thumbnails hardtop latches-hardtop2.jpg  
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 09:00 PM
  #32  
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Thanks. Is this for the front latches only? I'll measure the hole spacing and do it up in CAD and post it back up here.
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 05:22 PM
  #33  
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Yes, that is front only. I have not got around to making the side latches yet. Although the sides seem very similar when holding it up. Maybe sometime next week I will play around with a template for the sides. Also, I dont think the sides have much of a bend to them, they are pretty straight and should be even easier to make.
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