Accessing convertible top latch on 2004?

[scottcot]

What's the best way to access the latching mechanism for the convertible top? It looks like I could probably get at it if I remove the cowling behind the driver's seat but I don't know if there will be internal structure in my way if I do that. I need to tighten it down, I must've accelerated it loose or something

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

What is it doing? Some latch very hard and the newer the harder till things loosen up. Have someone hold the top part way open and reach in to see what is loose. There is no good way to get at it. The latch rarely comes loose, but let us know what you find.

 

[SkyBob]

While we're on the subject, what does that latch do anyway? On my '03 the trunk held the convertible top down so well that the latch is not needed to keep things from lifting up. With it latched it only lowered the front part of the top maybe a quarter inch more, not enough to cosmetically improve the appearance. I never did understand that.

Bob

 

[scottcot]

The entire latch mechanism has come loose, check out this short video:

ViperLatch.wmv - Windows Live

There are two retaining bolts, or what look like two bolts, extending down underneath the carpeting and I'm betting that their nuts have loosened. I hate it when that happens. I figured I could get in there and tighten them down.

 

[LynnS]

scottcot: I checked my 05 factory manuals and can find nothing that directly shows the installation or removal of the convertible top latch or a diagram; however, in the "Interior Section, page 23-70/71" there was an assembly order for removing and installing the Bulkhead Quarter Trim Panel (the section behind the seats), and that does mention the the removal and installation of the latch. Sorry the manual doesn't have a diagram. The text is as follows, Good Luck and let us know how you make out with the repair. Lynn
BULKHEAD QUARTER TRIM
PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Open the top.
(2) Move the drivers seat forward.
(3) Remove the lower seat belt anchor.
(4) Remove the sill plate.
(5) Remove the sport hoop fastener cover.
(6) Remove the two bolts and remove the sport
hoop.
(7) Remove the screw at the rear of the console.

(8) Remove the two screws at the door edge.
(9) Pull back panel up and route the seat belt
through the panel.
(10) Move the passengers seat forward.
(11) Remove the lower seat belt anchor.
(12) Remove the sill plate.
(13) Remove the sport hoop fastener cover.
(14) Remove the two bolts and remove the sport
hoop.
(15) Remove the screw at the rear of the console.
(16) Remove the two screws at the door edge.
(17) Pull back panel up and route the seat belt
through the panel.
(18) Remove the trim panel.
(19) Disconnect the speaker electrical connectors.
(20) Remove the nuts and remove the convertible
top latch assembly.
(21) Remove the four bolts in the front of the support
panel.
(22) Remove the two nuts in the rear of the support
panel and remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the quarter trim support panel and
install the nuts.
(2) Tighten the nuts to 6 N·m (50 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the four front bolts and tighten to 6
N·m (50 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the convertible top latch and install the
nuts.
(5) Tighten the nuts to 10 N·m (85 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the trim panel.
(7) Route the seat belts through the panel.
(8) Install the two screws at the drivers door.
(9) Install the sill plate.
(10) Install the screw at the rear of the console.
(11) Install the sport hoop and install the bolts.
(12) Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (21 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the sport hoop fastener cover.
(14) Install the lower seat belt anchor.
(15) Install the two screws at the passenger door.
(16) Install the sill plate.
(17) Install the screw at the rear of the console.
(18) Install the sport hoop and install the bolts.
(19) Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (21 ft. lbs.).
(20) Install the sport hoop fastener cover.
(21) Install the lower seat belt anchor.

 

[PacificSEASnake]

Let me know if you need a second pair of hands. Doesn't seem too troublesome.

BTW, I gave you a wave couple weeks ago - you didn't wave back. I was almost hurt until I realized I was in the Super Duty & not the Viper.

 

[ROCKET62]

Looks like LynnS was correct. It's really hard to tell from the diagrams, but if you get lucky, you might be able to get at the nuts that hold down the latch thru the sport hoop access cover behind the driver seat. Be carefull prying the access cover off as the plastic piece is breakable (I found out the hard way.)

 

[scottcot]

Thanks Lynn. Since I've got the Autoform rollbar installed I have a 3-piece back panel (rather than a one-piece stock panel) and I'm hoping I can remove just the portions of the panel that fit around the roll hoops and then squeeze a hand in. It couldn't be tighter than getting at the transmission-engine mount screws under the firewall in a 79 Camaro

Worst case I take it all apart - and get a torque wrench.

reidesign - will do. I hope you were out in yesterday's beautiful weather in the RIGHT vehicle

 

[PacificSEASnake]

reidesign - will do. I hope you were out in yesterday's beautiful weather in the RIGHT vehicle

The right vehicle for yesterday was the Suburban and skis for the clear skies & 6" of fresh snow at Mission Ridge.