Freakin' Squeakin' Soft Top on RT

[Vipuronr]

I know there was a discussion of RT soft top squeaking and some good solutions, but did search and can't find it.

So, roads were clean(relatively) and dry, so took the RT out for a little exercise. OMG, I had squeaking in stereo!!! Reminded me of the years I had my T-Top Vettes....those squeaked all the time!

Any solutions? I'm pretty sure that I waxed the top of the cross bar where the back of the top sits, but also heard it coming from over the windshield.

Squeaking cut right through AC-DC...can you believe it....and not even on key!!!!!

Thanks much.

Peter

 

[ViperGTS]

I used the soft top only when there was rain...never had any squeaking. For years.

Must be something wrong? Is it under tension?
Side keder inserted?
All bars etc. tightly screwed and fixed together?
Are the little pins in the sports bar pad not loose ...

 

[99 R/T 10]

The only way to keep it from squeeking is to leave it in the garage while on your drive.....................

 

[SHELBYVIPER]

The cooler weather will make it even noisier.

 

[eucharistos]

my soft top doesn't squeak, hard top rattles some . i just get some wind noise above 80mph.

you are right, there is a thread somewhere about adjusting the pins i believe. with the soft top on, lift and push around the corners near the pins and see if it moves more than weather strip compression to find where to adjust (allen heads i think)

someone will post a link i'm sure

sounds like you are busy

 

[DodgeViper01]

That is funny because I had the opposite. The soft top was okay but the hard top did all the squeeking. Had Mr. Tator always fixing it. Best of luck with your fix.

 

[JonB]

I had 5 Gen 1 RTs. Tinnitus sufferers hate squeeks. My wife HATES that I am driven closer to madness by squeeks and rattles than most sane people, and I pull off on wide shoulders to find and stop squeeks.

MOST squeeking can be easily and quickly remedied by a careful spritz of WD-40 penetrant, or a wipe-down of silicone lube spray..... Hard tops can be achored /weatherstripped better with body side moulding tape, but more for seasonal use. I put it (1" wide) on the windshield header AND the sport bar. And spritz all 4 latches and the ends of the umbrella ribs.....

Good Luck.

 

[Vipuronr]

Thanks all! While I really like the RT and actually prefer the summer top down aspect to that of the coupe GTS, I must say the the squeaking certainly points to an advantage of the GTS (for me at least).

I will try the WD-40 idea and see how that works out. Also, I've never adjusted the top, though I must say I've never really paid much attention to it since it is off all summer.

And, funny Jon, I have some tinnitus from all loud rock music I listen to and like to play on the drums. My problem is that it doesn't squeak in time with the music I'm listening to

Thanks again.

 

[eucharistos]

Tinnitus sufferers hate squeeks.

i hate squeeks

just sat in the quite and found i have mild tinnitus

gee thanks jon for making me aware of it for the rest of my life

 

[Vipuronr]

Yeah, great isn't it????

 

[JonB]

would somebody Answer That Damnnn Phone !!

{Tinnitus Joke from Seinfeld}

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I forgot exactly how, but the keys that latch into the windshield frame can be adjusted for the depth they hang. It might be just adding washers, but I do remember it was a simple job with hand tools. I"m old and forgot, but at least mine didn't squeak.

Anyone want to buy a non-squeaking softtop for a '94?

 

[eucharistos]

I'm old and forgot

maybe 1 day you will forget you are old

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

maybe 1 day you will forget you are old

Didn't that happen once already?

 

[ViperTony]

Peter, I wrote you a mini how-to some time ago on how to remove your soft top with pics here: http://forums.viperclub.org/new-owner-questions/614272-rt-10-top-pain-now-add-back-window.html

Post #8, First Picture: The rear latches can be adjusted up down. When my soft top began squeaking over the spot top I adjusted the latches. Loosen those two bolts to and slide that clothespin thingy to either tighten or loosen. I only had to adjust mine about 1/8" to get it to seal tight and no squeaks.

As for squeaking over the windshield, the only time its happened to me was when I thought I did latch it but it wasn't latched. Check the obvious.

 

[eucharistos]

yes, but you forgot

 

[Vipuronr]

Yup Tony, I remember...and thanks (again).

Will check the latches and see if they are 1) closed or, 2) need adjusting. I do remember having quite a time just opening the rear passenger latch...went to Chuck and he had it open in about 1/2 a minute.

Thanks all....ahhh, yes, I too am old and forgot why I am writing this post....oh, got it.

 

[jdeft1]

I use a bit of petrolium jelly on the contact surfaces... It seems to work well...

- My .02