ChevelleStang

Does anyone know if you can literally screw the latch hooks in tighter on the convertible top on a 1992 mustang lx to help make the top fit in tighter?

mattdel

yes. be careful and slow with it, tho. they tend to actually kick themselves to the side when you tighten, because the threads have a straight section chopped off to lock them into place.

ChevelleStang

how do i go about tightening them. they look like they can be tighten almost half an inch. I only want to tighten them about two full turns maybe. How do i do it without messing anything up? They felt extremely tight when i tried earlier?

mattdel

mine was tight too, until it stripped. i ended up having to use a pair of giant channel locks.
something like these, but much much bigger. you can grab a pair at sears.


its a very very poor design that i was actually contemplating trying to design & patent another one.
if you've ever been in a old VW Cabriolet convertable, they have amazingly quick and simple latches, that seal tight.

ChevelleStang

so your saying, even though, they are tight to still just kind of use more force and they will eventually turn so that they tighten??

mattdel

if you are using channel locks and you still are having a ridiculously tough time, expect to replace the latches soon, and they aren't cheap. $140 each side.
they should turn fairly smoothly, but tightly, with the right tool.

ChevelleStang

i just want to make sure i can't break them by using force to turn them?

mattdel

nah, u will need a little force to turn them.

they will break, however, if you continue to pull as hard as you can and they dont move.

ChevelleStang

thank u very much. I am going to try and give them a little force tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help!

r.barn

you checked price on Vert sideview mirrors lately ????

Freak'n $250 each!, kill'n us.