Hello Everyone,

I know there have been some previous discussions on "hard to close" roadster tops...and how to use your left hand to keep the top from smacking the header when closing.

I have a 2005 roadster...and the top is very taught and very hard to close. I am interested in the following comments:

1) Techniques you use to close the last 8" to keep the top from smacking the header.

2) Is there an adjustment that can be done to the top to make it easier to close? If so...can you send me some info on it?

3) Does the closing of the top get easier with time...is there a break-in period where it loosens up after several months of opening and closing it?

My rag-top is so difficult to close...that my wife can not do it herself.

Does anyone else have this same problem...and if so...how do you deal with it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I found mine got easier with time and practice but I still use both hands to keep it from "smacking". There is a TSB out for the problem and my dealer ordered some parts to correct it. After they mucked up the radiator recall I opted not to let them perform the work on the top and decided I could live with it. Sorry I don't have the TSB number handy here at work with me.

 

I have noticed the same thing...the last step to closing the top is really hard to do without it smacking. The first time I did it (which wasn't too long ago since I haven't had the car long) it freaked me out and I thought maybe I had done something wrong. Since then I have only had the top down twice since the weather here in Ohio has been so lousy and both times still got a smack at the end. Any advice is appreciated.

 

I find the best way is to bring the top up to the final step. Then, keep the handle turned and bring it down to the locking position while guiding it with your left hand. The secret is to make sure the handle is already turned on this final step. Try it out and let me know what you think.

 

Thanks...I will try it out and let you know...that is if it ever gets nice in Ohio again.

 

The TSB# is 23-019-05 Rev A.

Looks like a bolt kit and a top repair kit. The TSB doesn't qualify "hard to close" it just states that if the top is hard to close, perform this TSB.

And my SRT Roadster does the same thing.

Danno

 

The banging or "smacking" as you call it doesn't bother me. It is inherent in the system and is not damaging anything. I have learned to pull it down quickly and turn the handle quickly to lock in place all in one motion. Works every time. Sure, it will make a noise. I think you are having trouble because you are afraid of the noise it makes. Forget the noise and do it quickly. I've had my Roadster for over a year now and had the top up and down a lot. It works fine.

 

I agree with Defrostyman, top will get easier to close with time and technique. The technique that is quoted here is the best way, IMHO.

 

Mine was hard to close and would slam when I first got it but after about 2 or 3 months it started to close a little easier without slamming. I think its a combination of the top got a little easier to close and I got used to closing it without making it slam. I close mine with 1 hand without slamming.

 

Hey Defrostyman,

I tried your suggestion with the handle turned before hand...and it works great!!!...without the loud noise crashing the header. Why they don't describe this technique in the manual is crazy.

Thanks again for the great tip! Its faster too!

 

i just got my crossfire and i close the top with two hands and the handle turned as well, works out fine.

 

Glad it worked out for you. Did you ever notice that if you continue to hold the button down after you lock the top back in place that both windows will go back up... Just a FYI.

 

Please excuse me everyone for being an idiot here but when you are bringing the top back up and it beeps when it is finished THEN you turn the handle and bring the top down with TWO hands...I gotta tell ya when I had my Sebring convertible it was a much easier process then this one and yes probably after i have done it a few times I may get the proper technique.

 

I don't think you need to use TWO hands. I pull it and latch it with my RIGHT hand. It did take some practice at first, but now it works easily for me.

 

2 hands might make it easier to keep your right arm a little more steady when pulling it down, but it's just a matter of practice and having enough strength in your right arm. I can do it fine, but I do it all the time. When my husband tried it, it slammed down, but he rarely has to do it. You just have to learn how to finesse it down.
We were in a new corvette at a dealer and they also now have the electric tops, but they go all the way to the windshield frame before they stop and all you have to do is turn the middle handle. Much easier, no pulling.