Soft Top Rattle When Down

[Pierce]

I have a hardtop which I now rarely take off. There is a rattle from somewhere in the folded down soft top which is driving me nuts. I thought of taking the whole soft top assembly out. Is my initial assessment that this is a major job correct?

[1979scotte]

Is it locked down correctly?
Neither of mine have had soft top rattle.
Now I have had hard tops that rattle and needed to tighten up the clamps.

[StuC]

If there is a rattle from a folded soft to, I'd be checking the latching point in the middle.

I agree with Scott, it's more common to be coming from the hardtop internal rear latches, where they need adjusting or cable tying.

Can you pinpoint the noise or get a passenger to do this, as you need to be in motion.

[m1tch]

It will be the latch in the middle - mine rattled, just put a bit of tape where the soft top clips in which will take up any slack and mean it won't rattle anymore

[Pierce]

I have adjusted the four latches and they are quite tight (I'm sure I read somewhere that overtightening can itself cause a rattle). Have also packed the centre latch,and run with the soft top lifted a couple of inches,still rattles. Have also pushed the hardtop up when driving and it does not affect the rattle at all. Difficult to determine where the rattle is coming from oneself and 'she who must be obeyed' is not very helpful,in fact she hates the car.

[Pierce]

Rattle,at least the main one, found.I opened the door on the storage box behind the passenger seat and noticed that the push in rivet top right had popped open and this was allowing the box to move and rattle.Refitted and rattle gone.