T-Top Stowage Tray Rattles and Falls Down

[Mark E.]

The T-top stowage tray in my 1970 rattles and sometimes falls down from its closed position- even when empty.

The tray was falling down because the clip barely engaged the front edge of the tray (see first photo). The clip is mounted with two screws in slotted holes so it can be adjusted front/back. But when adjusted back a bit it's difficult to release the tray. Adjusted forward to allow release and the tray easily falls down. What am I missing?

The rattles seem to come from the front corners of the tray hitting the body (see second photo). Should there be a bumper or similar at each corner to prevent this? Currently, I can rock the tray left/right so it bangs into the body.

Photo showing release clip:
IMG_20200418_141340070.jpg

Front of tray on driver's side showing it touching body and causing rattle:
IMG_20200418_141353037.jpg

[Terry M.]

Re: T-Top Stowage Tray Rattles and Falls Down

[QUOTE=Mark Edmondson (22468);869505]The T-top stowage tray in my 1970 rattles and sometimes falls down from its closed position- even when empty.

The tray was falling down because the clip barely engaged the front edge of the tray (see first photo). The clip is mounted with two screws in slotted holes so it can be adjusted front/back. But when adjusted back a bit it's difficult to release the tray. Adjusted forward to allow release and the tray easily falls down. What am I missing?

The rattles seem to come from the front corners of the tray hitting the body (see second photo). Should there be a bumper or similar at each corner to prevent this? Currently, I can rock the tray left/right so it bangs into the body.
/QUOTE]

Mark
Your first photo shows you are missing a part (a significant part) of the storage tray clip. I don't have a photo of the complete clip, but the 6th edition of the 1970-72 TIM&JG does have such a photo on page 57, Fig I 14.42.

With the complete clip I expect your falling tray woes will be over and the ease of release will also diminish, however i would not guarantee rattles will stop. I found storing my removable top storage bags in the tray reduced the rattles but at the expense of warping the fiber tray over time.

Based on your photos you have the earlier design fiber tray, as do I. Later design trays (with a different release mechanism) were made from some form of plastic and I expect they are more resistant to warping unless the car is left in the hot sun for long periods. All of these "issues" are part of the beast and it is best to learn to live with them. But I suggest you secure a new release clip as the path of least resistance.

[Mark E.]

Re: T-Top Stowage Tray Rattles and Falls Down

Thanks Terry! I've owned this car 30 years yet never noticed it was missing the "BACK WINDOW STORAGE" handle. I have the 6th edition but didn't see that photo (it's a thick book).

The window tray is the only (or at least, loudest) rattle in the car. So I may try adding foam or rubber padding at the corners.