68 T-Top creaking

[Rich G.]

Drivers side T-Top is creaking and driving me crazy. The only way to make it stop is to open both latches. If I drive it like that and hold my hand on it so it won't blow off, there is no creaking at all. If I latch either latch it starts again immediately.

So, I doubled all the weather strip with cheap hardware store stuff as a test. To the point I could hardly get the top on. No change. I loosened the latches all the way. No change. I tightened the latches until they were so tight I could hardly open them. No change.

If the top is off, I can shake it bang it and twist and it makes no noise. I can't see any evidence of chaffing, but it must be.

Weather strip appears to be original and in good shape. The car has 37k miles.

Help. This is very frustrating.

Rich

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

I coat all my weather strip with silicone grease. Just a little dab will do uh -- and rub it in. No squeaks or chirps on anything even the daily drivers. I had a little rust fixed on one of the DD and the painter bitched that the masking tape wouldn't hold.
There are several products. I have access to a couple of Dow products, but these are industrial products and harder to find. Sil Glide is commonly available from your FLAPS.

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Along with Terrys idea, I would also put a dab on all the nylon guide pin inserts they to can make a racket.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Thanks guys

I'll give that a shot and report back.

Rich

[Alan S.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Hi Rich,
Along with Terry's and Edward's suggestions you might check that the white nylon 'triangle' is still in the rear receiver too.
Regards,
Alan

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Alan

Thanks. On my car that triangle is metal, but it's the same on both sides and the passenger side is quiet. Was that picture of a 68 top or a later one? Thanks for that. I would have never thought to check it.

Rich

[Alan S.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Hi Rich,
That picture's of one of the top panels on my 71.
The locating wedge on the halo and the receiver on the top panel are both metal, but that little insert is nylon. I've just assumed(?) that the nylon insert was there from 68 on to help quiet that connection.
Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Alan

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 T-Top creaking

Thanks Alan.

My friend has two 68 coupes. I'll take a look at them after the holidays.

Rich