02 Top Latch not working

[lheverly]

Hi, hoping someone may be able to help. I have a 02 T-Bird that has been trouble free until last week. Started to notice rattle coming from top when down. Put it up the other day and when I push the handle in the lock position the left J-Hook moves forward as usual and latches, but the right J-Hook doesn’t spring forward, I need to manually push it up into the windshield bracket. Any ideas as to what happened there, is this an easy fix or does the whole header need replaced?

[Leroy]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Check the J hook you're having a problem with to be sure it's scewed in all the way. Leroy

[5bird7]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

also do some searches here on latch pin
and
j-hook

Here's a couple of past threads:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ghlight=j-hook
look at post #47 and 48 and then send a "private message" (in upper right corner) to FritsB if you want to look at the pdf files and his method for fixing the spring if that's the problem area.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ghlight=j-hook

[Oley]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

I just bought a 2002 and the drivers side latch is the same as you discribe. I was told that there is a spring that is broken that holds the J hook up but allows it to swing down and hook if it hits the catch on the windsheld when putting the top up. I was also told that you have to replace the whole front assembly of the top to fix it. I have not had time to look into how I will fix it yet.
Oley,
a new member

[MATBird]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Donn:
I believe you received false info. Check out this thread, but read every post to get the most out of it:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...oft+top+header

And keep us posted as to your results

[lheverly]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Thanks Dot, your link to Frits and Mike's posts was very helpful. I fixed my j-hook following their directions. Donn, you should look at those posts, you probably have the same issue I had, the pin moves out causing the j-hook braket to rotate allowing the spring to move out of its position. You just need to get clamp type tweezers to push the spring back into position and then with a small screwdriver you pusg the pin back in place. As good as new. Thanks everyone

[5bird7]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Good to hear that you've fixed it this fast, Larry. btw - Welcome to TBN!

[FritsB]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

I just bought a 2002 and the drivers side latch is the same as you discribe. I was told that there is a spring that is broken that holds the J hook up but allows it to swing down and hook if it hits the catch on the windsheld when putting the top up. I was also told that you have to replace the whole front assembly of the top to fix it. I have not had time to look into how I will fix it yet.
Oley,
a new member

Hi Donn,
Just send you the pdf files you asked for. Hope they help out.

[FritsB]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Thanks Dot, your link to Frits and Mike's posts was very helpful. I fixed my j-hook following their directions. Donn, you should look at those posts, you probably have the same issue I had, the pin moves out causing the j-hook braket to rotate allowing the spring to move out of its position. You just need to get clamp type tweezers to push the spring back into position and then with a small screwdriver you pusg the pin back in place. As good as new. Thanks everyone

Hi Larry,
Welcome to TBN. Glad to hear you got it fixed so quickly. If you need more info, like PDF's, send me a pm with your e-mail and I can attach them.

[Oley]

Re: 02 Top Latch not working

Fritz sent me the PDF's on how to fix and that is exactly what my issue is. Thanks Fritz! That's the Fix!
This is a great Nest to be in!
Less than 24 hrs and I have an answer to one of my issues.
This is great!
Donn "Oley"