Convertible Top Wind Noise

[TBirdFrank]

We only use our car sparingly, perhaps once every three weeks or so in summer.

Over the last ten days we have put in around 1,500 miles across Scotland and North East England - but a new problem arose as soon as we hit road speed with the top up. It is present whether the top clips are engaged or not

There is wind noise around the drivers side window along the curved seam of the top. You can feel air moving with your fingers. Forward along the door top to the windscreen all is air tight.

The top seems to have a very hard contact with the window top and I am wondering about applying a draught proofer to cure the problem which is not occurring on the passenger side.

Anyone had a similar problem???

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

I would try recalibrating the window first.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

I would try recalibrating the window first.

Frank, I had the same problem you are having and using the fix Roger mentions took care of it. Give it a try and let us know the results. The owners manual will tell you how to reset the drop feature.

[Kokomo]

Reprogramming Window drop

To reprogram the window drop:

Lower the window completely and continue holding the switch down for two seconds after it reaches the bottom. Then immediately raise the window all the way up and continue to hold the button for two seconds ater it reaches the top.

You can do both windows at the same time if you like.

[Gobird]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Remember to reprogram the windows from the drivers side switches only, passenger side will not do it.

[Lonestar]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Remember to reprogram the windows from the drivers side switches only, passenger side will not do it.

Do not know about other years but on an 05 you can reset the passenger side window drop using the passenger side switch in the right door.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Question regarding doing the window calibration:
Should the door of the window being recalibrated be open or can it remain closed?

[Gobird]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

I don't remember what year car it was at the Shacks this year but the owner was trying to reprogram his on the passengers side and could not. I got in the car and did it on the drivers side and it worked. That's why I said to do it on the drivers side, never tried the right side on my 02.

As for the doors, they need to be closed.

[TBirdFrank]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Thanks guys

The other possibility is that the top is not closing square onto the windscreen frame as I can just see daylight on the drivers side between the front of the top and the screen, even with the hooks engaged on that side.

Water definitely got through when the car was jet washed today.

Is it possible to adjust the "throw" of the hood - probably by less than one eighth of an inch - but it may just be that!

[Lonestar]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

The "J" hook on the left and right side of the soft that are activated by the handle in the center have a set screw in them. I believe you can loosen the set screw and turn the "J" hook in or out. A slight adjustment might pull the top to where it needs to be BUT, I would be careful for if you make it too tight you might place undo stress on the mechanism. Be sure to tighten the set screw.

[Black Hawk 03]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Yes, I have a 2002 T-Bird and it does the same thing.
Here is what I do to my car in order to cure the wind noise: After I have put the top up and latched, I simply tap the top button down, and it seals the windows, wind noise is gone.

Hope this procedure will help you, let me know how you come out.

[TBirdFrank]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

Thanks for that

I presume that you mean that after closing and latching the top you briskly tap the top control mechanism switch in the downwards direction to tension the convertible top against the latches - but not hold it down so as to cause undue stress.

If that is what you mean I will give it a try

[5bird7]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

that's what I do with our 02.

The 05 works perfectly.

I do hope others are following this rule of thumb when putting your soft tops up. Be sure your car is on a flat surface. There's enough flex in the body to screw up how the soft top meets the windshield header and that can cause latching problems.

[snowbird]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

I work on a lot of older convertible tops and one thing that was always recommended by the manufacturer was to have the windows slightly down when putting the top up. Once the top is up and latched in place, put the windows all the way up. This procedure probably applies to these retro Birds as well but, if not, may be a good practice.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Convertible Top Wind Noise

I work on a lot of older convertible tops and one thing that was always recommended by the manufacturer was to have the windows slightly down when putting the top up. Once the top is up and latched in place, put the windows all the way up. This procedure probably applies to these retro Birds as well but, if not, may be a good practice.

THE BIRD WINDOWS DO THAT ON THEIR OWN, IF THEY ARE UP WHEN THE TOP IS IN MOTION, UP OR DOWN.