Cures For Latches Rattling in the Wind?

[ski3pin]

Julie and I have been in lots of wind lately and would like to reduce the noise from the unlatched latches rattling. These are the latches that secure the top in the down position. Any cures?

 

[RicoV]

What's worked for me are those little 1/4-inch half-moon hard silicone stick-ons. A couple of them stuck onto the 'out'side of each latch tends to buffer the sound significantly.
Rico.

 

[rando]

An elastic band (or hair tie in a pinch) has worked for us. Downside is you have to remember to install them when you pop. Upside is you could use them as a reminder to make sure the latches are latched - store them somewhere visible like the gearshift, and put them back when you latch the top down. If you don't have 6 bands on the shifter then the top isn't latched.

 

[Bosque Bill]

I'm going to assume you mean when the top is up as that was the rattling that drove me crazy when the wind blew at night.

I found I could lift the latch handle up and when it got nearly vertical, I could feel the resistance of the detents near the hinge grabbing & holding the handle at about 11 o'clock (if you get what I'm saying.) The handle would stay up and the threaded latch would lean against the handle and not rattle in the wind.

Now my routine is to lift the latch handles up every time I raise the top. No rubber bands or tape needed. Plus if I forget I can still lower the top without a clearance issue.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Small rubber stick on squares? A small dab of Gorilla Glue would help them stay in place.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Foam sleeves? Velcro wrap?

 

[pvstoy]

I have always used rubber bands since the early 90's. This current camper the latches seem tighter. Also I can raise one half or both and seem to stay up.

 

[buckland]

Cut the fingers off old leather/rubber work gloves.

 

[ski3pin]

Great suggestions, thank you!

 

[AWG_Pics]

I'm going to assume you mean when the top is up as that was the rattling that drove me crazy when the wind blew at night.

I found I could lift the latch handle up and when it got nearly vertical, I could feel the resistance of the detents near the hinge grabbing & holding the handle at about 11 o'clock (if you get what I'm saying.) The handle would stay up and the threaded latch would lean against the handle and not rattle in the wind.

Now my routine is to lift the latch handles up every time I raise the top. No rubber bands or tape needed. Plus if I forget I can still lower the top without a clearance issue.

I went out and tested this idea. It works really well. Thanks Bill!

 

[ski3pin]

I went out and tested this idea. It works really well. Thanks Bill!

I also tested this and will test further when weather permits popping up the top outside. Thanks Bosque Bill!

 

[rubberlegs]

I just tried flipping it vertical and the over center mechanism kinda "sticks" as you say. I kept going over the top. But the wind died down. Last night would have been the perfect test, darn the luck!

I'll have to stare at it to see why it sticks. My guess is there's a little stressing between the two joints. If the hinges wear it may not stick as well. Maybe when I get home...

 

[ski3pin]

I just tried flipping it vertical and the over center mechanism kinda "sticks" as you say. I kept going over the top. But the wind died down. Last night would have been the perfect test, darn the luck!

I'll have to stare at it to see why it sticks. My guess is there's a little stressing between the two joints. If the hinges wear it may not stick as well. Maybe when I get home...

Never, ever complain that the wind died down.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Never, ever complain that the wind died down.

Except when there are thick infestations of noseeums ...