Help with cabrio top latch!!!

Hi All,

Can anyone let me know where i can get hold of a top latch for a cabriolet?
Just bought the car on Saturday  and noticed the drivers side top latch has lost the safety catch
So if i go over any sort of minor bump, it can pop open the latch… not ideal and not easy to refit when driving!

Thanks in advance for any help!
Andy

Pretty sure only the passenger side has the safety switch.

Yep only one side has the safe catch on it

Cheers guys,

How do i adjust the drivers side so it doesn't pop open then?
It seems stiff/taught at the moment when closing it, need to apply a fair amount of pressure to secure it. Will losing the 'J' hook slightly help?

Andy
 

Just adjust the hook by twisting and then tighten with securing nut. If you post a picture maybe something else can be spotted such as worn ,bent hook. Also a picture of the fitment area that too can be damaged. 

The passenger side has a safety catch that you have to push a little skywards before bringing the handle down.
Also you shouldn't need to apply a great deal of force to open or close them.
That's why you should have an adjusting ring nut on both sides above the hooks!  

As the driver should have 2 hands on the steering wheel and not trying to open the roof while driving, the passengers side has a safety catch in case they are using the handle as a grab handle while moving as you don't want to open the catches while driving.
So your set up is how VW built the car.

I think you can the lever and pin from classicsparts.de in Germany. Or ask around for a complete handle. It's easy to replace 2 screws on the face and one tucked up on the side just under the headliner.

Pics showing the issue helps, but it's common as the metal fractures with use over the years. Generally  theres 3 threads showing above the lock ring on the J hook.

Ok ill add a picture… lol j hook..chortle. I couldn't think of the name.

lol Kenneth Cartwright
there both drivers side ones.
just seen a pair on ebay, do a search on there.

True chortle. ..but on one on my cars I've fitted 2 left hand ones cos all I had at the time.

Thanks for all your help, adjusting hasn't helped the problem, think it will need a new lever and pin.

First mk1 and it's keeping me busy!! Haha

Post a picture up too that often helps us see what your up against.

Check the area where hood latch and j hook goes…

Will post pictures of both tomorrow.

does the silver hook part simply need screwing in a bit tighter? Once its in the correct place, tighten up the collar that goes around it to hold it in place - not exactly convertible weather right now is it

RichieS said

does the silver hook part simply need screwing in a bit tighter? Once its in the correct place, tighten up the collar that goes around it to hold it in place - not exactly convertible weather right now is it

Yes does look a little too far out.. also the rust on the handle maybe be hiding a stress fracture.so double look in that area also. If you need handle I can sort you a drivers side 1.