Leaving your latch open when the top is down.

[SUX2BU]

UPDATE 4/30/12: Just an update. I am going to start closing mine from now on. I almost NEVER use my boot cover and with all the wind back there the headliner ever so slightly rubs on the handle when open.

So after watching this video I noticed they weren't closing the latch when when they lowered the top. I always closed my latch when I would drop the top but it was kind of annoying having to open it right before it closed all the way. A couple of times I would just close it all the way and then lift it a bit to open the latch. The problem with this is that the hooks will sometimes rub on the locking plates. One of my openings already had some scratches. I threw a little touch up paint on it and it's good to go.

So I left my latch open and snapped a few pics to make sure it didn't rub on anything. It doesn't, so I think everyone should leave the latch open to prevent these scratched on your locking plates. I' guessing some of you may already do this but it seemed normal for me to close it when opening my top so maybe some of you do this also.

[MARTYBMW]

I too noticed that on the video when watching it. How about a service rep chiming in on this one.

[Lightrider]

Another SUX vert post, keep em coming!

I've always unlatched it and just let the top go all the way back. I actually read that part of the manual and it says to place the latch back into its closed position. I never felt like stopping the top and adjusting it because of having to stop again and unlatch it when closing.

According to your pic it may be the only thing that doesn't rub on the top.

[EM1/SS]

I've been latching mine also but I noticed they didn't on the video. I'll try it next time.

[modawg2k]

I've never once closed it back up afterwards

[PETRA]

I have never closed the latch when the top is down and .. knock on wood.... have never had a problem or damage as a result of it.

[zandron263]

Same here I have never closed the latch and have not had any problems.

[DaddySS]

The manual says to close it, so that's what I do.

[PETRA]

wait... you mean that manual was included with my purchase so I would read it??

[Number 3]

Same latch on the Corvette. I've always opened them and left them open. Close the latch when you've put the top back up. On my Sky, it clearly says to leave it open when folding.

[OrangeVert]

Thanks, Number 3 - good to know.

[TiffBiff]

I didn't close mine the first time I put the top down and the plastic bezel (what the dealer called it) that fits in ther center of the handle got pushed back and the handle wouldn't sit flush anymore when closed. Dealer popped it out and I haven't had a problem since, but I had been closing the handle everytime too. Since I seen the video, I haven't bothered with it and still no problems. The bezel must not have been snapped all the way in when I got it.

[Ph4r]

I've been closing it, but may start leaving it open? Good spot from the video, I had previously skipped watching this one.

[BigPants]

I had been putting it back in place before full retraction, but I couple times I didn't and it didn't appear to make any difference. Looking at these pictures, I think I'll leave the handle down, doesn't look like there's any danger in doing that. Seems easier on the retracting motor to not have to constantly stop and start it to get the handle into the proper position.