close vert latches when putting top down?

[GatorGreg]

Is this step now done away with cuz of the new Z fold design where the latches end up underneath? I actually read the owner's manual for putting the top down and noticed it didn't say to close the latches once the top clears the windshield header when lowering the top. In my previous mustang verts I'm pretty sure it said to close the latches so it wouldn't damage the top when in the top down position. Even in my '70 Cougar owner's manual it says "As soon as the top is released close the latch handles so that they cannot damge the top or boot when it is installed."

I've been closing the latch out of habit and cuz I'm a little paranoid but if it's unnecessary I won't bother cuz I'm lazy and it takes an extra 2 seconds to put the top up and down

 

[radtexas]

Well I am a vert virgin so I have not been closing the latch when I release. I have not noticed any problem yet and the salesman did not mention it either but they don't always know more than a brick wall unless it is written in front of them. I would be interested in other vert owners to see what they say.

 

[spectre30075]

Been closing the latches on mine..never thought about it..it just seemed like the right thing to do. Might not bother anymore if it isn't necessary though.

 

[Marine One]

Been closing mine as well. Got in the habit with my 95 GT, 96 Cobra and my wifes Sebring. Will probably just continue to do it from habit. BTW, I do like the way all four windows lower completely with just a touch of the top switch.

 

[spectre30075]

Yeah I like the 4-window feature too.