I did a search & these appear to be a weak design prone to failure.
My driver's side has slop in it & doesn't pull the top down tight.
Can the looseness be adjusted out or do I need to repair/replace it?
Looks like replacement is best left to an upholsterer.
ive got the same problem and turning the hook may help a little, but the actual looseness in the handle cannot be repaired even with replacing all the bushings and springs... you just need to buy a new latch if you're looking for that really tight seal.... i just had my top done and rebuilt the latch too, it doesnt leak at all, and works fine, but even after the rebuild, there is still a slight gap where the top of the windshield meets the top
I just visited my upholsterer--the guy who installed my top. He's reportedly the best guy in town, and he confirms what droptop says.
I need a new latch---about $45 from the Ford dealer. It'll be in today.
But he wants $125 to put it on!!!!!
Call around... I work in Attleboro and there is an upholstry shop on 123 across from the Stop and Shop.. He seems to do good work maybe try calling him for an estimate?
I want to say the name of the place is Car Craft or something similar.