Yea, it seems like a weird question now but I'll ask anyway.

After washing my car, I generally unlatch the top to dry the channel above the windshield and let the top dry in the sun with it unlatched to help keep the top from stretching out- seems logical in my mind anyway.

After I get home and park the car, I unlatch the top out of habit now and crack the windows a tad to keep the interior aired out and to keep from stretching the top any when parked- again it seems logical in my head. I am fortunate that I can always park in a garage so I doesn't get wet when parked and I'm not worried about the elements with the top unlatched.

Any benefit from this or a waste of time? I'd be curious what Dustin's take would be on this.....

The top (an '02) looks great with no real special care other than an occasional scrubbing with a bristle brush when washing and it doesn't leak so far (except in a few drips near the windows in a heavy squall).

Thanks in advance.

 

My 2000 is garage kept and the top still looks and performs like new. I don't unlatch it unless putting the top all the way down and only when the top is completely dry.

 

Good question... Is there any benefit to store it this way?

 

i dont have no garage and bboy u seen my top

 

I think you are wasting time.

Mine is a 98 and the top is in perfect condition (NO leaks). I latch it every time I put it up. I dont do anything to take special care of the top, other than washing it once in a while. Even when I finish washing it, I dont wait for it to dry before I put it down.

Mine is going in the garage within a week or so, and I plan to leave the top latched all winter.

I think storing it unlatched would only bring trouble...It may make it harder to fully close when you need it to.

 

I've always been told to keep it latched when the top is up.

 

My 94Z still has a nice original top. It's been garage kept since I bought it in '94 (except for about one year back in '97 or so), and latched.

 

After washing, I always unlatch it to let it dry and not let the top stretch. As I look over at it right now , its still unlatched and I washed it almost two weeks ago. My garage is also heated and cooled if that makes any difference. So I think it is a great idea after washing for sure. Probibly no big deal after it drys. I guess I should walk over a latch it.

 

That was a good question. I'm always latched when up, but that got me thinking.

 

At 1st glimpse, it may seem a little retarted but to my little pea-brain it makes since.

As I mentioned, I have always unlatched the top after washing it and park in the sun to dry..... fabric shrinks (or stretches) so I figured it would help. I seem to remember reading that some where.

As for parking it with the top unlatched, I used the same train of thought to take tension off of the fabric when it was just sitting. I know a lot of folks may not be able to do this on a regular basis (no enclosed garage), but I was curious. I always take the precaution of leaving the sun visors flipped down to obstruct my view to remind me to re-latch the top before taking off.

I have never had anyone recommend it; I just wondered if anyone else does the same thing!?

 

I agree with your logic. As you wash the top, you can see how loose it can get when wet. The more it has a chance to stretch, the more it will. I usually leave mine latched when dry and sitting in th garage just to keep the dust out and it also keeps it smelling like new. Going on six years old and still smells new after its been closed up for awhile.