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Convertible frame doesn't close fully

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Old 12-04-2016, 06:56 PM
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Unhappy Convertible frame doesn't close fully

My 2007 XK convertible top itself seems to close OK, windows seal etc., but I recently noticed that the driver's side framework isn't fully latching/closing.

This may have been after an extended period sitting in the garage with the top down.

Attached photos show the Passenger side then various views of the Driver's side. Windows close fully so no other issues (other than bruises on scalp obtained when exiting vehicle!).

Has anyone experienced this and found a solution? I'm loathe to try and straighten it using brute force!
 
Attached Thumbnails Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030006.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030005.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030007.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030008.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030010.jpg  

Convertible frame doesn't close fully-pc030013.jpg  
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Old 12-04-2016, 07:08 PM
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I would first try lubricating the joint with something like WD40 . Be careful and keep a clean cloth to wipe off the excess. Exercise the top a few times and see if it locks.
 
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Old 12-05-2016, 12:27 AM
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Originally Posted by jagtoes
I would first try lubricating the joint with something like WD40 . Be careful and keep a clean cloth to wipe off the excess. Exercise the top a few times and see if it locks.
Thanks for the suggestion - lubricated every joint I could uncover, unfortunately, so far, to no avail. Of course accessing the various hinges meant stopping the top during its opening, so, as you might expect, it is now less keen to open and close fully. Fortunately I had already anticipated that I'd need to use the manual opening routine before getting the problem corrected, so no harm done.

Will continue tomorrow after giving the battery a good charge overnight!
 
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Old 12-05-2016, 07:48 AM
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Take a close look at the passenger side as it opens/closes, specifically the split in the rubber seal that you show in the close up of the driver's side in your fourth picture.
The ends of the rubber seal appear compressed, as if there used to be something clipped on there. Just wondering if maybe something fell off.
 
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Old 12-07-2016, 12:16 PM
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Default Convertible Frame Closes Fully

So - I compared the left and right mechanisms, starting from the back since the tonneau didn't sit flush when the roof was stowed. Worked my way forward to the joint where the problem was evident. In fact it isn't a joint, 'tis a claw that grabs a cam to close.
Not sure my photos show it properly but 1st is of the passenger side, 2nd is the driver's side where the claw was missing the cam and distorting the frame.
3rd photo shows the adjustment mechanism. I needed to shorten the rod so: remove circlip and bolt from lever, loosen locknut, screw fitting further onto rod, tighten locknut, replace bolt and circlip.
4th photo shows the result: aligned correctly with cam and frame locked together properly.
I still have no idea what caused the problem in the first place but hope my experience may be of help to anyone else having poor frame alignment/engagement.
 
Attached Thumbnails Convertible frame doesn't close fully-image12052016115546.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-image12052016115517.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-image12052016120222.jpg   Convertible frame doesn't close fully-image12052016120825.jpg  
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Old 12-07-2016, 12:29 PM
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Great information...thanks for posting.
 
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Old 12-07-2016, 02:49 PM
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Who'd a thunk there was an adjuster hiding under there?
Nice find, and congrats on fixing it yourself!
 

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