Convertible top noise

deserttoy · 01-31-03, 06:55

I was wondering if anybody out there could tell me what may be making a flapping noise in my rag top while I'm driving at around 50-55 MPH? I checked all around and there is no gaps anywhere that I can see. The car is only 1 year old and only has 5000 mi on it! Thanks in advance for the info. deserttoy

Btw I really don't want the dealership to monkey with this, as they probably know less than I do.

bjwebster · 01-31-03, 07:25

A little bit of noise is normal in a convertible...if it is alot of noise, then there is probably a problem. What kind of car is it?

Yaz · 01-31-03, 07:32

Deserttoy,
Sorry I can't help you with the flapping noise, but I've noticed (someone correct if I'm wrong) that when people with convertibles drive with the top up and their windows down, the material looks like it's being stretched from the wind turbulence. Especially on the freeway. Can the material be stretched?
When we got our Mustang convertible, I told my wife not to do this unless she was just driving around town. In other words, I try to avoid high speeds with the top up and the windows down. Just my .02. Hope it helps.

deserttoy · 02-01-03, 08:44

Thanks fpr responding guys! My car is a 2002 Toyota Solara convertible. The car is very quiet and tight except for the flapping noise of the roof. It almost sound like rain drop are hitting the roof. This only started sometime in the fall.

CharlesW · 02-01-03, 09:39

Deserttoy:
Have you tried having a helper check for the noise while you are driving? Switch and let them drive while you check. If you don't do anything but apply pressure at different places, it might help to pinpoint the location. Remember, sound travels to lots of places and where you hear the noise may not even be close to where the actual problem is. That top is a lot like a big drum.
Given the fact that it has started recently, I won't suggest what I have had to do with every convertible I owned. Turn the radio up a little louder.

Charles

deserttoy · 02-01-03, 10:35

LOL CHARLESW, thats exactly what I've been doing. The more I here people talking about there convertibles, the more I realize that this might be something I'll just have to live with! Whats the general opinion about letting the service department at my dealer monkey with it?

stylishauto · 02-05-03, 03:28

One of the main reasons you hear the noise around the fall season is the drop in temp.Have your dealer check the rubber gasket that runs along the top of your windshield at the line that the top comes into contact when you put it back up.For a quick fix,get the vehicle inside,turn up the heat if possible and warm up the car prior to putting the top up.It will seal alot better.