The tonneau on my '89 will release on the driver's side but I have to push down on the passenger side while pushing the release button to have it release. I've cleaned and lubed, but obviously needs some adjusting.

Anyone have a good diagram ot tips?

 

You mean that's not normal?

I would tend to think that its not so much adjustment or lubrication as solenoids that aren't quite up to the task. Upgrading the wiring or the solenoid could help, or maybe there is an adjustment, but personally its not worth messing with when pushing down on the cover while pressing the button works.

 

I never even considered the solenoids being too weak. Hmmm.

Who has a diagram?

 

I'm following this one since my 1989 does the same thing as yours on the same sides. I do what Drew said and just have someone push down on the passenger side then hit the release and it always works. It did bother me 23 years ago when I got the car and I've just got used to that routine over the years and haven't thought much about it till now.

 

You can remove the tonneau "J-hook". Then trace the pattern and make a shim from .020" thick aluminum. Have you installed DOC'S (sub-frame connectors) yet?. I suspect the frame has twisted slightly causing the symptoms. You can also soak the latches in WD40, then blow them off with compressed air to remove any dirt or old lubricant from them.

Lon

 

On a related subject, anyone know where to buy the solenoids from? Or what aftermarket/ odd application OE solenoid works?

 

I have some. I'll get them on.my web site Monday.

Lon

 

Here you go. Hope this helps. I think Tootie posted this. it is pretty handy

 

Mine is doing the same thing. The ground (negative) for my solenoids are the screws that mount the solenoids. They were corroded and a dirty and didn't make a good connection to the chassis. Cleaned it all up and solenoids hit a lot harder but I still have to press down on one side.

 

Welp, looks like next step is a shim....

 

Make sure you vert top is completely all the way down on that pass. side. I have had mine not be completely lowered on that side and when you close the cover it pushes the top down and pressure is applied to the cover. We work these tops from the drivers side mostly so it tends to sit lower on that side and actually is not level anymore.

 

That sounds like my car. The top doesn't go down far enough on one side so the tonneau cover pushes on it a little which creates the tension. I will try adjusting the down stops. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out what is going on.

 

I adjusted mine.

First step was to back off the down stops on the top mechanism. I backed them way off then put the top down. I made sure the top was seated as far in as possible (tuck fabric, make sure there are no pinch points, etc), then I raised the down stops until they were touching the frame. Raised the top and tightened the lock nuts on the stops.

Then I stowed the top again, making sure it was all they way down. I made sure my car was on level ground.

If the gap between the closed tonneau cover and the body panels is good, then simply adjust the hooks down into the latches. If they are close, I just bent them around by hand.

My car's gaps were fine, but I imagine if I needed to, the nuts mounting the cover can be loosened and adjustments made. I would recommend only doing one side at a time.

Now it pops up when I hit the button and I can close it from one side. Level ground is important! These cars are very flexible.

 

"Now it pops up when I hit the button and I can close it from one side. Level ground is important! These cars are very flexible."

SFC's!!! I feel these are a MUST on and should be welded on.

 

Yep. I've been trying to get my Spohn 502C's on for weeks. Finding the correct shop is important. Car MUST be sitting on the suspension. NO chassis lifts unless it is being lifted under the spring points.

 

I used Alston's which is now Heidts. Try to find a reputable muffler shop with a good welder guy. Muffler shops use mostly drive on lifts.

 

Which way would you adjust the hooks to get it to pop more easily?

BTW, my top is not impeding the tonneau, it does the same when the top is folded forward.

 

If you are up for the drive north, I HIGHLY recommend Bones Fab in Camarillo. Jim did my SFCs in my GTA a few years ago and did a great job.

On a side note, he had his shop featured in Car Craft a few years ago and then a couple months later had one of his cars featured in it as well.