How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
#1
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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?
Anyone have a good diagram ot tips?
#2
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Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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 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.
#3
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
I never even considered the solenoids being too weak. Hmmm.
Who has a diagram?
Who has a diagram?
#4
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
#5
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Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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
Lon
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#9
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Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
#10
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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
Lon
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
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.
#12
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Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
#13
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Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
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.
#14
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
"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.
SFC's!!! I feel these are a MUST on and should be welded on.
#16
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
#17
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.
BTW, my top is not impeding the tonneau, it does the same when the top is folded forward.
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: How do you adjust the tonneau cover release?
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.