It is possible that latching the top could be better for the fabric, than leaving it unlatched. It would be nice to know for sure which is the best plan. I've started latching mine some of the time this winter, after leaving it unlatched all the previous years. I expect leaving the latches loose is better for the rubber mouldings.

 

I'd guess that as long as you treat those rubber bits with Shin-Etsu grease (or the equivalent) on a regular basis then they will be just fine. (Much like those rubber gaskets that seal the doors and trunk.)

 

It may be better to leave the roof latched in storage due to shrinkage of the material over time and then the need to stretch/stress it back in place. Latched is normal when driving.

-- Chuck

 

 

Isn''t that part of the recomms in the owners manual?

Anyway my thinking is that leaving it relaxed while the material is cold and stiff cant hurt.

IMHO,compared to UV sun damage this is trivial

 

Somehow leaving the top up but unlatched got onto my end of season storage list. Intuitively, I would think that unlatched is better because it relieves stress. Do you know what the source of that info is or what the reasoning is?

The original tops on my 02 and 03 are in perfect condition. I keep them clean and treated but I don't think the prior owners did anything other than normal washing. They have both been garaged all their lives and stored 6 months a year. I suspect the biggest thing is keeping them clean and garaged out of the sun as much as possible. If the car is outside in the sun I would clean and treat monthly.

 

15 years here. Same result.

 

Great,Mark,use the same treatment on the Lotus top.

 

There are threads here regarding tears that occur in some MY cars and prophylactic patching that can be done. The search bar is your friend for that stuff.

 

Man, you guys are awesome! First winter storage for my '07. I stored her with the OEM hardtop on. When she awakens from hibernation I will be sure an treat her with 303. Next winter maybe store her with the top up unlatched?? and place the HT on a rack. Warmer days are coming!! Thanks again!!