I looked around a bit and couldn't find any conversation regarding this topic. When I open the top, the front portion pulls away from the windshield as you would expect, then sort of whips up into the air real fast with a jerk. This video gives a good idea of what I'm talking about. Is there something I can do to make the top open more smoothly? Lubricate pivots? Any ideas?

 

looks normal to me

 

yup, normal

 

In this video, the top seems to open more smoothly, and not rattling the latches like the video in the first post. Huh, well, I guess I'll just stop thinking about it.

 

The latches in the first video weren't locked back in. The J hooks will hang down, and you can lock the latch back to the roof to prevent them from flopping around.
Other than that it looks normal to me.

 

I wish mine lowered and raised that fast. Looks much faster than the top in my 2008 (even with new straps).

 

Eliminate the problem........ BUY A CR!!

Seriously, I had on 04 and you operation if you secure the latches, looks normal.

 

I think I see another problem on your top that may be contributing to it. Your top doesn't look like it's going down all the way. That means you need to push the tightener (by the top rail) back when your top drops. The elastics are gone, there are a couple different replacements out there for it. I just push mine back maanually when I open it. If you want to check it, put your top down normally, watch and see if it falls back if it doesn't give it a tip as the top closes. You'll notice your top goes farther down into the boot.

fltsfshr

 

Thanks for the replies. Just to be clear, neither of those videos are of my car, I was just using them as examples. I guess I was thinking that the bucking back and forth when it is opening could maybe cause additional strain on the top motors. I suppose I'm just overthinking it.