Performed all the TSB that call for lubing the contact areas for a hardtop to stop the creaking noises.

However I am still getting a large number of creeks/pops even on smooth roads.

I saw in one of the TBS the original striker should be replaced with "hardtop" strikers.
Being that this TBS's is for earlier models is the original strikers that come on the MY04 ok for the hard top. Or should they have been replaced when the hard top was installed by the dealership?

 

The 04's have the hardtop strikers.

Have any of the strikers been removed? I had a striker loosen up after few months of driving, that would pop over uneven surfaces. Some light duty locktite on the striker screws kept the striker from loosening.

 

that would drive me crazy. good tip, Slows2k. im paranoid about that stuff and i check those screws regularly, i'll use locktite next time.

 

Well took everything apart yesterday and found the problem.
The passenger side striker was only being held in by one screw with the other screw about