"Pull Strap" in place of tonneau cover release handle?

[phenryiv1]

As all manual-top convertible owners know, the rear release handle foir the tonneau cover is just a door handle flipped over (with a few extra bits for the cables). I am not really happy with how much the handle flexes when I pull the release, always feeling like it is a slightly overzealous pull away from breaking.

I saw these RS-style pull straps used for door pulls:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=304316

Any thoughts on a similar approach for the top release?

[Mike36]

This is pretty cool. Took me a few hours to adjust the tension after I completed my conversion but I still sometimes fell like it's going to snap every time I pull it open.

[Streichholzschächtelchen]

has to be better than zip tyes lol

[CorvallisBMW]

I like this idea. The flimsy plastic handle has already broken on my once; I think a strap would eliminate this point of failure.

[IronJoe]

I like this idea. The flimsy plastic handle has already broken on my once; I think a strap would eliminate this point of failure.

Same. I absolutely hate that handle in the back, I've already replaced it and just about broken it again.

[Das Delfin]

You can adjust the tension so it has better action. Mine fell apart once and I replaced it; it's been fine since, and that was a few years ago.

But I like the idea.. have it match your interior and make it classy :D

[phenryiv1]

I will probably give this a shot in the next few weeks.

[TimeMachinE30]

Are the handles breaking just a result of a top needing adjusted?

[phenryiv1]

Are the handles breaking just a result of a top needing adjusted?

My guess would be yes but mine has never broken. My top has a lot of tension on the cover when the cover is closed so I have to pull pretty hard to get the cover to release. When the top is up and I am lowering/stowing it the tension on the handle is minimal. It only happens when releasing the cover when the top is stowed.

[TimeMachinE30]

Mine, too, is testing the limits of the handle when pipping the cover.

[phenryiv1]

Mine, too, is testing the limits of the handle when pipping the cover.

That tension is not really a function of top adjustments. I don't know what else can be done to lessen the tension on the tonneau other than to get a top that folds flatter.

[IronJoe]

I tried spraying some lubricant through the cables and it may have helped slightly.

[Das Delfin]

It only happens when releasing the cover when the top is stowed.

that means the tension on the handle is too great. This could lead to a failure if the constant stress weakens the handle over time.

This is the adjuster.

[parkerbink]

that means the tension on the handle is too great. This could lead to a failure if the constant stress weakens the handle over time.

This is the adjuster.

Which side is that on?

[phenryiv1]

that means the tension on the handle is too great. This could lead to a failure if the constant stress weakens the handle over time.

This is the adjuster.
http://i.imgur.com/1BmqL.jpg?1

Question (not a challenge/argument): since the tension is only high/concerning when the top is stowed (not when releasing the tonneau to stop the top), is it still the tension cables?

I (maybe incorrectly) thought it was the top storage pushing up on the top that was making the release right as opposed to mis-adjustment of the cables since it is only tight when the top is stowed.