Latch assembly for convertible top

A latch assembly (20; 20') provides selective locking of a front portion (2) of a convertible top (4) to a windshield header (6). The latch assembly includes a latch mechanism (50, 52) and an actuator (100). The latch mechanism preferably includes a hook (50) movable between locked and unlocked states with respect to a striker bar (16) disposed on the front portion of the convertible top. The actuator is operatively coupled to the latch mechanism for actuating or moving the hook between locked and unlocked states. A frame (30; 30') preferably supports the latch mechanism and the actuator so that the entire latch assembly can be assembled to the windshield header as a unit.