The standard altitude adjustment is one of the weakest points of all Takahashi mounts used above 45 degrees latitude. Around that latitude, the entire head balances over the alt axis and gravity starts the head to work out of the adjustment bolt - meaning that any altitude adjustment is now difficult and may not be precise.

This modification required me to disassemble the mount base, removing the main bolt and pressure plate etc. As the aluminum casting wall is too thin, I have installed inside a 5mm thick aluminum block, and than bored and threaded the hole through both casting and block. A short portion of M6 threaded rod with knob attached completes this modification. From an over a year of use I must say this one may be the most essential modification for anyone willing to use the little mount close to it's latitude adjustment range.