[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I located some left-hand threaded rod, M5x0.8 thread size, at Grainger:



https://www.grainger.com/category/fasteners/threaded-rods-studs/fully-threaded-rods-studs?searchQuery=Left-hand+threaded+Rod%3A+M5x0.8+Thread+Size&sst=4&searchBar=true&tier=Tier+4

One problem: They're closed on Saturday and late afternoon Portland traffic is suicidal, so it will have to wait until Monday. In the meantime I'll try to figure out how to open the convertible top manually so I can put the car into service mode.

I was wondering if you were going back to the place you originally got the tool or get the Grainger allthread I told you about. It looks like Grainger's may be a harder metal. At least it's steel. Get a new left-handed nut. Grainger sells a bag of 50 for $1.61.
https://www.grainger.com/product/Hex-Nut-M5-0-80-Thread-22YK31

I imagine they are not high demand parts, so I'd make sure they have them in stock before driving all that way. You may have to order them in advance.

Still, it makes me wonder how the guy whose video I posted got away with using a modified aluminum rod.

Regardless, good luck. I hope you get past this without any more troubles and you have smooth sailing the rest of the build.