Convertible top Install problems Help !

[dghii]

I just finished the install on my 2000S today. I plan a separate write up this weekend to document my adventure but I can help just a bit...
1. My top was so tight the first time I tried to latch it that it pulled up the clamshell about an inch!
I backed the top off a bit and was certain I'd screwed up.

Today, I parked the car in the sunshine for an hour or so, then latched the top. It still took two of us to latch but the clamshell stayed put and the top looked great. I left the car in the sun all day. The top goes up and down great but it still took two of us to latch it tonight (but not nearly as tough as last night).

2. The b pillar switch goes just in front of the defroster connector. There should be a 8mm bolt that tightens the switch assembly to the frame. I'll try to get a pic.
DO NOT OPERATE TOP WITHOUT THE B-PILLAR SWITCH IN POSITION as you can over rotate your transmissions and get things all out of whack (ask me how I know). Your top will not know it is up without a signal from the B pillar.

3. Previous reply is correct. The small piece is the defroster receptacle cover.

4. Your rubber body seal is orientated correctly but is not pushed in quite far enough. The rolled edge should be right up against the top fabric. Use a plastic putty knife to push the seal in a little further.
5. My helper straps are not helping either! I plan to play with it next week. Frustrating because I never had that problem with my old top on the the 6 years I've owned the car.

Best of luck!

[Paul Ri-Chard]

[QUOTE=dghii;409639]

2. The b pillar switch goes just in front of the defroster connector. There should be a 8mm bolt that tightens the switch assembly to the frame. I'll try to get a pic.
DO NOT OPERATE TOP WITHOUT THE B-PILLAR SWITCH IN POSITION as you can over rotate your transmissions and get things all out of whack (ask me how I know). Your top will not know it is up without a signal from the B pillar.
QUOTE]

I hope I didn't screw things up too bad. I have been operating the clamshell only... kind of a semi-automatic mode...by pushing the dash button and holding the microswitch down manually near the end of the close cycle (front pushrods are not connected yet). I initially synched the transmissions, but a couple of times I heard a pop from one of the transmissions when I let the motor run a little too long. I'm assuming the cable simply popped or skipped over the plastic gear, and that I didn't break the gear itself. I will disassemble and inspect and resynch the transmissions and hopefully figure out how the microswitch gets mounted and try it again.

[papasmurf]

and is probably clearer than the description I gave. The springs may need to be rotated 180 degrees in their vertical axis...not north to south if that makes sense.

Convertible Top Cable Falling Outside Guide Channel DIY (VERY LONG) *PIC*

[dghii]

[QUOTE=Paul Ri-Chard;409651]

Originally Posted by dghii

2. The b pillar switch goes just in front of the defroster connector. There should be a 8mm bolt that tightens the switch assembly to the frame. I'll try to get a pic.
DO NOT OPERATE TOP WITHOUT THE B-PILLAR SWITCH IN POSITION as you can over rotate your transmissions and get things all out of whack (ask me how I know). Your top will not know it is up without a signal from the B pillar.
QUOTE]

I hope I didn't screw things up too bad. I have been operating the clamshell only... kind of a semi-automatic mode...by pushing the dash button and holding the microswitch down manually near the end of the close cycle (front pushrods are not connected yet). I initially synched the transmissions, but a couple of times I heard a pop from one of the transmissions when I let the motor run a little too long. I'm assuming the cable simply popped or skipped over the plastic gear, and that I didn't break the gear itself. I will disassemble and inspect and resynch the transmissions and hopefully figure out how the microswitch gets mounted and try it again.

I'm glad you had the push rods disconnected! Take your time and get the b-pillar switch connected and you'll be fine. I'm not sure why your installer would have moved or disconnected the switch.