I need some education on the convertible top mechanism from someone who has fiddled with it extensively and understands all of the geometry behind it.
Last year I took off my top frame to reglue the window, and when I replaced it and operated it for the first time, the ball joints broke. I left the pushrod arms exactly the same length that they were before. I took it to a nearby shop and paid them almost $500 to swap out the pushrod ball joints and make sure the top operated properly. They also had to remove the top and plug in the micro switch on the driver side, which I forgot to reinstall, hence the cost.
Fast forward to yesterday. I pulled off the old top and frame to put a 2004 S top and frame on the car. This time I got smarter and remembered the microswitch installation, and got all six bolts put in with the help of a friend. I once again reattached the pushrods and operated the top. When the clamshell was flush with the body, the light on the dash did not turn off and then both push rod ball joint receptacles broke with a loud pop.
I will figure out how to get the ball joint ends replaced. What I need to understand is how these push rods function.
If the pushrods are longer instead of shorter, what effect does that have on the top and the clamshell?
If the pushrods are shortened, what effect does that have on the top and the clamshell?
How would one go about adjusting them so everything works properly again?
Linear Mode
