1998 Convertible Mechanism Issue
 

Hello,

I stored my car for the winter and when I pulled it out the convertible top mechanism would not open. When I hooked up my drill to manually operate the convertible transmissions I ended up shredding the drivers side because I figured out the root cause was a seized gear in the drivers side convertible transmission.. So, I replaced the convertible transmission and everything is now moving. I properly aligned the clamshell using a drill, however when I close it all the way closed I can hear the motor begin to struggle, it seems the clamshell binds, and then the strut arm that connects the boomerang arm on the transmission to the clamshell pops off. I have spent over 5 hours trying different adjustments hoping it was that but have not had any luck.

Anyone have any idea? Please help! Beyond frustrated....


Important Side Notes:

• The convertible always made "three clicks" when it the clamshell got all the way closed before the motor shut off
  Occasionally when the clamshell would be changing directions (all the way open, beginning to close) it would bind on the strut arm and then slam forward)
  The strut arm was hitting the clamshell, so I ground down the clamshell a bit to prevent the binding