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Originally Posted by rick3000
Could you elaborate on this? So why bother changing the transmission if it may work without changing anything?
Also, what sort of cost are you looking at in addition to the top, to retrofit the '03-'04 top to a pre'-00 the way you are going to do it?
Thanks!
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Rick:
The "Version B" transmissions are MUCH more reliable than the earlier version. There is no "half-moon gear" in the newer style transmissions, so you never experience the V-Levers rotating the gear past the 50th tooth and then having the "hydraulic" pushrod snapping back. Sometimes over and over again. Sometimes ending up in a dead zone. The newer cable sheaths also are not prone to stretching as the old ones were, thereby more likely avoiding the "retraction" of the inner speedometer-type cable and the possible damage that can cause if you are not paying attention (including tweaking the clamshell).
Also, the timing system in the newer style transmissions is better designed to prevent the malfunction that occurs fairly frequently with respect to the "top open" idiot light not going off when the roof is completely closed or completely open. There is no "after-running" time built into the newer system.
You can get a used set of transmissions, with cables, and then buy a new style relay, along with sourcing an electrical connector to plug into the front side of the driver's side transmission. That whole set up should come in around $400 total.
If your old version set up is working perfectly, I don't see any immediate downside to just installing the '03-04 top and frame. If it doesn't work or if the old system fails after a while (could be years), you could then go ahead and do the rest of the conversion. It would also give you time to find a good deal on the newer parts.
Regards, Maurice.