manual top

[rock88hard]

Finally done! Got the rest of it done in about 45 minutes yesterday. Now I just have to devise a way to secure the clamshell so I can drive over 40 mph.

You saved the vinyl apron's life on this one. I was in the process of ripping it at the seems on day 1, but it got dark to quickly. I didn't realize it snapped out like that.

Also, I'm glad I didn't snap and break everything, since it's really tough getting it up and down without the pins holding some of the bars together.

Thanks again. And Maurice, I'm in Pittsburgh. Message me if you're ever out this way, I'll always be good for that Guinness.

[schoir]

Excellent work!

Regards, Maurice.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by rock88hard

Now I just have to devise a way to secure the clamshell so I can drive over 40 mph.

The way the clamshell is hinged, it's never going to be a problem.

I've had my roof in manual mode and the clam unsecured for about 18 months, speeds well into three figures mph, the clam (and roof underneath) ain't going anywhere.

[rock88hard]

So far I've had it up to 65 mph without a problem, but I am nervous because I broke a couple bars while 'manualizing' it. Also I pulled out all the pins and only got 2 or 3 back in. I'll post pics next time I take it out.

[Eric G]

Well, there have been a few threads posted since I first asked this question and several of them mentioned retaining the operation of the clam shell but ditching the top. Some have mentioned that they did this and it involved a fair bit of work??? So, knowing that someone had done this I dug into reading everything from Mike to Pedro and data in between when it dawned on me how simple this mod to do.

Step 1: Open the top to service mode
Step 2: Release the rain shield on the top to expose the push rod linkage and tension cable.
Step 3: Pop the safety tension cable off
Step 4: Using an allen head socket remove the bolt holding the push rod for that drives the convertible frame from each side (leave the hydraulic push rod for the clam shell alone)
Step 5: With the allen screw removed, pop the front of each push rod off of the "B" pillar connection (white on left side, red on the right side). You will probably have to pull back on the top to allow the push rod to have some space so it can come free from the ball connection it is attached to.
Step 6: Reattach the safety tension cable back in place.
Step 7: Reattach the rain shield.
Step 8: Enjoy the manual operation of the top and the motorized operation of the clam shell.

I also went ahead and did the electrical mod so I can operate the top with out having to engage the hand brake and what I have now ended up with is a top that I can open and close by hand while belted into my seat and have the clam shell controlled from the dash panel button. As for operation at speed, top was not going anywhere at very enjoyable speeds.

[dogzbody1]

Newbie question
How do I execute the electrical mod to eliminate the need to raise the handbrake?
(I'm working on a new to me car with a stick top as one issue and a mouse chewed console wiring loom as another, perhaps the electrical fix will help me get my top working once I have all of the mechanicals recombobulated?)

[dghii]

You bend pin 15 on the top controller relay and ground it to bypass the parking brake.

You bend pin 18 to allow you to operate the top while in motion.