can you remove top frame w/o removing roll bar?

[rsfeller]

looks like I need to pull the frame assembly to get to a pin to straighten out a bent cam arm. I looked at the P-tech manual and it shows having to remove the roll bar before pulling the top frame. I'm not seeing that need, yet!

EDIT: Maybe it's not referencing "pulling the roll bar" but due to the fact the P-tech manual only shows drawing and not much wording it's a bit misleading. See my procedure below for the answer.

Looks like a handful of bolts and maybe a couple torx once the push arms are off (and mine are broken!).

Shawn

Edited August 14, 2007 by rsfeller

[rsfeller]

To answer myself...

Yes

The roll bar doesn't need to come off to remove and bench the convertible top frame/canvas. There were three bolts and two screws on each side of the top and it lifts right out....took less then 10 minutes to remove and 10 minutes to install. My camera battery was dead so no good photos but the procedure goes something like this.

1. put in service mode with clamshell at 45 degrees, cables off back window and window up. You'll need to remove the arms from the transmission to the push bars. Mine were broken so I didn't have to remove them but the red (or white) end will pop off the ball joint or you can use a allen key to remove the head on the transmission.

2. remove lower B piller trim panel behind seats with the 8mm bolt at the top and the screw at the bottom which is hidden well in my black carpet. This removes the defroster hook up and gives access to the top microswitch on the drivers side. The small connection for the microswitch is near the floor. I had to cut one zip tie too holding the microswitch wire to the roll bar.

3. Take out 3 larger bolts on backside of top frame viewable under rear with glass in service mode position. The manual shows a box covering this with two screws for some type of water protection. My car didn't have this and it looked factory. So Three bolts and two phillips screws. They were very low torque and I found no torque spec for reinstall. The are self centering bolts so no worry about getting the top "just right" on reinstall. Your wife can help you remove or install as the tops weight is very low.

5. Slide top back one inch and lift straight up.

NOTE: I highly recommend using a light clear spray grease (with straw) on all pivot points. After greasing my top I can put it up down with one finger in manual mode. There is no question that greasing a 10 year old top will help all the little aluminum and plastic parts live a long and happy life together.

Installation is a reversal or removal, that simple. If you want to take your top off to get an bent "stuff" (like me) drop me a private message and I'll be happy to coach anyone.

Shawn

Ohio

Edited August 14, 2007 by rsfeller