just received the parts to fix my top!

[Chris_in_NH]

hi,

i am surprised that no one has offered advice on how to remove the clamshell arm from the clamshell... i've received the new part, but still can't figure it out. here's my previous post:

"the clamshell arm (the lever that pushes up the clamshell) 986-561-571-01-grv, snapped in half, so i have ordered a new one. i am trying to remove the old one from the clamshell, but i can't figure it out.

there is a fastener that holds it in place, so i removed it. but there is what looks like a rivet of sorts whose end is larger than the diameter of the hole it goes through (to then be fastened by the fastener.)

anyone know how to do this?"

2nd question is: on the V-lever, there is a hex bolt connecting the push rod to the V-lever. anyone know what size this is? i need to go buy a set of hex wrenches! tried a torx bit, but it wouldn't grab enough...

thanks!

[mark in sunnyvale]

Hi CHris, I'm not really sure what you're referring to. Did you check http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1666 ?

The way ToolPants did it was wedge something between the the metal spring connector a bit and slide it off. There were no rivets that I could remember. He had a picture in one of the post, but i can't find which one.

I can't remember the size of the hex driver that you need, but since your buying a set, you should have that covered :) .

Good Luck!

[Chris_in_NH]

thanks for the response. here's a pic (not of MY car, but of the fastener/rivet i'm trying to remove.) see arrow pointing to it. thanks!

[mark in sunnyvale]

Ah, now I know why you're not getting a response. We never had to removed that part when fixing the other tops. I'm afraid I can't help you there.

Hmm, this picture looks familiar. Wait, it's my car! =)

[Chris_in_NH]

ok. thanks for the support. and the pic!

when i eventually figure it out, i'll post it here.

if anyone else knows the answer, please post. the summer is here and my top is broken!!! this is the only thing that is holding me back!

thanks.

[Tom M]

The answer, from the dealer, is to remove the retaining clip and use a drift and a hammer to remove the pin. It's a tight fit and that's how the dealer does it.

[mrmickeymouse]

I have done exactly what you mentioned the dealer doing, I lubricated and drifted the pin out. You may want to cut around the paint that holds the drift, an X-acto knife would work well.

Scott

[Chris_in_NH]

worked like a charm! thanks to all!

i used a hammer to get the piece moving, then used a screwdriver tip to hammer it all the way thru.

it was too easy!

thanks again!