Convertible cables R&R followup

[steve_wilwerding]

My updated cables are on the way, and I plan on installing them this weekend. I've read the other post, but there are a few things I need help with.

Here are the steps I've got so far:

1. Put the top in the service position

2. Unhook the cables from the back motor

3. Remove the front arms, the black plastic piece, and transmissions

4. Pull the cable out from underneath the foam

This is where I get stuck. Once the transmissions are out of the car, is it difficult to remove the old cables from the transmissions? Or is it just a clip?

Also, when everything is reinstalled, is there any adjustment needed between the two sides? If so, how do you adjust the cables?

Are there any other hidden surprises?

Thanks.

[steve_wilwerding]

Anybody?

Can you at least answer whether I need to retime the two cables with each other?

Thanks.

[mark in sunnyvale]

You're hoing to need to time it if the arms aren't lining up. It will be very obvious if you need them because you can't connect the rods.=)

A couple of things before you take stuff apart.

1) Take not of the position of the V-shaped lever, it's possible to reinstall it 180 degrees off.

2) When you replace the cable, do NOT mess with the gears. Do no move them in anyway.

After removing and installing the cable, or removing the metal end and re-installing the V-shaped lever

1) You need to line up lever to the clamshell's arms, put the clamshell in service position as far as it will go. The clamshell bolts first. Make sure the arm for the convertible cover doesn't get stuck while moving the transmission, or else you will need a new convertible arm with the red plastic joint ($45).

2) Use the up/down switch to move one transmission at a time in order to line up your convertible top. If you are using the switch, it helps to have a second person. Ask them to press it one second at a time, this will prevent a lot of screw ups. You can also use a power drill (also know as Toolpants patented timing device) to drive the end of the cable to move the transmission

Once you get everything hooked up, do an up down cycle. If it does a complete cycle, congrats. If it gets stuck in one mode(up or down), your gears are off 180.

here's how you fix it.

1) Disconnect all the rods again.

2) Take not of the direction of the motor when you press the DOWN button. Now, cycle each transmission while pressing down until the lever disconnects(it's not a full gear). Be sure to hold the lever to take note of which direction it's spinning (CCW or CW). Once the lever has disconnected, spin the lever opposite the direction it spun when going down. So if it was going CW before, now spin it ccw. You won't be able to spin the transmission by hand, you're just holding it to the right position. Now push the UP button (or reverse the direction of the drill)

Do the same procedure to the other side.

3) Put the clamshell in service position. One side at a time. Move the lever by pressing UP until it lines up with the clamshell's arm with a black joint. Make sure the arm with the red joint doesn't get stuck! Repeat on other side.

4) Put the convertible top in the down position, the read joints should now line up and bolt it. If not, play with the up/down switch a little to get it to line up.

It's not as complicated as it sounds. You just have to take the time to think through how the top works. When a local Boxster's top breaks, I'm sure Toolpants production will come out with a DVD showing how to do this.

Hopefully this helps.

[mark in sunnyvale]

By the way, if your top was working fine before you replaced the cables; the should be NO need to retime the transmission. Just don't move any of the transmission independently. In your case, it's easier to put the top down with the clamshell still up. This is the easiest way to access the rods.

Yours should be a straighforward job.

[steve_wilwerding]

Thanks Mark.

Yeah, my top works just fine. I just have this "preventative maintenance" streak, so I'd like to change out the cables before I do have problems. I know that the previous owner of the car had problems with the top, so I'd like to fix it before anything gets ruined.

Thanks again. You answered all of the concerns that I had.