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» www.chirpthird.com » General Discussion » F-Body: Convertibles » How to remove the entire top...

   
Author Topic: How to remove the entire top...
ONE BAD BIRD
1st Gear
Member # 1640

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Hey, does anyone know how to remove the entire top mechanism? I'm talking everything, the arms, the works. I want to take the one off my 02 parts car, and put it on my 97 t/a. Has anyone done it?

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-2002 Trans Am WS-6 Ram Air Convertible, LS1 6-Speed, Hurst, Torque Thrust II's, Sunburst Orange

Posts: 110 | From: Saskatoon, SK | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged
2002Z4CSS
"Post"er Child
Member # 1393

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I have never done that job but would recommend that you get a GM workshop manual to help aid you in the necessary removal steps.
You can get one of these manuals or the complete set at Helm. www.helminc.com

Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002  |  IP: Logged
ONE BAD BIRD
1st Gear
Member # 1640

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Thanks, but has anyone actually done this before?

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-2002 Trans Am WS-6 Ram Air Convertible, LS1 6-Speed, Hurst, Torque Thrust II's, Sunburst Orange

Posts: 110 | From: Saskatoon, SK | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged
HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS
SSOA Director
Member # 117

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Steve installed the convertible top on our SST. I'll bring this thread to his attention.

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Posts: 7198 | From: Near Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2000  |  IP: Logged
Steve da Wrench
3rd Gear
Member # 1301

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Yes, it can be done, and it wont hurt anything (or so we hope!).

Remove the back seats.

Remove the interior trim panels in the rear of the car and backseat area (all of them).

Disconnect the power top hoses at the rams. (I think the rams will come out with the top, but cant remember, its been 4 years! )

Remove the 1/4 trim/door weatherstrips at the rear corner of the door.

Unbolt the retaining bolts across the rear of the top that hold it to the body (about 20-25 of these). Have an extra person or two on hand to help, as its really big, and heavy.

remove the bolts at the front hinging mechanism down by the ram. You will just have to look to see which ones have to be removed, but the top will come out as an assembly.

I hope that helps, sorry I dont have more details, but its been so long I dont remember exactly without looking at it [Frown]

Be patient, have fun, and make sure you have a couple of friends help you!

keep us posted [Smile]

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- Steve Heino  -  -
The "other" owner of '99 SS #69


McGee's Auto Service, an SLP AutoGroup/Perf. Parts Installer.


Posts: 1443 | From: Lake Oswego, Oregon | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged
ONE BAD BIRD
1st Gear
Member # 1640

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Hey Steve, thanks for the help.

I wasn't sure which bolts I have to remove at the rear of the door jambs... They look pretty tough to get at.

Did you have any trouble re-installing / lining up your top after?

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-2002 Trans Am WS-6 Ram Air Convertible, LS1 6-Speed, Hurst, Torque Thrust II's, Sunburst Orange

Posts: 110 | From: Saskatoon, SK | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged
Tim '96 RS Conv
New Member
Member # 1412

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I did this.... It's actually very easy to do, I did the entire swap in about 3 hours. Do everything that Steve suggested, although there is no need to remove the back seat. I didn't really have any allignment problems. Only thing I encountered was having to adjust the clamps used for locking the roof down when in the up position. This is done in 1 minute per side.

BTW, does anyone need a good straight roof frame? I happen to have one available [Smile]

Posts: 10 | Registered: Feb 2002  |  IP: Logged
   

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