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?
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
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 Posted by ONE BAD BIRD (Member # 1640) on :
Thanks, but has anyone actually done this before?
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Steve installed the convertible top on our SST. I'll bring this thread to his attention.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
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
Be patient, have fun, and make sure you have a couple of friends help you!
keep us posted Posted by ONE BAD BIRD (Member # 1640) on :
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?
Posted by Tim '96 RS Conv (Member # 1412) on :
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
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