Pelican Technical Article: Convertible Top Repair Wayne R. Dempsey
Time: 8 hours
Tab: $100-1000
Talent:
Tools:
Power drill
Applicable Models:
986 Boxster (1997-04) 987 Boxster (2005-08)
Parts Required:
Various components, depending upon what is damaged
Hot Tip:
Check over all components carefully – there may be some damage that is hidden
Performance Gain:
Properly functioning top
Complementary Modification:
Replace rear window, upgrade top to glass window
This article is one in a series that have been released in conjunction with Wayne's new book, 101 Performance Projects for Your Porsche Boxster. The book contains 312 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to changing your brake pads. With more than 950+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book is required reading in any Boxster owner's collection. The book is currently available and in stock now. See The Official Book Website for more details.
Check out some other sample projects from the book:
The Boxster convertible top mechanism is used a lot, and is often exposed to a lot of stress and strain as a result. It's very likely that you will experience a problem with the opening or closing of your top somewhere along the line: knowing what to replace and fix is valuable information.
One of the first things I installed in my wife's Boxster was the SmartTop controller that allows you to open and close the roof with one-touch operation (see Pelican Technical Article: Smart Top Roof Control Installation). This is a neat feature, except that there are no safeguards built into the unit. So, if the top latch is not fully released and the roof catches on it as it is being automatically lowered, you can seriously damage your roof. In my case, I accidentally did this one day, and the resulting damage ended up including about 20 hours of work along with $1200 worth of parts (see the photos in this project). If you install one of those automatic controllers in your Boxster, just beware of the potential damage from the one-touch operation button.
When compared to other convertible cars (like the BMW 3-Series), I find the design of the Boxster roof to be relatively simple. A single motor connects to two cables and drives a leveraged gear mechanism that raises the rear of the roof, then raises the rear convertible lid, and then folds and tucks the top away. When your roof is not opening or closing correctly, then one or more of the components in the mechanism are probably worn out or damaged. Follow the photo array in this article to learn about each of these components and how to replace them.
The early-style convertible top transmissions have been replaced with a more reliable later-style one. This can be installed in place of the early one, but you need to also replace the standoffs with different ones specific to the late-style assembly.
Figure 1
This photo shows some of the parts that you might need to repair your convertible top. A- Convertible top motor (powers both left and right sides at the same time). B- Ball pivot pin (2 req) C- Control cable D- Improved transmission assembly (increases the leverage of the motor to lift the top), left and right required E- Control lever (attaches to the opposite side of the transmission assembly), 2 req F- Improved transmission assembly standoffs. These are required in order to bolt the transmission assembly in the same place that the old one fit, 2 req G- Switch to detect closed position of the top handle H- Bushing for convertible top push rod (item J), 2 req J: Convertible top push rod (pulls and pushes the top open and closed), 2 req
This photo shows tremendous destruction on the left side of the convertible top motor assembly. The blue arrow shows the red plastic ball socket for the top assembly that has completely broken away. This normally would connect a pivot ball pin that is located out of view near the green arrow. In addition, the mechanism for lifting the rear metal cover has completely sheared off as well. The pivot ball pin (shown in inset) would normally be attached to end of the control lever (yellow arrow), but due to the top getting stuck, it has been broken off. In this case, the top transmission, the lever, and the convertible top push rod needed to be replaced with new parts.
If your convertible top push rod has broken, then you will need to replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, a new plastic ball cup end is only available by purchasing an entirely new rod (about $75). When you get the new rod, line it up to the old one, and make sure that the two are exactly the same length. Alter the two adjustment points on the rod if necessary. To install the rod back onto the convertible top linkage, use a screwdriver wedged up inside the mechanism to obtain the necessary leverage to snap it on.
To remove the convertible top transmission, begin by removing the boomerang-shaped lever (left photo). Using a 19mm socket and a breaker bar, you should be able to loosen the bolt and remove it from the transmission. In this particular case, the lever arm had bent and the transmission had also broken. Pull back on the foam sound deadening material to reveal the convertible top transmission (right photo). Three nuts attached to standoffs hold the transmission in place.
This photo shows the various steps involved with removing the transmission and disconnecting the cable. A- With the three nuts removed, pull back on the transmission and separate it from the side of the car. B- Loosen up the four nuts on the backside of the transmission housing, but do not remove them. C- With enough slack in the mechanism, carefully pull out the cable. D- The green arrow shows one of the three standoffs that need to be replaced if you upgrade to the later-style convertible transmission. E- The later-style transmission allows you to simply snap the cable in place without removing any screws. F- Shown here is the replacement, later-style transmission installed in place with the new longer standoffs.
To disconnect the cable from the motor assembly at the rear of the compartment, simply remove the circlip (yellow arrow), and pull out the cable. Replacement of the motor and/or switch are fairly easy too: simply remove both cables, unplug the electrical connection, and unbolt the motor assembly. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, the only way to replace this microswitch is to purchase the entire bracket assembly (about $130 from Porsche).
The factory manuals recommend using a drill to move the cables while aligning the left and right side, however, after repeatedly doing this many times, I discovered a short cut. If you disconnect one side of the cable to the motor, you can then press the roof up/down button for short bursts of time. This will move one side of the roof mechanism, but not the other side, allowing you to align one side with the other. For extensive movement of the convertible top transmission, I recommend using the cordless drill.
When all of your parts have been replaced, you need to align the left and right assemblies together. Keep in mind that if something broke on your roof, then you might have bent some of the tracks for the rear cover or other important components of the mechanism. In other words, you may not be able to get the top aligned completely perfectly. The goal is to get the lever arms on both sides in the same position at the same time. Measure the length from the lever arm to a reference point on the top of the car and compare it to the opposite side. Adjust one side of the mechanism by using the technique described in Photo 6 to match both the left and right side.
Comments: I have a 2000 boxster and convertible top motor works but only one side goes up and down. Could you recommend an affordable repair shop near Huntington Beach, Ca? I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, a couple of shops tried to get me to buy a new motor and rip me off.
May 12, 2012
Followup from the Pelican Staff: I would personally take it to Callas Rennsport over here in Torrance. They know these cars inside and out. On the other hand, if you read the article, it's pretty easy to fix this I think. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
bcruiser
Comments: I have 1998 boxster and hearing a big tudd sound right before the top latches to top windshield mechanism. Just got this fixed about a month ago replaced all the rods and rubber bushings and got fixed. However, during a stop light, I decided to close the top and all of a sudden heard this tudd sound again when closing. When I get home to check mechanism found nothing obvious and tried again but can not duplicate the noise. Any ideas?
May 6, 2012
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Sounds like it's getting stuck on something. I'm guessing that your rear clamshell is not properly aligned and is sticking on the rear decklid. You might want to have an assistant open and close the lid while you carefully watch the rear decklid to see if it is hanging up. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
GB
Comments: I enjoyed reading your repair article on boxers. Are there any similar repair articles available for the 1987 911/993 convertable top? Please let me know of any information advise or leads you have on that subject. Thanks.
March 18, 2012
Johnny
Comments: I have a 2002 Boxster and my top has been working fine. no indication of motor or switch proble. When I release the roof latch the windows come down but when I press the opon button on the console, nothing happen. There is no sound as if switch is not working.
Will appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks!
March 13, 2012
Glenn14
Comments: Hi there, recently I have noticed that the 'folding roof cover panel D' on the passenger side by the door isn't running flush with the rest of the body of the car. Is this a common problem? Does it require serious man-hours? DIY fixable?
Many thanks,
February 23, 2012
Charlie
Comments: Do you have photos for replacing a top my window is cracked and need to replace, any suggestions?
February 10, 2012
Jody
Comments: Great Site! The center latch on the top of my 99 Boxster hits the windscreen between the seat backs as it opens. Is this something that can be adjusted?
February 4, 2012
Jonno
Comments: I own a 2005 Boxster S. One of the 4 plastic strips that form the sides of the convertible roof is deteriorating and cracking. Are these plastic strips easily replaceable and do they have individual part numbers? It is the strip that runs along the top of the right door window.
January 9, 2012
biffo
Comments: Just refitted the microswitch in the roof for my 986 boxster following a few problems with windows coming down.
Only problem is the 2 retaining nuts that the torx head bolts screw into and are located in the metal windshield have both split and the bolts keep falling out.
Is there an easy way to replace these or does the windscreen need to come out? or is there a simple solution?
January 6, 2012
Stavros
Comments: Today my 2005 top stopped working, while opened fully. The switch clearly works because the screen displays that the convertible top is closing when I wiggle it, but NOTHING happens physically. There is no motor noise, nothing. I can't close the top. I pulled the fuse e3 and replaced it with the spare 30 amp fuse, nothing changed, still doesn't work. Help?
December 25, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: The first thing I would check would be the motor in the back. Remove the motor and/or wire up 12 volts to it to see if it's operational. Then, just start backtracking from there if the motor works. You can also check to see if there is 12V getting to the motor when the switch is pressed. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
John99Boxster
Comments: Ref. Figure 3 above. I need to replace the drivers side push rod. I am not able to compare the length of the old one because it broke off and was severely bent at some point.
How would I go about making sure the new rod is the correct length before installing?
November 26, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: You want to line up the roof, and then line up the mechanism attached to the roof transmission. The adjustment is there to make up for variances in the roof - I would match it to the opposite side to start. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
dtran1id
Comments: Hi,
For this project #71 I could not find the part B in your part place to order. Can you tell me what part # so I can do the order if you don't have it in stock can you give me the part # so I can look somewhere else? Also, do you have the convertible top push rod cap sell separately?
Thanks.
November 14, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: It's called a ball pin, and the part number is 986-561-689-00. You can order it by simply typing the part number into our search engine. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Darren69
Comments: Thank you - i just brought a porsche boxster and the electric roof was not working. Im not a mechanic or anything but using your instructions was able to identify 3 faults and get it going again without ordering parts and aligned it too. Many Many Thanks - You have saved me a small fortune.
November 13, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: No sweat, glad to have helped out! - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Creature
Comments: Love the forum! Wonder if anyone can comment on a 2003 Boxster S where the very rear portion of the soft top has come unglued ? a bit and want to reattach. Anyone have a procedure, any guide, recommendation on an adhesive to use?
thanks in advance!!
John
November 12, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm going to copy this question to the forums: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/ - can you post a picture of what you're referring to there? thx - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Tom
Comments: My 2000 Boxster top has a problem-will not open. I have
checked fuse-okay. Replaced relay with new-still nothing.
The emergency brake light on dash appears. I have held the
micro switches on top release handle in while depressing dash button-nothing. Only thing at this point I have not
tried is replacing dash switch-I cannot see a way to get to
the back side of dash panel. Everything was working fine-just quit.
Your expertise and help would be greatly appreciated.
Absolutely nothing happens when the dash switch is held in
the on position
November 7, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Unfortunately, there's no error codes or anything like that for this system (not that I'm aware of). There is another switch that indicates that the clamshell is closed, located in the back by the motor (just above it). That may have failed, although I'm not sure it would show up in this problem. I would check that switch, the dash switch, and also the motor itself to see if it's failed. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Ryan
Comments: HI Wayne,
My 2000 Boxster Top is an issue.
pressing the Open button causes a groaning sound in the motor which stops after 3 seconds, and the Top doesnt even move an inch.
How can i resolve this, and more importantly How expensive are the parts.
October 31, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Take a look at the article here - it covers all of the steps required to troubleshoot this problem. I personally would start with the motor and check the cable. Remove the cable from the two transmissions and see if it spins freely. Then, disconnect the transmission from the top mechanism and see if it also works smoothly. Also, check the whole operation of the top for smoothness by moving it by hand. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Steve
Comments: Does the 944 cabriolet follow the same process as the boxster?
October 24, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Sorry, I haven't worked on a 944/968 cabriolet. I would guess though that they are not similar, since the Boxster top is very small. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
carjunky
Comments: How do you reconnect the rear compartment lid push rods once they've been disconnected? The top is in the down position following the emergency top up procedure. The Top has been put back down and the top push rods have been connected but the compartment lid push rods do not reach.
October 11, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: If I read your question correctly, I would recommend that you put the roof up into the 1/2 up position, and then try to reconnect the rods (after lifting the clamshell up about 1/2 way too). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
saud
Comments: hi my boxster s 2000 soft top stop go down and up ibout the top motor and fit it its start move like somthing hold it and it fal faster and stop again bout it start wired with strang sound not like normal bye
October 10, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Sounds like something in the mechanism is holding up the works, and/or your motor or cable is getting worn out. I would simply go through the steps in the article to see if you can find any worn out components. You just need to start looking at each component carefully. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
tckeep22
Comments: nevermind. I just need two new push rods.
October 4, 2011
tckeep22
Comments: The top latch was not fully released when I tried to lower the roof and it sounds like something snapped. The motor lifts the rear lid but does not move the roof at all. Any advice?
nevermind. I just need two new push rods.
October 4, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Actually, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. If you put enough force on the rods to snap them, then chances are the boomerang-shaped pieces are also bent, and your two transmissions may be damaged as well. This is *exactly* what happened to the white care featured in this tech article. In the end, we had to replace both rods, both boomerangs, both transmissions, the cable, and then we had to bend some sheet metal back into place. Not good. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Nicolas
Comments: Excellent article. I just got the same issue with my 2002 Boxster, the dealer is asking $1700 to fix it, but thanks to this article I figured out it only needs a pushrod ... thanks again !
September 29, 2011
Scott O
Comments: This is a great forum. My 2001 Boxster S top suddenly stopped working. It is in the up / closed position. When I release the top windshield lever, the windows lower an inch like normal, but when I press the dash mounted switch, nothing happens. I think this may be a switch but I don't know how to diagnose this.
Please offer a suggestion. Thanks,
September 25, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: There are a few switches that could be causing this issue. There's one in the back by the motor. There's one in the top of the windshield, and then there's one on the e-brake. I would probably check out all three of these first before moving onto the next step. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Phil
Comments: Can you help. I have repaired the roof after a broken cable BUT now on closing the roof the tranmission, which is the later type with the switch, over rotates and this has now broken another cable. What do I adjust to stop this happening?
August 19, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: If the cable is breaking, then it most likely means that one side is out of adjustment with the other side. If you check the article, you will find the procedure for aligning the roof together using a power drill or the roof motor itself. You can also make sure that the switch is properly operating, otherwise it may not realize that the roof is actually closed. Now that I think of it, that is probably your issue. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Bernie bonkalski
Comments: I removed the broken convertible top cable on the right side and replaced it; howeve, after I installed the new cable and put all back together when I attached the drill to adjust the tansmission nothing turns. When a trnsmisson fails does it cause the cable to break.
August 17, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: I have a feeling that your cable is not seated all the way in either the motor or the transmission. Either that, or the "square hole" that the cable end mates to is rounded out or damaged. Check where both ends of the cable enter into the transmission and the motor and see if the "square hole" is intact and not rounded out. If it is, you'll have to replace that piece with parts from a used motor or transmission or replace the whole motor or transmission (expensive!). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Bfloeyes11
Comments: The roof cover on my 2000 boxster has a small triangular trim piece that is missing on the passenger side. I have looked through several parts manuals but can't seem to find a part number. Anybody know what the number is?
August 9, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: This is tough to figure out without a photo. I'm going to copy this question to our forums, and send you a link. If you can update the forums with a photo, then we can figure out the part number for you. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
mep
Comments: Just bought a great '97 Boxster with only 16,000 mi on it! Two weeks later, convertable top won't go up and down. My question: If this is a common problem with the original transmission and it has been replace with a "more reliable new one", why won't Porsche at least pay for 1/2 the repairs or supply the parts? This is going to cost me an unexpected 2-3,000.00, by the time I pay for the parts and labor.
August 6, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yup, if this had broken within the first two years, then Porsche would have most certainly upgraded and replaced the broken parts. But 14 years later, they are hard-pressed to say that the original owner got good life out of the car. I would buy the parts and do-it-yourself to save one the labor - the procedure is not too difficult. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Jk
Comments: The central roof latch unit attached to the center windshield of my 98 Box just came apart. Other than that the power top works great. What do I do?
July 14, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure what you can do other than replace the unit there. There should be a microswitch in there that tells the car that the roof is properly closed. Without having this switch set properly, you probably won't be able to roll up your windows. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
EIFFEL
Comments: Do you know approximately how many labour hours to change the 2 convertible top push rods with the roof alignment after the replacement?
Mine is a 2005 987 Boxster.
July 7, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure, it's a bit of a loaded question. Typically, you don't need to replace these unless something disastrous has happened to the roof. If that is the case, then often there are other components that are damaged, and simply replacing the rods won't necessarily fix the problem. However, to answer your question, it would probably take me about two hours, assuming that is all that is needed to be done. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
buffedasian
Comments: On my Dad's 2001 S Boxster some times the switch to the Top stalls after one hour he is able to close it. It is a bad switch that need to be replaced.
June 24, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: There are at least four switches - the one on the dash, the one in the e-brake handle, the one on the front of the windshield, and one in the back by the motor. It may be any one of these that are causing problems, I would take a look at the windscreen and motor switches first, and then the e-brake one, if you think the problem is switch-related. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Matt
Comments: I have a 2002 porsche boxster and i am considering removing my top to have the back plastic replaced. Is this something that is manageable or should it be taken to a professional. My primary concern is with the double sided tape,sealant, etc. Thanks Matt
May 12, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: It's not really a beginner project - I wouldn't do it if you haven't done many other projects previously. It takes some patience and some skill to get the old roof off and the new one on properly. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
gare
Comments: Wayne I have a 1997 boxster with a top that has seen better days I have a leak passenger rear where the top meets the body of car not sure what seals I require,the top has no power can I disconnect the fuse and operate manually,can I cut out plastic window and replace it with more plastic from the hardware store is there an appoxi type glue I can apply to the rip in my top???? any advise would be greatly welcomed thank you
March 25, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yikes, lots of questions here. I'm going to copy this to the forums so that we can discuss it further there. In general, there aren't really many seals on the top itself that are replaceable (like the older cars). If your top has no power, then you have some issues there. You might want to consider bolting a hard top onto the car and driving it that way, as it may be easier and cheaper in the long run. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
59coupe
Comments: Wayne, what about replacing the plastic gear in the transmission? Mine seems to stripped.
Comments: How do I check or reset my convertible to 996 2001 it will not go down the light just flashes but nothing happens
February 12, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: The roof mechanism for the 996 is controlled by a central computer. In order to figure out what is wrong, you need to hook it up to the Durametric code reader software (or the factory PST-2 tool), and read out the codes for the roof repair. The computer should then tell you what is wrong, and point you on your way to fixing it. The Boxster roof is basically a manual system that doesn't have a complex computer controlling it (just a small control module plugged into the area above the fuse box). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Mh
Comments: Will this work on a 2006 996?
February 11, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Sorry, no. The 996 convertible uses an entirely different system than the Boxster. The 996 is hydraulic and the Boxster is cable-driven. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
jimbo
Comments: If my top is down on a 2001 boxster and wont go up and i need to drive home in the rane what can i do to get it up to get it home so i can fix it at home
November 1, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: If you look at this article, you can see where the transmission links to the roof mechanism. Disconnect the balls from the transmission using a letter opener or something like that (they are red in the photo above). Then you should be able to move the top up and down.
Ooops, I just saw that your top is down. You will have to get to these from behind the seats - a much more difficult task, but still possible. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Les
Comments: Has anyone converted the top to manual operation with long term success? The transmissions are very pricey and I wouldn't mind opening and closing by hand.
October 27, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Not that I am aware of. You can easily disconnect the transmission and lower the roof by hand, but you also need to disconnect or remove the clamshell too. Without the clamshell cover connected, I'm quite sure it will bounce around and make a lot of noise. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Bronco
Comments: Tried the 3M Super Weatherstrip on my problem with the convertible liner on my 2004 Boxster, didn't work. It still pulls out of the track under the latch for the top?
Help!
Comments: The convertible liner on my 2004 Boxster keeps pulling away from the frame right under the locking mechanism for the top. Any suggestions on how to get it reattached?
August 29, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: If I'm right in thinking about what you're talking about, then there may have been a factory update for this. On aftermarket tops, there are two "helper straps" that assist in preventing this from happening. In your case, I would try some 3M SuperWeather strip adhesive, but I'm not 100% sure what the issue is, so that may or may not help. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Joe
Comments: I finally got it. You are absolutely right. It is the switch near the motor that is not functioning thats why the lever keeps going around until it gets stock. Thanks for your help
August 5, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Great! I like it when my guesses turn out to be correct! :) - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Joe
Comments: Hi wayne, thanks again. There is something i discovered and maybe i could share it everyone. To align the right and left assemblies, one just needs to disengage one cable, left or right, then use the switch at the dashboard to open an close the top to align. No need for a drill.
Back to my problem, I think it is more of the leverboomerang shapetogether with the push rods getting stock somewhere then the motor stops and it is usually in the closed positionlid. I had to disengaged the pushrodslid to get the motor going again. All I wanted to do is manually open the canvas topcoz those plastic tips of the canvas top push rods brakes easily which i can but I would like the LID to closed mechanically to keep tight and aligned.
August 4, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Right, I actually mention that method in Figure 7.
On our project car here, we started with the replacement of the plastic ball ends, then the rods, then the triangle piece, then the cable, and finally the transmissions. With all that done, the back cover (clamshell) still did not close 100% perfectly because the actual brackets in the car that attach to the sheetmetal also got slightly bent. So, in order to get everything working again, it may be an expensive proposition. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Joe
Comments: I was able to opened it got the push rods working and the motore working but... now the problem is the motor or switch does not recognize whether the lid is fully opened or closed and the motor just keeps going until it popped all the push rods from their proper places... need your expertise again.
August 1, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: There are two switches, one located in the top of the front windshield, and one located in the mount for the roof motor. I would suspect the switch near the motor is broken. Trouble is, you have to buy the whole mount to get this switch. I would test it with a multi-tester and see if it's broken. You might be able to find a replacement switch at an electronics store. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Joe
Comments: thanks just what i did and it worked...
August 1, 2010
Joe
Comments: Good article but how do you open the rear lid when it is shut closed and will not open by pressing the switch? I can hear the relays click but nothing happens. Is there a manual over ride? I actualy disengaged the two push rods because the plastic tips broke and after doing that I pressed the switch and the rear lid closed and will not open again.The roof is in the closed position becauase i was able to manually pull it up after disengaging the push rods. Need help on this and thank you.
July 27, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Although I haven't had to do this myself, I think you need to reach in through the passenger compartment and disconnect the pulls for the bottom of the roof and the long plastic piece connected to the roof. Then pull up the back part of the roof. That should give you just a bit of access to remove the engine cover carpet, and then you should be able to reach the motor at the rear, or the clips on the side of the mechanism. Huge pain in the butt. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Manx47
Comments: Sure would be useful to have an article about completely removing the top and replacing it with another one as I'm attempting now.
