DIY: Hardtop Installation
08-02-2006, 07:46 PM
#1
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DIY: Hardtop Installation
We put this DIY together to help others who want to install the hardtop themselves. We followed the instructions for a 2003 model for our 2003 Suzuka. They seem to work just fine for our 2002 Grand Prix White. This isn't a complete replacement for the instructions, but more of a supplemental guide. Hope you enjoy!
The hardtops arrive (his and hers)!
Before the installation
The big box
Here are all the parts. (The ones on the top aren't needed for the 2003.)
Rubber spacers
Unlatch the top and lower it just past the halfway point
Attach the spacer to the link stopper. (Repeat on the right side.)
Put the top back down.
Door sill trim
Remove the door sill trim. There are three retaining clips per trim. (Repeat on the right side.)
Open the cap on each hook of the roll bar lower trim.
Unscrew the hooks
Take out the hooks
Roll bar lower trim removed. (Repeat on the right side.)
Here's shot of the lower trim (so you can see all the clip locations).
Remove the side trims by unscrewing the bottom screw. (Repeat on the right side.)
Side trim removed.
Plug in the 4-pin subharness connector into the vehicle 4-pin connector.
Wrap one cushion tape around the connector.
Use another cushion tape to secure the subharness to the vehicle body.
Use a hammer and center punch to bend the corner gusset outward until it follows the contour of the convertible top frame. (Repeat on the right side.)
Corner gusset (before)
Corner gusset (after)
Remove 4 bolts
4 bolts removed. (Repeat on the right side.)
Body side catcher and new bolts.
Install the body side catcher with the bolts (not pictured). Then, connect the 2-pin connector from the body side catcher with the hardtop subharness connector.
Attach the upper clip on the wire to the hole in the body.
Attach the connector clip to the body. (It's the orange part that's almost hidden.)
Secure the subharness to the body with the cushion tape. (Repeat on the right side, but there are no wires to connect.)
Rear side trims with new brushes (on top).
Remove two screws and install the new brushes.
Remove the plastic cap from the left rear side trim.
Cap removed.
Route the 3-pin connector/rubber boot through the empty hole in the left rear side trim.
Push the connector into the boot.
Put the door sill trims back.
And the rear side trims.
Hmm, I wonder what
The hardtops arrive (his and hers)!
Before the installation
The big box
Here are all the parts. (The ones on the top aren't needed for the 2003.)
Rubber spacers
Unlatch the top and lower it just past the halfway point
Attach the spacer to the link stopper. (Repeat on the right side.)
Put the top back down.
Door sill trim
Remove the door sill trim. There are three retaining clips per trim. (Repeat on the right side.)
Open the cap on each hook of the roll bar lower trim.
Unscrew the hooks
Take out the hooks
Roll bar lower trim removed. (Repeat on the right side.)
Here's shot of the lower trim (so you can see all the clip locations).
Remove the side trims by unscrewing the bottom screw. (Repeat on the right side.)
Side trim removed.
Plug in the 4-pin subharness connector into the vehicle 4-pin connector.
Wrap one cushion tape around the connector.
Use another cushion tape to secure the subharness to the vehicle body.
Use a hammer and center punch to bend the corner gusset outward until it follows the contour of the convertible top frame. (Repeat on the right side.)
Corner gusset (before)
Corner gusset (after)
Remove 4 bolts
4 bolts removed. (Repeat on the right side.)
Body side catcher and new bolts.
Install the body side catcher with the bolts (not pictured). Then, connect the 2-pin connector from the body side catcher with the hardtop subharness connector.
Attach the upper clip on the wire to the hole in the body.
Attach the connector clip to the body. (It's the orange part that's almost hidden.)
Secure the subharness to the body with the cushion tape. (Repeat on the right side, but there are no wires to connect.)
Rear side trims with new brushes (on top).
Remove two screws and install the new brushes.
Remove the plastic cap from the left rear side trim.
Cap removed.
Route the 3-pin connector/rubber boot through the empty hole in the left rear side trim.
Push the connector into the boot.
Put the door sill trims back.
And the rear side trims.
Hmm, I wonder what
08-03-2006, 03:24 AM
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sterling, VA
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Originally Posted by brunodkid99,Aug 3 2006, 06:34 AM
Nice post. I didn't realized it was that involved. I thought it was something I could put on and take off easily. At least now I know.
