We can keep it within the thread as i don't think ill be much more help than what is communicated here. You can find the manual here and start on page 20-57. The rivets are within the picture but you cannot see the other end. They are the two holes on the top of the pic on the left and right side. And yes the back of the window is the bottom of the pic.

https://www.s2000.club/OM/2000-08%20...S2000%20SM.pdf

 

It looks like the rivets are in the top and create sort of a “well” that something from the latch fits into? I would ask more questions, but should probably access the manual pages that you sent. My last question, for now anyway, is “What holds the latches on?” I must admit that I have not investigated this too closely as I am hesitant to do any of this as I was hoping that my dent guy would be able to repair it from the outside, making this unnecessary. It is my goal to get this taken care of in the possible way without being annoying to those willing to help. Your time and advice are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

The hardtop latches are held on by two bolts that go into the threaded rivets

 

That seems not very solid! Simply lay on them with a socket wrench until they break loose? I think I read that they recommend putting some kind of anti-seize on the bolts when reassembling, so I assume that they did at manufacture. I can see why you mentioned being careful, but this seems certain to fail. Not at all comfortable with this. Uggh…

 

Did you find it necessary to remove the B-pillar trim to get the liner out?
I just want to get as much info as possible before attempting this. Thank you for your help.


QUOTE=Cade;25084986]The hardtop latches are held on by two bolts that go into the threaded rivets[/QUOTE]

 

I dont recall but based on the picture, it looks like i was able to do it without removing it. But the manual says to remove it

 

That’s what it looks like to me, too. I just wanted to check with you to see if I was seeing it correctly. I wondered, as the manual directs that they be removed, like you said. Obviously, I’d prefer to not take them out if it’s not necessary to do so.

Also, did the liner slide “hard” once you got it unobstructed? And it looks as if it’s less than an inch until the brackets arrive at their “release points”. I do not want to over-pull, either effort- or distance-wise, and bend/crease the liner or break any of the brackets.

Back to the rivet(s): the photo shows only two rivets- one left, one right- while the latches are shown to have two bolts, each. Where do the second bolts in each latch anchor?

You’ve been very generous with your advice and I thank you. It goes a long way to settle my nerves. I’m good with tools and this sort of thing, but quite anxious as I’ve never seen this done and I understand that some parts of this can be delicate, and with my need to do this correctly/perfectly and the cost/value to be lost with a screwup, I’m naturally quite anxious.

Thanks, Cade

 

I think once you have the hardtop it will be a lot easier to see things. There are two rivets on both sides, just hard to see. It took a bit of effort to slide it out from what i recall.

 

Cade! I’ve begun the disassembly of the top to allow removal of the liner. I removed the B-pillars (yes, they need to come out!) and started on the latches. Only one of the four bolts came loose under reasonable torque. I am afraid to torque further as I’m worried about inflicting the damage that you mentioned to the rivets into which they thread. Your suggestions, please.

 

Unfortunately i do not have any suggestions for that. I just took them out and replaced the ones that broke.