HOW TO: Soft Top Removal
11-19-2013, 12:48 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by dc2s2k03' timestamp='1383286745' post='22856589
[quote name='kidd6454' timestamp='1383078780' post='22852394']
[quote name='Floppy' timestamp='1365032778' post='22449575']
Now, with a small Philips head screwdriver you can remove the screw style grommets from the side panels (pictured below)
Untitled by AZ_Collins, on Flickr
[quote name='Floppy' timestamp='1365032778' post='22449575']
Now, with a small Philips head screwdriver you can remove the screw style grommets from the side panels (pictured below)
Untitled by AZ_Collins, on Flickr
[/quote]
Yeah its those screws that I'm stuck with. Anyone have any suggestions on removing them?
[/quote]
To remove them, you must not apply any pressure on your screwdriver. Be very gentle, they will come out.
So anyway, I finally had the guts this weekend to tackle this job. It took me about 5 hours to completely remove the old softtop/frame.
This DIY is pretty much spot on, except for one thing. You should take the roll hoops out before taking out the side panels. It's easier. And for reinstalling, you need to have them in place before the roll hoops. I had installed the roll hoops and then tried to install the side panels. It was impossible without using excessive force.
11-19-2013, 07:41 AM
#33
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Originally Posted by kidd6454' timestamp='1383356455' post='22858097
[quote name='dc2s2k03' timestamp='1383286745' post='22856589']
[quote name='kidd6454' timestamp='1383078780' post='22852394']
[quote name='Floppy' timestamp='1365032778' post='22449575']
Now, with a small Philips head screwdriver you can remove the screw style grommets from the side panels (pictured below)
Untitled by AZ_Collins, on Flickr
[quote name='kidd6454' timestamp='1383078780' post='22852394']
[quote name='Floppy' timestamp='1365032778' post='22449575']
Now, with a small Philips head screwdriver you can remove the screw style grommets from the side panels (pictured below)
Untitled by AZ_Collins, on Flickr
[/quote]
Yeah its those screws that I'm stuck with. Anyone have any suggestions on removing them?
[/quote]
To remove them, you must not apply any pressure on your screwdriver. Be very gentle, they will come out.
So anyway, I finally had the guts this weekend to tackle this job. It took me about 5 hours to completely remove the old softtop/frame.
This DIY is pretty much spot on, except for one thing. You should take the roll hoops out before taking out the side panels. It's easier. And for reinstalling, you need to have them in place before the roll hoops. I had installed the roll hoops and then tried to install the side panels. It was impossible without using excessive force.
[/quote]
They wouldn't back out without any pressure or with pressure. just spins in place. I guess I'll just have to try and pull the panel out like Ablazejohn
12-13-2013, 07:14 AM
#35
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Thread Starter
Didn't have any problems myself with the order of roll hoop removal and side trim pieces etc as I found that my roll hoop plastics sat underneath everything else... but its good to have the input of others. That's why when the mods locked it I asked them to re-open it again 
If the small plastic screws don't come out then you can use a trim remover tool and prize them out of base as the screw's go into a grommet. If a collar on the grommet snaps then they're peanuts to replace.
If the small plastic screws don't come out then you can use a trim remover tool and prize them out of base as the screw's go into a grommet. If a collar on the grommet snaps then they're peanuts to replace.
04-22-2014, 09:28 PM
#36
Just curious, what is the point of the roof support plates that cover the motors? Do they actually support the roof in some way? They don't really need to be there to protect the motors as when the plastic interior trims panels are in place, those protect/cover the motors, don't they?
10-21-2014, 04:05 PM
#39
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10-22-2014, 04:08 AM
#40
Having done this a few years ago I can concur that it is an absolute pig of a job. I'm 6'1" and trying to get into the boot area to undo those bolts is a complete nightmare. In fact I'm pretty sure doing this job is what triggered my sciatica. This means 6+ months of pain and re-occuring problems! So, if your an old git like me (43 
) I wouldn't even attempt it. Luckily I now have a facelift model so when it comes to getting my roof done it's just going to need a skin rather than replacing the frame and motors. Jack Smiths all the way me thinks..
) I wouldn't even attempt it. Luckily I now have a facelift model so when it comes to getting my roof done it's just going to need a skin rather than replacing the frame and motors. Jack Smiths all the way me thinks..