Hardtop Install. What's Needed???
10-05-2007, 05:36 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hardtop Install. What's Needed???
Hello, I have found a hardtop for my car, but the seller does not have the tools or other parts needed for a install. Can you please tell me exactly what I will need for the complete install and where I can get the parts and tools other than the steelership if possible?
Many Thanks, Russ
Many Thanks, Russ
10-05-2007, 06:11 PM
#2
Advanced
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Anaheim
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
all you need is 2 people to put it on, and then there is that tool big allen wrench to secure the back parts. I think I may have an extra one if you need it. Should have the process in the instruction manuel also.
10-05-2007, 06:13 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Russ, you do need an Allen wrench style tool to lock down the hardtop to the car body, but if you do a quick "Search" you will see that others have used an ordinary Allen wrench (don't remember the correct size) to do the same job. The hardtop should also come with a plastic cover covering the front hinch when the hardtop is on, if not you will see the exposed attachment hook from the car to the hardtop. That's all, I think... Good luck.
10-05-2007, 07:39 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
You have probably already done this but:
1. Make sure that your car has the hardtop locks installed on the roll bar assembly. 03 and later cars did not have them installed unless the car was ordered from the factory with a hardtop.
2. If you do have the locks installed, make sure they are the same type as on the hardtop. There was a production change on the attachment hardware in the mid-04 time frame. Early cars have a twist-pin arrangement, and later cars had a screw/breechlock mechanism.
Both use a similar hex head wrench, but the early ones have a red handle and the newer ones have a black handle. The new locks keep the top from rattling around, and are available as a retrofit kit.
Here is a more detailed description of the different types of locks.
Hope this helps.
2. If you do have the locks installed, make sure they are the same type as on the hardtop. There was a production change on the attachment hardware in the mid-04 time frame. Early cars have a twist-pin arrangement, and later cars had a screw/breechlock mechanism.
Both use a similar hex head wrench, but the early ones have a red handle and the newer ones have a black handle. The new locks keep the top from rattling around, and are available as a retrofit kit.
Here is a more detailed description of the different types of locks.
Hope this helps.
10-05-2007, 07:41 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Russcan, the hardtop is very well made, only weighs 71 Lbs !!
As long as the gaskets are all in good condition, the seal is perfect and the car will seem quieter also.
I did not have the original allen key tool when I bought the car, but although I can't remember the size, it isn't anything special and yuo'll find a suitable one at most hardware stores.
It only takes a quarter turn to lock and make sure the indicated marks line up to "locked" position.
You absolutely need 2 people to install/remove and when installing, insert the front first and lower the rear pegs on the hardtop into the 2 holes slowly to be sure that you are lining up(remove the plastic caps that cover the holes first!!)
As long as the gaskets are all in good condition, the seal is perfect and the car will seem quieter also.
I did not have the original allen key tool when I bought the car, but although I can't remember the size, it isn't anything special and yuo'll find a suitable one at most hardware stores.
It only takes a quarter turn to lock and make sure the indicated marks line up to "locked" position.
You absolutely need 2 people to install/remove and when installing, insert the front first and lower the rear pegs on the hardtop into the 2 holes slowly to be sure that you are lining up(remove the plastic caps that cover the holes first!!)
10-25-2007, 06:52 AM
#6
Advanced
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Melbourne, Florida
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just picked up a hardtop (garage sale) but the rear window seal is loose on one side and it rattles. How is the glasss secured in the hardtop frame? is it just held in with the H seal or is there attach hardware underneath the seal somewhere that has come loose?
10-25-2007, 07:34 AM
#7
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is also a plastic cover that goes over the front manual latching mechanism after the top is on. I bought a hoist to store the top over my car this spring. I have hopes that I can reattach it without needing another person.
Trending Topics
10-25-2007, 09:06 AM
#8
Racer
Hey Russ,
I was going to reply but it seems that the case is solved. I do have a question for you. How did you resize your picture for your avatar? I have a few nice pics but cannot get them to the size required. Your's looks awesome. thanks,
Andy T
I was going to reply but it seems that the case is solved. I do have a question for you. How did you resize your picture for your avatar? I have a few nice pics but cannot get them to the size required. Your's looks awesome. thanks,
Andy T
10-25-2007, 10:22 AM
#9
My $0.02. You don't need to order the special tool. IIRC it's around $20. Just use an allen/hex wrench. The only difference is that the special tool has a flat plastic end to aid in prying off the plastic cover. A screwdriver or butter knife works just as well.
11-28-2007, 11:53 PM
#10
3rd Gear
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please help!!
1. Make sure that your car has the hardtop locks installed on the roll bar assembly. 03 and later cars did not have them installed unless the car was ordered from the factory with a hardtop.
2. If you do have the locks installed, make sure they are the same type as on the hardtop. There was a production change on the attachment hardware in the mid-04 time frame. Early cars have a twist-pin arrangement, and later cars had a screw/breechlock mechanism.
Both use a similar hex head wrench, but the early ones have a red handle and the newer ones have a black handle. The new locks keep the top from rattling around, and are available as a retrofit kit.
Here is a more detailed description of the different types of locks.
Hope this helps.
2. If you do have the locks installed, make sure they are the same type as on the hardtop. There was a production change on the attachment hardware in the mid-04 time frame. Early cars have a twist-pin arrangement, and later cars had a screw/breechlock mechanism.
Both use a similar hex head wrench, but the early ones have a red handle and the newer ones have a black handle. The new locks keep the top from rattling around, and are available as a retrofit kit.
Here is a more detailed description of the different types of locks.
Hope this helps.
Please help!!
Here is a picture of the pins below my top.
11-29-2007, 01:29 AM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Sent you an email with the gory details. Sorry, I did not realize that you had to be a member of RennTech.org (a good idea to do, I might say.) to see the TSB on hardtops. Here is a picture of the different types of hardtop receivers that will need to be installed on your car. The one on the left is the new type and the other is the old type.
