Convertible top, need advise how to open

[Porschenatic]

Stopped working on 1988 cab, how I can open it manually ? Unfortunately don't have owners manual. Pls help.

[david482]

Similar issues on my 89. Near the rear speakers there is a plastic cap that can be removed. You can then Losen the bolts holding the motor to the top, one on each side. Once they are lose and removed from the motor you can manually operate the top. Single bar goes from the gear to the top. I can try and get some pictures if needed.

[Porschenatic]

I loosened the bolts but can't unlatch the top from the windshield part

[david482]

I was still able to use the power to unlock the top. If that is not working there are a couple of caps on the top above the winshield. Once those are removed there are 2 locks that can be opened I think there is a tool wits the car but it may just be an Allen wrench that is needed.

[Cattler]

Actually a slot head screwdriver.

You can either slide it into the rosettes in the interior leading edge of the roof (they're labeled), into the slots in the end of each motor, and turn (forever) to manually move the motor in the necessary direction.

Or, you can remove the interior panel by removing the handgrips and then a few screws to remove the panel. Then it'll be easier to see the motors and work the screwdriver.

Before I converted my roof to manual, I had to do this a lot. Often used a portable rechargeable screwdriver to make it faster.

Best,
Dave

[megerian]

It would be helpful to state what led up to it no longer working.

For instance, there is a cutoff switch behind the right speaker panel that shuts off all power to the top. Just releasing that switch can get everything moving again, it happened to me.

So was it working fine, then all of a sudden stopped? Do you hear anything clicking when you press the rocker switch?

[megerian]

Also, while the top is still closed, I would retighten the two large rear bolts that you loosened up. Since you still have a chance that its just a power issue, you might as well leave them tightened until you are absolutely sure. Otherwise you'll have to realign things when you get it working again.

Here is a link to the trouble shooting I did recently for a cab top issue:

1988 cabriolet top closing problems

[douglas bray]

Y'all make me really glad my '88 was ordered with a manual top. Would not want to deal with all of that.

[Autoban]

Originally Posted by Porschenatic

Stopped working on 1988 cab, how I can open it manually ? Unfortunately don't have owners manual. Pls help.

The top on my '86 is manual, but I downloaded the owners manual and a manual on how to adjust the auto top. PM me your E-mail and I will E-mail it to you. It will be two E-mails since the one file is over 9 MB and the other over 12 MB.

Juergen

[reachme]

there are a couple "safety" items in operating the top on an 88 and it is very helpful to commit them to memory if you use a power top. You must be on level ground, sitting flat in the drivers seat flat, key turned to position 1, parking brake on, then rock the switch to put up/down.

I have done this reaching out passenger window from driver seat-it will not work you must be flat. Car was on a bit of an incline and it started raining-didn't work because you cannot put the top up unless car is level. Must be a series of mercury switches in the seat designed to ensure complete compliance to these rules.

It will work if maintained and operated properly it's just. . .precise.

[Cattler]

Originally Posted by megerian

Also, while the top is still closed, I would retighten the two large rear bolts that you loosened up. Since you still have a chance that its just a power issue, you might as well leave them tightened until you are absolutely sure. Otherwise you'll have to realign things when you get it working again.

Here is a link to the trouble shooting I did recently for a cab top issue:

1988 cabriolet top closing problems

Be careful with those bolts! If you attempt to move the top manually with them locked down you're taking a chance on breaking some parts.

Best,
Dave