[Cattler]

Ben,

Not a stupid question--I think a lot of these tops are in this condition now. I also converted mine to manual with a Targa latch kit. I prettied up the handles though with rosettes from Ebay. In any case...

In theory, you could insert a slot head screwdriver into the holes in the interior trim on the leading edge of the roof and manually turn the motors. Problem is that its several inches to a very small turning point. Its easier to remove the screws (and sometimes also the hand pulls) from the trim piece and take it out of the way temporarily. You'll then have an easier time working the screwdriver. When you do this for a while, you'll start to keep a rechargable power screwdriver in the glove box. Your wife, kids, etc. will then mock you and the car, and you'll wind up either spending some serious $ to troubleshoot a persnickety system of motors and microswitches, or convert to manual and be done with it.

Its also possible to wire the system to only run the parts that are currently functional in your roof. For example, when I bought my cab, the latch motors worked via the swtich, but the main lower / raise motors were inop. Turned out the PO had worked his own magic with the wiring and microswitches to make that happen, so it was cost prohibitive to put things back to original spec.

Oh, by the way, if the problem is with your main lift / lower motors, you can access them by removing the circular plastic cover pieces in the rear interior side panels. You'll just loosen the two main bolts and then you can safely lower the roof by hand without stressing the motors or potentially cracking the roof frame.

Most important thing to remember is under no circumstances force the roof frame to move if its stuck, frozen in place, or otherwise doesn't want to move for you. Always take the time to figure out why it won't move. The frame pieces are a bit fragile, expensive, and hard to find--even from a dismantler.

Any other questions, feel free to send me a note or PM.

David