Auto and Manual Vert Tops Interchangeable?

[Schnitzer318is]

I have a 92 Alpine vert with the power top. Bought it with the top motor dropped down (so it doesn't engage) but the tonneau cover is still powered.

My question... can I buy a manual top (I like the larger rear window) and install it, frame and all. Then still operate it as I do currently? Fold the top up and down manually and just use the electrics to open and close the tonneau cover?

Thanks for any info.

[6erwebb]

Hmm Ive been thinking about this as well as Im in the market for a vert but dont want an auto top. And of course the auto ones keep popping up at nothing prices...

[Schnitzer318is]

^The auto ones can be converted to manual pretty easily... minus the rear tonneau cover. I prefer that be the only powered portion of the top though.

I was wondering if the manual top frame could bolt in to a car that originally had the power frame. It's moot now though as I am just going to buy a new top for my current frame.

[robrez]

I was wondering if the manual top frame could bolt in to a car that originally had the power frame. It's moot now though as I am just going to buy a new top for my current frame.

I still want to know

[e30rapidic]

one day i'd like to try and convert my '87 to power.

[IronmanE30]

I still want to know

I have both here out of the cars if you want to compare them and I have talked to people that have successfully changed their electric top to manual but you need all the other parts to make the tonneau cover manual as well. It seems to me that it would be more difficult to keep the tonneau cover electric with a manual top because the car looks at the sensors in the electric top to make sure the time is right to open and close the tonneau cover.

Cheers,

Jim