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E30 Convertible Electronic Top frame vs. Manual Top frame. Swappable?

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    E30 Convertible Electronic Top frame vs. Manual Top frame. Swappable?

    Hi guys!

    I just recently bought a 92 e30, which came with an automatic top that has been converted to manual. Linkages in the tonneau are gone.

    I also own a 89 vert that has a fully manual top.

    I like the top on my 89 better as it seems to be holding up better and I am considering whether it would be possible to swap the entire mechanism including frame onto the 92 vert. Especially since the 92 has a small hole that has been patched, but the patch is coming off. I leave the 89 covered most of the time so I'm thinking of putting the patched top on that one.

    Basically the first question is - are there any differences between the frames on the automatic top e30 vs the manual top e30? Are any of the cross-members in a different place? Are there extra places for the automatic top linkages to attach? Does one fold smaller than the other one?

    The other question is - My automatic top is broken I was told (owner said he pressed and pressed the button, but nothing happened), but I hear the motors spinning. Would that mean the top motor has a broken top piece? I am considering actually repairing the automatic top (given that I can find the linkages) and buying a metal plate over the motor to fix the broken piece. Do you guys recommend this? Will the automatic system work with the manual top frame or do I need to keep the original top frame on it for that? I am leaning toward fixing the automatic - they are really cool!

    Or - should I convert the entire thing to manual - remove the motors, buy the handle, the latches, the cables and convert the entire thing? If I find these parts in a junk yard I will surely buy them.

    Another question - both of my cars have a bit of an issue - the tops do not drop into the tonneau completely so the lids put pressure on them. Is there a way to make the tops fall into the compartment completely so the lid can close without putting pressure on it? I'm mostly worried because the front window seal gets pushed on pretty hard when fully closed. For this reason on the manual top I just latch the safety latch instead of fully pushing it down. On the automatic top - the previous owner actually drilled a hole through it to screw the lid down (it killed me when I saw that....).

    Last question (I promise for now ;)) - what do you guys recommend for fixing that hole on my 92 top? It has a patch of similar material, but the glue has given out and it is peeling off (looks terrible and will probably leak). I'm thinking of getting some new glue, but don't know what to get. I do have some RTV adhesive sealant... maybe that? Also as an aesthetic issue, the part of the top that contacts the tonneau lid when up - the edges of the top are sort of folding up, not nicely tucked around, is there any way to get them to tuck more? Maybe tightening the material under the window?

    Anyway I'm sorry I threw all these questions at you guys, but man they have been revolving in my head and eating at me ever since I bought the 92 vert! Btw it is calypso red and looks fantastic ;). Always wanted a facelift model convertible!

    I hope you guys know some info about this so let me know! Any help is appreciated.
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