Paging all convertible owners....

[Cabriolet]

i <3 the power top. save the stuff bc someday u will want it back. its so nice to put it up and down at a street light.

[Turf1600]

Conclusion:I'm going to put an auto top on my auto frame and disregard the motors. It looks like I've sourced latches and handles and stuff - so now I just need to get to work.

[Turf1600]

Toneau cover latch mechanism. Handle, cables, and latches. Took me about 45 minutes to install and align for proper lock engagement.

Did you buy new or find a parts car?

[reelizmpro]

Toneau cover latch mechanism. Handle, cables, and latches. Took me about 45 minutes to install and align for proper lock engagement.

I'm curious about this. The previous owner took most of the power system out. I have to do everything manually now. I need a latching mechanism to hold down the stowage cover.

[NuthinFancy]

I thought it was goin to be one huge vert picture thread lol ... good luck with ur project bro...

[CorvallisBMW]

What $20 in parts?

Toneau cover latch mechanism. Handle, cables, and latches. Took me about 45 minutes to install and align for proper lock engagement.

[Turf1600]

Yep. Expect at least $1500 to make it work properly.

I converted to manual for $20 in parts, then sold my motors on eBay for $850 :)

What $20 in parts?

[CorvallisBMW]

the hardest part is trying to get the main drive in good condition most break. and it is $702. for it on pelican. thats not even the motor. and get the new rods, most pull rods bend over time.

Yep. Expect at least $1500 to make it work properly.

I converted to manual for $20 in parts, then sold my motors on eBay for $850 :)

[Cabriolet]

Pic1 is the part of the drive that breaks. pic4 is the lever that lifts the back half of the top, and the other part that shears off. Pics 2/3 are the linkage.

[Cabriolet]

the hardest part is trying to get the main drive in good condition most break. and it is $702. for it on pelican. thats not even the motor. and get the new rods, most pull rods bend over time.

[Turf1600]

new motors and rods is about $1900

I guess I should have been more clear - I'm going to source "new to me" motors and rods...

[Cabriolet]

Good to know. I think I'm just going to source new motors/rods.

new motors and rods is about $1900

[Turf1600]

All the wiring is there just coiled up in the trunk I think. And both motors were pulled by the PO. He gave them to me but they were busted and leaking fluid so I tossed them. I was gonna put in all the manual top and cover stuff but never got to it.

Good to know. I think I'm just going to source new motors/rods.

[Miasma]

All the wiring is there just coiled up in the trunk I think. And both motors were pulled by the PO. He gave them to me but they were busted and leaking fluid so I tossed them. I was gonna put in all the manual top and cover stuff but never got to it.

[Turf1600]

The wiring is all plug-and-play IIRC, nothing too fancy there. If your car came with a power top the wiring harness is already there and it all just plugs in. But their is a small (yet significant) difference between the frames. The power frames have an extra arm attached to the passenger's side hinging mechanism that the motor pushes on to lower/raise the top. Manual tops do not have this and I'm 99% sure it can't be retrofitted, It's actually welded in their and uses a heim (sp?) joint.

So question - why convert to a manual frame? If my motors are gone I pretty much have everything I need plus some extra functionality, right?