Anyone have insight into how to remove the convertible top. I have an '88 H&E parts car. Guessing it is not identical to the factory models from '89+ but probably similar. Several of us tried for two hours last week with no joy. Bolts and screws won't budge. It's like they are epoxied in or something.
Should I cut them off? cut thru the metal plating?

 

The thing is, yours is that Hess type thang.

But I remember this (all from memory, 3years ago, when the car was COMPLETELY new to me). There was a cable that tied in on both sides of the car just behind the pilar of the doors and the frameout for the rear windows. On my car, loosening the tensioners (fairly long threaded bolts inserted thru a fitting attached to that cable) when undone allowed the cable and the rear most section of the canvas top to easily pull out of a "lip" that ran with the curve just over the boot lid. From there, with the canvas pushed into the cabin area, lots of the frame that bolts into the body of the car became exposed and accessable...

Honestly, that's all I got. I never went much further than that with the framework of the top on my car - plus, yours is a different make and configuration I'd imagine.

I would love to see a few pictures.

 

Jay,

We saw that cable. Okay, I'll start there. Makes sense, hopefully that does the trick. Pictures I can do easy. I've learned tons by taking this beast apart. Thx

 

Hi Brad.
Sorry for the long idle, I'll write a PM.
All you need is to get under the inner cover above the inside of the car at the back.



Under cover, 3-4 screws will be visible from the inside, which holds the roof in place. Don't cut the chrome bar, it's useless !!!

Then you need to unscrew the pistons from the tilting mechanism, otherwise you will not get to the screws that hold the mechanism.
Unscrew the left and right sides and the roof will go down completely.
There is no need to remove the cables from the roof.




But it is two man work.

 

Hi guys, I also need to replace my Hess top. Can you help with some more insights please. Thanks Dorin

 

Please provide additional detail on what you need to know. We'll be glad to help

 

Hi, I have a new top as old need replacement.Would need to take the old glass and attach in the new top.

Would like to know more on removing the old top and installing the new one.

- Where to start.
- Do I need to remove the stainless trim in the back and if yes how.
- Photos if you have
- any special tools that would help.

Thanks a lot

 

you are going to have to remove the entire frame. there are large bolts on the side as the main connecting points. Also remove the hydraulic pistons. Probably best to replace them given their age. There are small screws on the underside of the chrome trim around the body lip. Phillips head I think. Probably at least a couple are rusty. Lots of Break Free and amy a drill will be needed. Once the frame is out you will be able to remove the top.
No special tools needed. Just a socket set and a box wrenches should be enough. for the bolts. A small phillips screw driver and maybe a drill for the chrome trim screws.

PS......make sure to unscrew the black ground wire from the back window to the body. Disconnect the power wire for the rear window defroster as well.