My mothers 88 IROC was stolen a while back.. but thank the lord it was recovered intact with only some body damage and some things stolen from within the vehicle.. like the owners manual. The reason for this post is because one of the things that was broken was the top latch thing that's in the back seat driver side just above the speaker... you convertible guys know what im talking about. Its a square loop plastic part that slides forward during the process of putting the top down. Anyway, the bamma who stole my mothers car, and keep in mind took the manual for the car, BROKE that part off!! All that's left is the black square part that the handle thing slides in.

My question, does this NEED to be fixed, or can I still take the top down and "Jerry Rigg" something... or do I need to replace this part.. and if so, where can I get it? Any one of you guys have a parts car that they can sell me that part off of?

Anyway, ANY HELP is appreciated, and I can post PICS if you guys aren't sure what Im talking about.

 

That year is different then mine, and I know some of that stuff changed.

It always helps to post pics, so I would go ahead n do that for us.

 

I agree, and thanks for the tip. This isnt my Mothers, but in this picture you can see the part I need. Its that long lever slide box thing on the drivers side just above where the speaker is and to the left. In this picture you can see the square part Im talking about.



My Mothers is missing just the Handle part that slides forward. Anyone know where I can find one? Or even better, how needed this part really is? She has since never put the top down because she doesnt know if it would then be stuck without that part.

 

That slide controls the latch release for the rag top's center post which located is just below the rear window. You side it to the rear to release, forward to engage.

The only time you will need to use it is when you want to lift the top and stow it. My advise is to see if the slide still works. To do this, release the two rag top latches at the top of the windshield, this will remove tension from the rag top. Now, push the latch slide to the rear, put your hand under the rag top, near the rear window and lift. See if you can get the center post to release. If it does, then move the latch slide to the front and slam the rear window part of the top down. If you can latch and un-latch the rear post than you have no worries. Make sense?

 

Now we are getting somewhere!! Thanks for the reply and info.

I would try your idea but first what's broken/missing is the actual slide part that you move forward and back. The long plastic rectangle housing is still intact but the pull latch that your telling me to slide is MIA. Not to mention, worst case scenario I can get it tucked away but then cant get it back out.. Mom doesn't have a garage.

If I look at the housing I can see where it would have gone into the back of the housing but I don't se any way of taking it apart to pull on parts behind it. Do you think maybe if I pull the rear seat down I could push/pull on something from inside the car?

Better yet, anyone have a FSM on how this works.. Hell, I could make something for it if I knew how it all works without just going in blind and pulling my moms car apart.

 

if her car still has the latch stuff and not the handle either just push the rod back and don't worry about it or put the rear seat down and remove the clip on the rear pin and the pin on the rear of the convertible top frame wrap the end of that in electrical tape just a little bigger than the hole it goes into. that was how mine was when I bought it but I have since then found all of the other stuff to put back to normal. pm if you need any help.

 

Actually thanks to all the info you guys have givin me I was able to pull the rear seats down, move the latch that holds the back of the top down by hand and BINGO! Its been so long since it was put down that the plastic back window cracked a little, but some clear box tap worked as a temp. fix for that.

What's your opinion guys, get a whole new top or just replace the plastic window? Her car could use a new top since the one on her vehicle is the original and some of the edges have come apart on the canvas. Also, how hard is it to replace if I go that route?

Thanks again! You guys are awesome!

 

Trust me, she wants to replace the whole top!
I had the window replaced on mine once and it was a waste of money. I since replaced the whole top and was much happier with that.

Board sponsor Hawks has tops:
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...PROD&ProdID=35

and

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...PROD&ProdID=32


BTW, they also have the release mechanism that was broken in your car
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...PROD&ProdID=16



Ken

 

actually here is a link to where I got mine. better prices and I am pretty sure they are from the same manufacturer.
http://www.topsonline.com/index.php?CarmodelID=112
also if it needs new pads or cables they have them. also you can get a glass rear window if you want it I stayed with plastic window to keep it original (like it matters now that I am installing a bowtie block motor and turbo 400 ) but you have the option. go with the canvas top though the vinyl doesn't look good in my opinion. hope it helps.

 

You guys are awesome!! Thanks also for the links Ken and jstoltz!! It would make one HELL of a mothers day gift. Just wondering what I would need to put the new top on.. I figure its not rocket science but it will be a task I have yet to do. Is this a pretty straight forward job of unbolt old one, bolt on new one, or is it like replacing carpet where you need to cut holes and such?

Edit:

Looked at this thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...placement.html

I think I might be able to do this but not 100% confident. Anyone in the Maryland (Rockville/Bethesda) area with experience in doing this? Also, how much does a place charge for this job? Im guessing a few hundred bucks.

 

if you want to do it yourself you will need an air powered stapler and some weldwood contact cement, acetone and some spring clips oh yeah and PLENTY of PATIENCE to get a good fit. or if you choose to let someone else do it it is normally around $250-$300 to get it installed definitely check around and try to get the best price but make sure it is a reputable shop doing it. It definitely isn't rocket science but once you screw it up you are out at least $200-400 so it's your call. If it was me set aside a whole day to do it and take your time through all of it. make sure you pay attention how all of it went on when you take it off. take pics if you need to. Hope this helps if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

Thanks for the help once again.. I guess we shall see with available funds in the near future.

 

Fakebacon, sent u a PM...