Just bought a 1991 Z28 convertible for $3000. Has 39,960 original miles which checked out via autocheck. Problem is either I don't know how to work the convertible top or it just doesn't work. There is a switch in between the power window switches on the center console that I believe would operate the top but when I push it nothing happens. I turned the little handles that lock the top to the windshield frame and nothing. Now I swear i'm not mechanically stupid I just never owned a convertible out of the hundred plus cars I've had in my life, including over a dozen 3rd gens. Please help cause i feel like a moron.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...-you-want.html

See post #2.... If that doesn't open the cover then there should be two looped wires behind the back seat - fold down the back seat and give each wire a light tug to release each side of the cover... Other than that the pic is self explanatory...

Welcome to TGO! Looks like you've got a nice find - put up some more pics!

 

Oh wow I thought it was all automatic. I feel really bright right now. Well at least it's not broken, lol. Thanks alot for your help. I just got the car home tonight so tomorrow I'll put up tons of pics. I was originally going to do the little TLC things and ebay it but the second it got in my driveway that idea went right out the window. If I can get it to look even half as nice as yours then i'll have one hell of ride. Thanks for your help.

 

that switch should pop the tonneau cover open once you lift the back of the top off of it.

 

I definetly think something is wrong. The button still doesn't do anything and I can't get the cover to unlock. I folded down the rear seats and found a cable that connects to a metal handle thats just laying loose on the floor. Looks like it was attached to the cover at some point directly in the center right behind where the top ends. I followed the cable where it goes into the rear interior panel and attaches to a plastic handle that moves horizontally. when i move the plastic handle the cable moves but nothing happens.

 

Alright, First thing you need to do is get the top up like step 5. They way you do that is by the little plastic handle you were talking about and pull up on the top. The rear of the top should be facing up exposing the rear seats.
Now flip the switch and the rear tonneau cover should pop open. Then the cover should be facing up similar to steps 3 and 4. Then put the rear of the top down ( should look like step 4) and unlatch the latches from the windshield and push it up (should look like step 3). Fold the front into the rear of the seat. It should do it very smoothly. Do NOT force anything...

 

Ok i got the top folded up like you said exposing the rear seats. Then I pushed the button and nothing is happening. The T cover appears to be locked and won't release. It's definetly not stuck cause i can wiggle it slightly like a door thats not completly closed. I tried messing with the cable that I mentioned before but nothing. I'm starting to think that maybe the cable isn't attached to locking mechanism that releases the T cover. Any ideas?

 

It may sound weird but try tapping it a little then press the switch. Do you hear a click noise when you hit the switch?

 

If that doesn't open the cover then there should be two looped wires behind the back seat - fold down the back seat and you should see the wires give each wire a light tug to release each side of the cover & bingo!

 

I tapped the switch several times and no luck and no sound what so ever. When I fold down the back seat I see one wire that connects to a metal handle that was once attached to the T cover but now its just laying on the floor loose. The cable goes into the rear interior panel on the drivers side and connects to a black plastic handle that moves side to side. when i move that black plastic handle the steel cable moves but it's not releasing the cover. There is no cable on the passenger side of the car. Do these cables work similar to a door handle that connects to a rod which releases the lock? I'm starting to think the cable itself isn't attached to the locking mechanism. I think tomorrow Ill remove the interior back panels to get a better look at it.

 

That sounds like a good plan... May have to force it open with a BFH

 

These cars won't let you open the tonneau cover while the trunk is open (bad things will happen!) Therefore, they come equiped with a safety switch at the trunk lock mechanism. It looks like a white plunger style switch. If this is missing, misaligned, otherwise malfunctioning, your tonneau release swith will not activate the solenoids to release it. There is also a parking safety switch that, if I remember correctly, will also prevent the release of the cover. Try to check the trunk one first. Even if these don't work, you can do this manually. Look carefully behind the back seat right where the rear seat panels end. They might be hidden by the carpet, but you will see a thin, plastic covered loop wire, one on each side of the car. Pull the wire to release the solenoid. You may have to push down on the cover slightly while pulling on the wire. Once this releases, walk around to the other side of the car and repeat. That should do it. Good luck!

 

BTW, the cable you say is hanging under the cover is used to release the rear bow of the convertible top from the tonneau. It does not release the cover itself.

 

I found the little wire loops and that did the trick. Thanks guys I appreciate it. One other question. When I close the trunk it automatically lowers into place but on the passenger side it lowers it a little too much to the point that the spoiler doesn't line up. Any way of fixing this?