2 Questions For Those Who Have Removed The Whole Top---Frame And All

[Dragonwing]

We had wind here last night. My friend's '82 was parked outside. Tree decided to shed a limb right on top of the car. Ruined the top and crushed the frame (No, no comprehensive. Don't ask why.). He knows where there is a complete wrecked '88 with a good top and frame for cheap. Since he's a mechanical nitwit, I've been elected to retrieve it. Here are the questions:

(1) Will the '88 top--frame and all--fit onto the '82?

(2) For those who have done the swap, know that I'm not inclined to be dragging a bunch of tools to the site of the donor car. The have a tendency to disappear. What are the fewest tools needed to remove the top and frame as a unit. I'm thinking a wrench or wrenches to unbolt the frame from the rear. (what kind and what size?) and a wrench to loosen and remove the rear cable assembly from the body (same questions).

Thanks in advance for your well-thought-out replies.

DW

[kamzcab86]

(1) Will the '88 top--frame and all--fit onto the '82?

Yes.

http://www.cabby-info.com/Files/FrameRemoval.pdf

[backinthegame]

13mm socket (for strut hinges), 10mm socket (for rear window strap bolts), 10mm wrench (for rear cable unless you just cut it. a gear wrench will help tons) 5mm open end wrench (to hold the rear cable unless you just want to cut it), 17mm socket (for top hinges), flathead screwdricer (to remove strut retainers) phillips head screwdriver (for defroster ground and cap snaps).

[Dragonwing]

That's what I was looking for! Thanks--as usual, you've saved me from what could have turned into a colossal headache.


DW

[1956dub]

13mm socket (for strut hinges), 10mm socket (for rear window strap bolts), 10mm wrench (for rear cable unless you just cut it. a gear wrench will help tons) 5mm open end wrench (to hold the rear cable unless you just want to cut it), 17mm socket (for top hinges), flathead screwdricer (to remove strut retainers) phillips head screwdriver (for defroster ground and cap snaps).

This forum kicks a$$!!!

[backinthegame]

I would bring a 15mm socket as well. Upon rethinking, the top hinges may have been 15mm.

[egranlund]

Also, make sure to be careful with the hinges that attach to the parcel shelf after you have removed the top. They are very sharp and will rip a nice hole into the headliner of the new(er) top. I learned this one the hard way.

[Dragonwing]

Alas! The whole thing was but an exercise in futility. This so-called 'perfect' top had the misfortune of having someone toss a tire iron directly through the center of the whole assembly. Why do people have to be such dopes?

DW

[egranlund]

Happened to me more than once when I was looking for a new top for my car...

If the frame is still good it may be worth it to still take it and have a new top put on it...

[sehaare]

Happened to me more than once when I was looking for a new top for my car...

If the frame is still good it may be worth it to still take it and have a new top put on it...

X2 - grab the frame that will be harder to get then the rest of the top.

[gtidaddy]

if there was an easy way to ship tops i have 4 sitting on a shelf

[Dinobeavis]

Like they said ^^. I pulled a top last year from a yard just for all the seals. The frame and the seals are pretty hard to come by, but tops, pads and headliners are all over the place new.
Also, I agree with the junk yard etiquette....I: take what I need and leave the rest reassembled within reason; never wipe my greasy paws on interior stuff; never break things as a shortcut to get what I need; never leave trunks and doors and windows and tops that can be closed open; almost always leave a damn wrench or screwdriver or pliers in a car and have to drive ALL THE WAY BACK to get it.