how do i put the top down?!?!?!
 

Greetings everyone.
I came across a mint 1989 convertible here in Lima Peru, South America. The car yard is wanting $14,000 US dollars and I'm thinking seriously about buying it and eventually taking it with me when I rotate back to the US or Australia. The only question I have at this moment, is how do I put the top down. The owner's manual is missing and the car yard owner (actually a friend of mine) doesn't know. We unlocked the top from the windshield, but that's as far as we got. We tried gently to collapse the top manually, but it appeared that there must be a mechanism to collapse the top. There's a button in the center console that we clicked half a dozen times, but apart from hearing a solenoid activate, we weren't sure whether this was part of the top retraction mechanism.

Appreciate whatever the group can offer a would-be owner on probably the most unusual of questions, plus any tips or specific parts of the car that I should check out before I buy.

best regards,

Tony.

A C4 owner will know..Unless it's the same method you'd use to put a c5 top down,I don't know.. Welcome to the Corvette Forum..

:iagree:

Welcome to the Forum! :seeya

You posted in the C5 General Forum which is for model years 1997 through 2004. Model year 1989 is part of the C4 generation and the folks in the C4 General Discussion Forum can best help you with this.

Good luck! :yesnod:

:iagree: :thumbs:

:lol:

I assume you're talking about a 98 C5 - the button in the center console is the gas tank release (C4 didn't have that). To put down top, push the button under the lid behind the drivers seat, unlatch the two front holddowns, pick up front and rear of top at same time, then open rear hatch, put top in and your set. When you do it once it will all be more clear - good luck -

On the C4 you have to release the bottom of the top from the rear hatch before you can raise the rear hatch to lower the top. This is done by moving a lever that is located on the underside of the rear hatch in the middle. So unlatch the top, move the release lever from the underside of the rear hatch, lift the bottom part of the top from the rear hatch, push the buttom in the console (or one of the ones on the door jam) to release the rear hatch. Lift the rear hatch and then fold the top into the rear compartment. Then shut the rear hatch.

I hope he is talking about a 98 C5. Because he is considering paying 14K for it. Maybe not, but seems a little steep for an 89 C4. :eek:

i bought an 87 vert C4 for $7,800 about 2 years ago, and it was in nice shape...

If he's paying $14,000 American for a 98 he better snap it up! :yesnod:

Thanks
 

Thanks team. I'll go out there today and have a second look. Thanks also for your thoughts on the cost. I'll take a photo.

thanks again for your help.

Tony

I just bought a 90 convertible for 7200, and it too was in great shape

If it's an '89 vert in Excellent shape with low mileage it could be worth upward of that price; if in Average shape, the price is high.

You guys didn't read the thread, he is in SOUTH AMERICA. Corvettes generally go for alot more out of the country.

No I read the thread. 14K is a lot of money in South America. Maybe he will repost and tell us. :)

:iagree:
Most people's income level there is very low. The same for pretty much all of Latin America. I visited a total of 8 countries in South America. Lima, Peru was just one of the many places I spent some time in. The majority of the people in these countries have very little income and to which $14K is a fortune. I never saw a single Vette in any of these counties, not one.

If it's an 89:

1. Reach between the two seats and move that metal lever on the top of the rear cargo area to the side. The top should pop up in the back.

2. Lift the back of the top up, and press that release button you pressed before. There is also one on the end of either door when you open it. The rear deck lid should pop loose. Lift it up all the way. Let the back of the top go back down.

3. Release the two locking levers above the windshiled from the inside of the car.

4. Manually fold the top back into the rear cargo area from the side of the car, close the locking levers back, and shut the deck lid.


BTW, the women are incredible there in Lima. And if you have a Vette there you'll pull some major you know what. Had a blast there with a very attractive Peruvian brunette I met there in the Miraflores area.

He said 89 Roadster.
:D

I lived in Central and South America for close to 3 years in the late 90's. I did not see a vette anywhere either. Actually I have contemplated moving back, maybe Uruguay. Wonderful place especially Montevideo. Buenos Aries was also a little slice of paradise. I could live like a King on my retirement there. Only thing holding me back is leaving my kids. :(

Women are incredible there. You could definitely have some fun with a vette down there. :cheers:

I sold my 1988 Triple Black for $10,700 in February of all months. It was in very good condition with 81,000 miles. The C4's are just like the C5's in regards to the price. The excellent, well kept ones with lower miles are going to fetch more money then one that has been beat up and not taken care of. The convertibles will always fetch more money then coupes.