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top removing PIA

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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 03:35 PM
  #1  
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Default top removing PIA

Is there a quick release system of some kind for C4 tops that still hold well?
What a PIA to remove the top - great for tennis elbow.......I want to be able to twist a couple of times, then be down the road - anyone have a solution to this universal problem?
TIA,
Tulsa Mike :banghead:
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:00 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

Yea, they are a PITA to remove and reinstall. However, they are an important part of the structure of the car. You’ll notice how the body will flex more with the top off. Did you ever try to install in when the car is not sitting level. :cuss :banghead:
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:15 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (HG)

Yup- noticably looser car with out the top - butt summer is almost here.....
I am just looking for something that is easier to deal with but will still fasten securely - gotta be a way -with the labor intense current method, some entrepreneur has to have come up with something for this - like tooling pins long enough and snug to be secure, but easily removable...hmmmmm.......
Its the back ones that are tough - maybe get a drill bit to fit and carry a rechargeable around - just wondering if there are some other ways or ideas out there...
Tulsa Mike :confused:
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:28 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

maybe get a drill bit to fit and carry a rechargeable around
Mid America sells that. Power Targa Top Wrench

This is the easiest way I've heard of.
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:44 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (War Machine)

what size is the torx bit? I guess Sears would have them to go in a drill...
Any idea as to the size?
T.M.
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:49 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

My bolts are a T-40.
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:50 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

T40
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 04:51 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (GhosTRydeR_92)

Thanks guys- its off to sears for me - glad we talked about this!!!!!
T.M.
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 08:22 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

labor intense current method
Sorry, but I just find it funny when people complain about removing the targa. It takes 3 minutes, lol. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 08:29 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (HG)

Yea, they are a PITA to remove and reinstall. However, they are an important part of the structure of the car. YouÂ’ll notice how the body will flex more with the top off. Did you ever try to install in when the car is not sitting level. :cuss :banghead:
YES, unfortunately, I have!!!!!!! I wrestled with it for an hour, before I finally moved the car over, so someone could pull in the driveway. Well, where I parked was perfectly level, and boom, on it went :banghead:
There's a member (atotalnincompoop) that is working on a quick release mechanism for our tops - I'll be one of the first in line when it's done :cheers:
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 11:37 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (JCAIRE2)

It takes 3 minutes, lol
Three minutes or less. Mine comes off every evening during the summer. The problem I have is that it takes most of the grocery-getting space.
:steering: :steering:
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Old Mar 9, 2004 | 06:30 AM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (TulsaMike)

I guess I am lucky. My top fits very well and comes off and on with no problem. I have never had it take more than just a couple of minutes to either install or remove. The only problem I've had is burning my hand on it after it's been in the sun for too long.
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Old Mar 9, 2004 | 08:59 AM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (joecaver)

I carry a beach towel in the car & throw it over the top when I'm removing it.
Keeps the hands from burning.
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Old Mar 9, 2004 | 08:21 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (Jbaker)

There's a member (atotalnincompoop) that is working on a quick release mechanism for our tops - I'll be one of the first in line when it's done :cheers:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=740964
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 08:49 AM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (vette92_1)

Last night I shot a little liquid silicone on all the bolt holes and used a power screw driver, and man it was fast!! No wonder it took so long before - the bolts were slow an long -I managed to put a small scratch on my top bar this time though - normally very careful - really made me sick......
Best,
Tulsa Mike :thumbs:
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 12:28 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (vette92_1)

There's a member (atotalnincompoop) that is working on a quick release mechanism for our tops - I'll be one of the first in line when it's done :cheers:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=740964
:iagree: i can't wait to see the finished product
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 02:44 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (JCAIRE2)

Sorry, but I just find it funny when people complain about removing the targa. It takes 3 minutes, lol. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:withstupid:
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 04:46 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (corvettemaster)

There's a member (atotalnincompoop) that is working on a quick release mechanism for our tops - I'll be one of the first in line when it's done :cheers:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=740964
:iagree: i can't wait to see the finished product
:chevy :chevy :chevy :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :chevy :chevy :chevy
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 04:59 PM
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Default Re: top removing PIA

The top is very easy to take on and off. You're all just idiots.... :smash: :jester

How can you all complain about a few screws in the top, yet change out your own battery, plugs, wires, water pump, fuel pump, dashboard...with no problem?? :p:
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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 08:36 AM
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Default Re: top removing PIA (JSA 007)

It is a question of time and agenda- when you get off work and all of a sudden it is sunny and nice, after being cold for so long, and you want to take the top off, it is more cumbersome to deal with in the parking lot with slacks on, than if you had *planned* to change your battery, or oil, you are in the garage for that purpose and dressed and prepared for it. Mine was kinda tough until I sprayed the silicone on the threads--way easier, and way quicker if at home with the speed wrench. Before, every turn of the wrench was resistant, and my buddy next to me in his Lexus sc 430 puching a button while his hardtop folded down as I crank away for a few minutes...
Not that big a deal, but any improvement to the system is welcome. I build cusom Harleys for a a hobby (30 years) so wrenching is not the issue- convenience and situation is.
Tulsa Mike
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