Question: One Guy Top Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 239
Likes: 53
From: Oklahoma City
Question: One Guy Top Removal
I haven't quite figured out the best way to remove the top with a bad shoulder. I've searched the forums and haven't found much. I'm sure there is no need to go trial and error to reinvent the wheel. Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,599
Likes: 962
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
The top can be removed by a single person. I guess the real question is how bad is your shoulder? I open the door (either side which makes it a little easier. With the two front latched released as well as the rear latch, I push up in the center front of the inside of the roof panel. Then I simply pull the roof panel forward enough to grab the rear in the center and go forward and lift it up and out of the car. While it is a lot easier with two people on the initial removal and replacement it can be done with one person.
Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 598
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Florida
Not sure if your shoulder issue would prevent you from following this method however I have found this to be the easiest way to remove the top by myself.
The rest of the video provides a excellent advice on how to stop the roof panel from creaking. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 239
Likes: 53
From: Oklahoma City
One shoulder is reconstructed and the other has a full thickness tear and some other partials. I haven't scheduled surgery yet because I really don't have a week to recover. I thought that I might rig up my gambrel that I use to raise deer, but that wouldn't help me on the road. Sliding it forward a bit seems like the way to go. Thanks. I've given it a shot by just lifting the front a bit, but sliding it forward seems more secure.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 37
From: lady lake fl
Well, as an older person, heres what I do: after unlocking the top, put windows down. I have a small but plush rug I keep in the car. Only as big as the seat bottom.
Put the rug on the driver seat, then put my foot squarely and flat in the middle of the rug. Other foot is on ground. This gives me great leverage and a very natural position to remove the top at middle front and middle back at the same time. No awkward leaning or shoulder strain. Put it on the same way. Tooo easy. Try this, you will never do it any other way.
Put the rug on the driver seat, then put my foot squarely and flat in the middle of the rug. Other foot is on ground. This gives me great leverage and a very natural position to remove the top at middle front and middle back at the same time. No awkward leaning or shoulder strain. Put it on the same way. Tooo easy. Try this, you will never do it any other way.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 809
From: West coast CA
I do it a little differently, primarily to avoid marring the roof, or the car, and also because it's easier on the back: I sit in the car, unlatch the roof, grasp both sides and lift it up over my head while stepping out of the car. Installation is the reverse of removal. The nice part is you can see what you're doing when guiding the roof down into the latches.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 239
Likes: 53
From: Oklahoma City
Don't have the female friend anymore, so I'm looking currently looking for the next ex. It might be a good day to get in the back garage and try out a few options. Thanks for the replies.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,083
Likes: 29
From: Murfreesboro TN
I find it easier to remove and replace by myself.
TIP: Keep a pair of gloves in the car. The top gets very hot after a few minutes in the sun.
TIP: If there is wind (even small), the top will act like a sail. Hold tight if you raise the top to a vertical position while removing if you do it alone.
TIP: Keep a pair of gloves in the car. The top gets very hot after a few minutes in the sun.
TIP: If there is wind (even small), the top will act like a sail. Hold tight if you raise the top to a vertical position while removing if you do it alone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 565
From: Mesquite NV
I would suggest trying to remove it from the side of the vehicle where your will be using your good/better shoulder and arm to handle the front of top. I have a bad right shoulder with limited movement and reduced strength in that arm. I have found that I can still remove my top fairly easily if I do so from the driver's side, using my good shoulder/arm on the front edge of the top.; whereas, trying to do so from the other side has become to difficult to risk doing. Good luck.