Just got an abandoned 1990 convertable, which was picked over kind'a bad, nothing major gone just alot of interior parts, including most of the controls in the center column,I was told that is where the roof controls are.
Can anyone tell me how to raise the roof manually, or what to do, dont want the interior to get any worse!!
Thanks for any help in advance.

 

Try this

http://www.cabrio7.org/rx7man14.html

 

The control is the center dial on the right side of the gauge pod. It is not in the center stack (like the HVAC and radio).

If you can get the motor started at all, you can "assist" it up by pulling up on the bar just behind the removable panel.

If that is also completely gone, use the procedure above.

 

^^ if this were a non SRS vert, you would be correct, but the top contols on this 90 vert were most likely in the center console, just aft of the stickshift, and ahead of the power window switch. Not anywhere near either the radio or the windshield wiper switch.

 

^^^ Thats correct. Center console. I just finished removing the entire power mechanism from mine so if yours is really screwed you can permanently make it manual. I can reach back over my shoulders and still operate the top without getting out of the drivers seat. If you want to fix yours all my parts are available.

 

If you don't want to bother with the automatic top, you can totally remove the motors which will make it easier to raise the top manually.

 

yeah removing the motors drops some weight if you don't mind manually doing it.

 

Hey, thanks for all the input , I'll try your suggestion's and let you know how it works out.
Might be interested in some parts Ronald, I'll be in touch.
Really glad this web site is here or I would be screwed.
Thanks people!!

 

hhmm when i did that it was impossible to get the top to bolt back in place for me.... the motors actually pushed the top into place where i can lock it... i would love to have a manual top but no way in hell im gonna want to push and pull that hard just to get the damn things to latch properly.... maybe you can adjust the latch or something because everybody says its easy and mine is impossible.... oh well try it and see but as for me im staying automatic

christopher

 

It will be a lot harder to operate manually if you are still fighting against the power mechanism. With the motors and links gone the top practically falls down and does go up easily. Not miata easy, but reasonable.

With the drivers side window down use your left hand to pull down/forward on the targa section, and flip the latch with your right hand. Once the drivers side latch is done the passenger side just latches easily. It isn't very hard at all on mine. There is an adjustable stop screw right at the hinge. Give yours a half turn out and maybe it will be easier.

Its actually faster to use manually. The motors werent very quick anyway, and they had that pause partway up.

By the time I removed the switch and all the wiring harness stuff that was no longer necessary it was about 25lbs gone that I'll never miss.

 

Well , I tryed the proceedure as outlined above, however , could'nt get the top up, seemed like the linkage was getting stuck or locked in place.
I was able to get a replacement switch, installed,and the top raised!?!?!?!?
Magic!!
Only problem is, it raised to within 1-2 inches of full, so I cant get the latches to catch, tryed pushing on bar/linkage while pushing button, still wont go any further forward.
Did I do something with the screws during the first proceedure that wont let it raise completly?
Any input?
Thanks in advance!!

 

also, think about the fact that if the top has been down for a while, the material has probably shrunk. Don't know if you are planning on keeping this top(don't know condition), but just something to think about.

 

They moved the switches? Didn't realize that... wonder why... they're perfect on mine.

 

I would prefer using the button to lower/raise the top then having to do it manually. No more targa.... and besides that pause, was for you to press the button from the clip that lets the targa fold down... If you want to conserve weight buy a coupe...

 

The last two inches where it stops......That is on purpose. it is so you can check the latches to see if they are open. Once you check the latches then hit the switch again and the top will continue to the closed position...............................is that what you were asking?

 

Well, the top has been down for about a year I think, got some really nasty rip's and holes in it.
I was wondering if the the top may shrink up if it has been down, sounds like that may be the case.
I guess I'll just try getting the roof back down and cover it with a tarp.
Thanks for the input!

 

Yeah, the last inch was always cinched in by the latches themselves, compressing the weatherstripping. If yours just plain won't get close enough and adjusting the stops at the hinge one way or the other won't help, there may be a problem that is harder to diagnose online.

 

Whatever. I want a convertible AND to conserve weight. Can I do that to my own car without getting permission?