Since I am reading alot about this matter, I wish to share my way of lowering the top.
1) I pull the hand brake (obvious).
2) I unlock the top lock lids (obviousx2).
3) I start opening the top.
4) When it reaches the point when it does a small stop, I leave it there.
5) Lock the lids and Slide the hinge lock button. Push it to release the hartop.
6) Then, with one hand (right one) I hold a little the hartop and with the left hand I operate the switch, opening further the top.
7) When it reaches full down, I gently leave the hartop on down position.

When I close the top I follow exactly the reverse procedure. First I hold the hartop with my hand, start the closing and at the brake point, I lock the hartop and open the lock lids, etc.

I did write all this cause I really hate doing this:
http://www.cabrio7.org/rx7man10.html

Any thoughts? Opinions?

 

Are there really that many different ways of doing it?

 

That is exactly the way I do it, although it is a bit of a pain to operate the top switch, since mine is on the windshield wiper switch assembly. I have to reach across my chest with the left hand to work the switch. If you leave the targa hinge locked while you lower the top, it is a lot harder on the motors.

 

I just open mine all the way. Once it is open I always have to get out and let the two seats forward in order to fold the hard part down. Maybe I'll try your way. I do steps 1-4 just like you do.

 

yeah I open mine all the way until the targa is straight up in the air. The I pull the lever to fold it down or I can take it off and I have a targa leather bag for it and it fits in the trunk with my spare tire just barely.

 

Guys,

I think that like introVert said, the "opening all the way" till hardtop is in vertical position put stress on the motors. And introVert, yes mate, my button is also on the "wiper" switch! Its a pain in thy a$$, put I prefer doing that, rather than getting of the vehicle, and again in, and again out... etc etc! Oh!
Guys try the way I describe just for curiousity. Its really good and doesnt put stress on the motors since alot of weight is on the operators hand.

 

I open mine to the first position then i unclip the latch to lower it with one hand while the other is hitting the switch.... I relocated my rocker switch to a custom built panel where the speaker switches in front of the armrest compartment is.. like that is not that much of a stretch. Its better than having to get out of the car just to fold the targa area down. Plus you get to work out your triceps this way also...


This link is excellent... too bad the website is no longer active.. no one ever responds to emails on that site.

http://www.cabrio7.org/rx7man10.html

I am going to be reproducing a low cost ceonvertible boot cover in black or grey. PM me if you are interested. VAL from the MIAMI RX7 CLUB

 

I undo the latches, gently lower the top (from inside or outside the car), and drive on. Removing the top motors was one of the best, most convenient things Iv'e done to my car. Don't have to mess with any switches, brake handles, or even turn the ignition on.

 

so without the motors it just swivels down nice and smooth? not hard as hell to get back up?

 

Correction... it is hard as Hell to get back up.... why ? It's heavy man... Now if you are used to working out with weights on a regular basis then i suppose that it can be ok.. otherwise , why mess with the motors if they came with the car to begin with ? "Like Prego, It's in there! "

 

I never get out of the seat. I open it just a few inches, slap the latches back down and flip the covers over the latches, then hold the top with my left hand, slide/push the top release switch with my right, then hold the top with my right while I continue to push the lowering button with my left. I guess s4 verts have the button on the wiper switch? My wife's s5 is in front of the center console by the headrest speaker controls.

 

Very well said indeed.

 

I dunno... My S5 Vert has the switch right above the wiper controls... I wish it were in a more convenient place (like by the headrest speakers but oh well..) I usually just lower it until it has the short stop, then drop the Targa part and continue lowering until it is completely lowered.

 

Indeed

 

LoL, I have there the controls too!

I guess when lowering the targa, you hold it till full stop, don't you?

 

It's heavy, but not at all impossible. I can raise the top from inside the car if I need to (not exactly pleasent, but it can be done), from outside the car it's no problem at all. The benifets and convenience far outweigh the drawbacks as far as I'm concerned.