Good day!

I just recently have aquired a 1991 RS Convertible. The weather was finally nice enought here, I went to take the top down only to discover the latch for the cover was broken (actually it was missing, the handle was still there but the inner working were not).

I purchased a new latch. I reviewed my repair manual which was very dry when it came to describing the workings of the convertible top, and made an attempt to install the new latch.

As it turned out, it was not as I was expecting. From the handle it looks like a mechanical jobbie that just pulls some loking mechanism...I was wrong. There are servos that unlock the conver but be damned if I could figure out how the handle worked with the servos.

Could someone give me a high-level description of how the system works and where I have to hook up the new latch. I have searched the WWW to no avail.

Thanks

CD

 

The handle doesn't release the solenoids. They are released by a switch that in your case is located next to the tonneau release handle. On 1987-90 Camaros that switch is located on the center console between the window lift switches. The handle realeases the latch holding the pin at the base of the rear window seal (aka the #5 bow) tight to the tonneau. There is a bar that the cable from the handle attaches to. The handle pulls the cable, which rotates the bar to realease the pin. Once the pin is released you'll be able to lift the #5 bow at the base of the window to lift it clear of the tonneau. There is a large spring steel clip that provides a return spring tension to return that rod to its original position. Once you have the #5 bow lifted to its full vertical position press the tonneau release switch. This will fire the two solenoids that latch the large J-hooks holding the tonneau down. There are manual realease cables located behind the rear seats that are attached to each of these latches. This is so you can release them in an emergency if the power is out for some reason.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

wow,lonsal you really know alot abot the verts huh
u da vertman :hail:

 

I've had my top down a few times.

Lon

 

Ummm...yeah. What he said.

 

Thanks for the replys,

I understand that the handle I bought was for the 5th bow release. I have an issue there because the locking mechanism (under the tonneau cover) is also gone. It is currently being locked down with a pin...farm work but the rag is held down fine.

It seems that there is more missing that first suspected. I do not have a switch of any kind on/near the tonneau release level and nor could I find any manual release cables (yet, they might be tucked up under somewhere). Makes me think that the tonneau cover is from an ealier model??

Does anyone know of any on-line references or books that could give an illistration of what it 'should' be.

I appreciate the help!

CD

 

For the 1991 the switch was moved to a much friendlier place next to that release handle. Previously it was a comical process to lower the top; release the pin by pulling the handle, lift the bottom of the #5 bow, then duck your head and reach inside to press the switch to release the tonneau. Before I forget to mention it, the very first step in lowering the top is to lower the windows about 3". If you don't lower the windows, the rear part of the seal at the top of the side windows will get caught on the rear corner of the window as you try to lower the top. This will cause two rods that lift the #2 bow up as you lower the top, (that GM no longer sells) to bend or break. Never fear. I make replacement rods. They are TDS p/n 104121. These rods were used on the 1989-92 models.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

http://www.top-downsolutions.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=34

 

Just want to point out, that in '91, the switch is on the center console between the power window switches. It wasn't moved until '92.

 

91zconvt,

Thanks, that is one mystery less...but, if the centre switch is for the convert top, where is the switch for the trunk release??

Either way, the switch does not 'seem' to do anything but it gives me a place to start.

CD

 

News to me about the switch being moved in 92 rather than 91. It would have made more sense for GM to move it to the same location as the 91-92 Firebird convertibles had it. But they did several running changes through the model years. Come to think of it, i don't know if I've seen a '91 'vert yet to verify the switch location. A few 92's though.

BTW, that switch actuates a relay that is located below the center console adjacent to the parking brake (at least thtough 91). I don't have a 92 HELMS manual to verify a new location. On manual tranny equipped cars the parking brake must be pulled for the top to release. On auto tranny equipped cars the switch is wired through the Neutral Safety Switch, so the gear selector must be in P or N for it to work. This all show up in your HELMS manual.

Lon

 

There is no trunk release. Just don't be lazy and unlock it with a key

 

What? You don't have one? I didn't either until I added it along with a light for the center console when opened.

Lon

 

Haha, you had me scared for a minute there! Sounds like it was a good friggin idea man! I really need to pick up a reman trunk unit. Mine broke into a million pieces and it's a real PITA to close.

 

my 91 has the electric release between my powerwindow switches. (camaro)

 

I'm postin a little late on this topic but anyone know where to get the relay or what to ask for? I have been to every auto part store and even went to GM no one seems to have it. or thats what their computers say.

~B~

 

Im doing a paint job on a 92 camaro vert and it has the release switch in the center console also