Hardtop HRW question

[kevin p]

I noticed that on the top of both b pillars, there were just holes, so today I set about trying to retrieve the connections from inside each b post. At first, I made the stupid mistake of removing completely the bolt holding the t-bar to the top of the b pillar- took 30 minutes to line it up again! I have now removed both connections either side, removed all the broken bits and taped the remaining wiring outside the holes, awaiting the new connectors that screw in place. My question is, is there a connector on both sides of the hard top and a corresponding one on both sides of the b pillar (which I assume is the case) or is it just one side? If so, which side? I cannot access my hardtop easily to check. Thanks all

[DJT]

Both sides. One is supply, the other is earth.

[kevin p]

Cheers dave

[seadog]

I noticed that on the top of both b pillars, there were just holes, so today I set about trying to retrieve the connections from inside each b post. At first, I made the stupid mistake of removing completely the bolt holding the t-bar to the top of the b pillar- took 30 minutes to line it up again! I have now removed both connections either side, removed all the broken bits and taped the remaining wiring outside the holes, awaiting the new connectors that screw in place. My question is, is there a connector on both sides of the hard top and a corresponding one on both sides of the b pillar (which I assume is the case) or is it just one side? If so, which side? I cannot access my hardtop easily to check. Thanks all

Mine only has one connection on the one side - this has been one of the "get around to it soon" jobs because the hardtop is off the car at the moment. I haven't looked yet but what trim did you remove for access and how easy was it, and any hints please. Also, where did you find spare connectors, I had a quick look a while ago but didn't see any for sale.

[new to this]

Mine only has one connection on the one side - this has been one of the "get around to it soon" jobs because the hardtop is off the car at the moment. I haven't looked yet but what trim did you remove for access and how easy was it, and any hints please. Also, where did you find spare connectors, I had a quick look a while ago but didn't see any for sale.

If you look at the top of B-post has the connector,fallen inside or is it still just hanging on,if fallen inside your need to remove the B-post trim,unless you can use an old coat hanger to fish it out,you also need to remove the chrome trim on top of b-post there's two philips screws holding it in place

dave

[kevin p]

Mine only has one connection on the one side - this has been one of the "get around to it soon" jobs because the hardtop is off the car at the moment. I haven't looked yet but what trim did you remove for access and how easy was it, and any hints please. Also, where did you find spare connectors, I had a quick look a while ago but didn't see any for sale.

As Dave said, you need to unscrew the chrome plate that sits on top of the B Pillar each side, using the two little phillips screws. The plate may be a bit tight (as mine was) between the join of the T bar and the B Pillar. You can slacken off the bolt joining the two, but don't do as i did and removed the whole bolt - its an age to get it lined up again!

As Dave says, if you shine a torch down into the hole, you will probably see the old white plastic connector surrounds sitting there about 2-3 inches below the surface. You need to fish them out with either a coat hanger / pointy nose pliars if yours a re slim enough, or even with a screwdriver and bluetack as I did mine! I then removed the broken connectors, and re-assembled the whole thing with the wire poking out the hole taped up , ready for the new connectors to be fitted. You could of course wait until the new ones arrive before starting the job which might make it one job rather than 2 like me.........

Wards sell the connectors for £10 plus vat each side.

Cheers

[seadog]

As Dave said, you need to unscrew the chrome plate that sits on top of the B Pillar each side, using the two little phillips screws. The plate may be a bit tight (as mine was) between the join of the T bar and the B Pillar. You can slacken off the bolt joining the two, but don't do as i did and removed the whole bolt - its an age to get it lined up again!

As Dave says, if you shine a torch down into the hole, you will probably see the old white plastic connector surrounds sitting there about 2-3 inches below the surface. You need to fish them out with either a coat hanger / pointy nose pliars if yours a re slim enough, or even with a screwdriver and bluetack as I did mine! I then removed the broken connectors, and re-assembled the whole thing with the wire poking out the hole taped up , ready for the new connectors to be fitted. You could of course wait until the new ones arrive before starting the job which might make it one job rather than 2 like me.........

Wards sell the connectors for £10 plus vat each side.

Cheers

Thanks for that, I've looked down the hole but can't see anything other than a spiders web dangling anywhere in the B post, more investigation required methinks. Wards eh? never used them before, will have a look. Thanks again.

[mike@thenook]

Be careful too with the new plastic spring loaded connector units - I fitted two new ones a couple of years back and they were so flimsy both broke at the time of fitting the roof.