<VV> LM Convertible top problem

[Jim Bannister]

Rudy,
You can remove the two huge Phillips screws that secure the arm on the gear
box to the top mechanism.  If you do this you can cycle the top machinery
without actually raising the top.  I bet one of the gear boxes need some
TLC.  They are pretty simple to understand.  One kink though, there is a
thrust bearing with some tiny (1\16) ball bearings.  The bearing assembly is
made of unobtainium, but you can replace the balls individually.  This makes
the gear box run like buttah.  I went through all this stuff when I
converted my top to power.  Not difficult for a Vairman.
Jim B
BTW, when you remove the screws from the gearboxes, you can Armstrong power
the top.

   
  Lately, when I've put the top up, it seemed to get slower and slower.
Well today, it refuses to go up. It tries to go, but only gets up a couple
inches. It acts like something is binding in the right side. I've lubed all
the moveable joints with WD-40, but that didn't help.  I have removed the
rear seat and unscrewed the cloth cover over the motor and disconnected the
2 flexible cables.  Tried the motor and it seems to work fine.  So here I am
ready for your expert advice on what I should do next.  I've thought about
taking the flex cables out to clean and grease them, but not sure if that is
necessary. Oh the joy of working with 40 year old material.
   
  Well guys, what are your suggestions.  Is there some way to put the top up
manually???
  It would make getting to things a lot easier.
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