HELP - REMOVING T HANDLE & HATCH
 

GOT THE GLASS OUT, GOT THE T-HANDLE HARDWARE OUT, NOW HOW
DO YOU GET THE HANDLE OUT, AND HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE HATCH :confused:

[QUOTE= HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE HATCH[/QUOTE]


You mean from the top itself?
There's two sets of 3 bolts under a small metal cover on the under side/rear of the top.

SAME THING TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE HATCH :confused:

AND WHAT ABOUT THE DAMN T-HANDLE :banghead:

Yep.

T-handle: Doesn't it just have two screws from the outside holding it on?

YES, BUT IT WON'T GO THROUGH THE HOLE, AREA THAT RODS ATTACH
TO IS LARGER THAN THE OUTER HOLE, I THINK IT'S 2 PEICE, NO IDEA :confused:

square shaft
 

If I remeber right my stock one removed very easily. The square shaft is the only thing really sticking towards interior. The thing it runs through I think stays in door. Maybe post a picture to jog our memory.

I already removed internal bracket, that might be the problem :lol:

Reomove the hatch hinge access covers 1st.
http://images7.fotki.com/v135/photos...SCN1987-vi.jpg

Remove the 3 bolts on each side,either the top side or the hatch side,whatever you prefer.
http://images8.fotki.com/v139/photos...SCN1865-vi.jpg

reomove the screws you can see on the outside of the T-handle.
http://images8.fotki.com/v137/photos...SCN1972-vi.jpg

Take off T-handle access cover and check the internals for clips or pin's that may be preventing removale of the handle.
http://images8.fotki.com/v140/photos...SCN1978-vi.jpg

I have cotter pin's in mine which need to be removed before the T-handle will come out.
http://images7.fotki.com/v135/photos...SCN1981-vi.jpg

I also added cotter pins to the rods that go out to the latches at the side.This prevents them from accidently becoming disconnected from the T-handle assembly inableing me to open the hatch.
http://images8.fotki.com/v138/photos...SCN1983-vi.jpg

Then of course remove the suppot arms and lift that heavy hatch off the top!
http://images7.fotki.com/v134/photos...SCN1966-vi.jpg

:metal: THANKS :metal:

PIC #4 IS MY PROBLEM, MINE WAS MISSING THAT SPLIT RING :confused:

without that spring clip the sleeve the T-handle slides into will come out.
If that happens the springs will unload.

YUP, I CAN FIX THE UNLOADED SPRING, WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW ;)

I have the same problem but the T-handle is rusted to the spring. How do you remove it?

soak it with WD40 or some other kind of penatrating oil.Give it a few taps with the handle of a screw driver while trying to pull it out.
If it's REALLY rusted it may take a few applications of WD40 to get it loose.

I wouldn't recommend prying on it as you may bust something!

Hey, this has turned into an FAQ thread. :cool:
Steven B, some sort of penetrating spray should work.
PB blaster always works really good for me.
Any luck yet LUV?

If the Handle is really seized and won't come free. I have removed several from the yards by lightly sanding the shaft Then take a small c- clamp and put one end on the shaft and the other one the inner bracket, No real stress on the fiberglass. Iwill break it free without bangin