Clam Shell Stuck

Help I have 2001 C4 Cab the clam shell will not unlatch or is stuck on the passenger side, I don't see anywhere to unlatch it manually to even start the process of figuring out what's wrong. This also caused a small dent ripple as it opened up on the driver side only. Thanks in advance Norm

Here's some reading to get you started: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-top-part.html https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...lam-shell.html Post back with questions, or if you have success. This question has been posted several times recently, but I haven't seen anyone post back with updates, pictures, or success stories.

Quotes source post: 11506502

If everything else fails get a new clam shell on ebay and cut the other one off the brackets and fix the mechanism and attach the new clam shell. That's what I almost had to do. I got luck and was able to detach one side and with super small tools get in on the other side and unbolt it. Took forever. Almost better to get new shell and cut the old one open. There is few experienced people with top malfunctions on here we can help you though this. First. Are the motors running? If they are there are 3 latches. one on right one on left and one at the center back. They are all operated by a electric motor. If you hear the motor running you might be able to tell if the tension is being releases from each latch. or maybe even get a visual. But you should be able to see that the clam shell is moving up a little when its de latching.

The motors are running fine it seems as if its not unlatch or drive cables to the passenger side are broken... I see from some instructions posted I can get access by removing the panel to the back seats and see what I can loosen. Norm

Is the top up or down now? If the top is up, you may have better luck reaching over the rear seats, rather than removing the panel behind the seats. The left and right latches are accessible with the top up. (thought it's a tight squeeze)

Yeah tried there is no room to get that latch.....the top is up

Quotes source post: 11507289

I just looked at my car and even with the liner off it is impossible to get to the latch. You could put a camere and go in blind but even for me this was really hard, and i have no liner, can't imagine doing it with liner. I don't remember that well but try taking the inside panel off. This might give you some room to get to it or at least be able to shine a flashlight there. If not cutting your clamp... If the other clamps are realeasing is the clamp going up at least on one side? That was mine was doing and I was able to bend it enought to unscrew both side.

Just getting back to this thanks for the response the driver side goes up there is some room not much trying not to put too much pressure on it, there is already a small wrinkle in the shell/cover. So the best way to get it open is to cut the clamp and what might you think is the issue why it's not releasing. Thanks

I'd like to help, but I really don't understand your last post. Try posting some pictures showing the problem you are having.

Quotes source post: 11529360

ok so I had the same problem. Lift the one side that goes up, then there is two botls, helps to have a long sleeve socket. 10 I think. You should be able to unscrew one side. At this point have a helper move the clam as high as possible(if its driver side you will need to disconnet/move wiers that go to third break light. nothing on pasanger side), I was able to get around 45 degree angle. Have them hold it and you remove the screws on the other side. This is pain. It took me 20 -30 mins of micro movement to get this done. After that it will be easy to diagnose. Take the liner off, you might see broken off parts, bend parts, fasteners that came off. I had all of this, but was able to put everything back together and it has been holding for 5 weeks.

Ok that sounds like that would give a little more access, I will be performing that surgery tomorrow still a blast to drive even if the top won't come down. Thanks I will post some pictures tomorrow. Norm

Quotes source post: 11530983

Depending on the damage you might need to keep unbolting hinges. But the rest is easy after you get the clam off. If something is stuck in the hinges the other working side will be able to pull up the whole mechanism with the clam off there is not that much weight. In my case the accuator with two slides was jammed and bend, had to unscrew it before it would move, then was able to "re-assemble" it find missing pin that shoot off about 2 feet and put it all back together.