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I have an ‘02 trans am convertible and the top has been down for several years. I was told it needs to be oiled before I try to raise it. Is this true and what kind of oil would I use?
Man, it's never good to leave a convertible top down like that for years, but it is what it is.
I oil the mechanisms every year for smooth operation. I think you would be wise to use oil in all the pivot points to assist in raising the top. My yearly ritual uses simple 3 in One drop oil with a rag placed underneath to catch excess. For those hard to get at places, WD40 is wonderful but make sure you aren't spraying on areas that will get stained or where oil could harm something else. Think ahead!
Good luck and I hope the Haartz fabric has not dried out too much or shrunk. Be prepared for some serious wrinkles.
One method to smooth out wrinkles, provided the top has no tears or issues, is to soak the top with water and let it bake and dry out under the mid day sun. It helps but still won't get rid of the wrinkles completely. Repeat if necessary.
Use RAGGTOPP afterwards to protect the fabric and do that once per year along with the oiling procedure. I've owned my 'vert since new and the top is still the original and operates fine. I've owned other 'verts as well and never had issues. While a pain in the butt at times, maintenance is your friend.
Original top. Photo from July 2023 May 2022. Original top 2007 GT Oct 2023. Original top 2014 GT
Great information, I have never even thought about oiling the mechanism. Would you please post a picture of the area to oil?
Look at the 3rd photo in this older thread of mine. This area has many of the moving parts. Look for other parts too. I stress to put a towel underneath each part to be oiled to catch any excess oil drops or spray. No frustration this way. Close and open the top a few times to get the oil lubed well in there. Turn the car 'on' so you don't drain the battery too much.
Thank you, definitely going to get to it in the spring when my car comes out of hibernation. I have cleaned the weather strip and the track in the front by the windshield but never thought of lubricating the frame. My top is definitely not perfect but it's not worth spending 2K for a beautiful one. If I have to drive more than one way with the top up the car stays the garage. My car is in good shape but your car is absolutely pristine. I'm sure you were the ones are in just as good of shape.
I figured I better do it now as I'm having some health issues. Who knows. I'm sure this may assist others as well. I wrote a little under each photo.
Perhaps start with both latches up front. This area is hidden a bit but you can access with a long spout oil can or spray. You can see all the moving parts and where they need to be oiled. Another angle This is with the top partially 'up'. It won't hurt the mechanism for a short period. You can see more areas to oil. See the paper towel underneath? Easy to place there and catch the extra oil drops. The car still smells a bit afterwards but will air out.
Thank you for not forgetting and I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. You have given me and many great advice on this small area of the forum for as long as I can remember.
Those are some great pictures, thanks so much for taking and sharing those. TBH, I've never oiled my mechanism, I don't use it nearly as often as you do (I know, a weak excuse). But next spring I'll tackle this. THANKS!
My car is in good shape but your car is absolutely pristine.
NC01TA's car defies all logic and reason. For how much he drives it (road trips and such), and the overall mileage that's on it, it's incredible that it looks so nice (and I am a VERY picky person). I've seen countless 4th gens with 2-3 times less mileage that don't look as nice, especially in key areas that tend to get neglected. Honestly, I would say that he's tampered with his odometer, but who would ever do this to raise the mileage?!?! Haha.
Seriously, there is an exception to every rule. In this case, his car is the exception to the rule that unrestored cars of this age with upper 5-digit mileage can't be in competitive show-worthy condition. It's exceptional.
Some seriously nice compliments and deeply appreciated. I will say it helps to be retired when you have lots of time on your hands. I did the same routine when I was working but it's so much easier now.
Some seriously nice compliments and deeply appreciated. I will say it helps to be retired when you have lots of time on your hands. I did the same routine when I was working but it's so much easier now.
You're like many of my friends, off every day that ends in a y.
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2002 convertible top 
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