Thanks dc_wright. I appreciate the caution for protecting the body. The trouble I'm having is getting the two ends pulled out of the clips at this point.
This part is a real PITA the first time you do it. Being able to see the hoop in the clip helped me a lot, both getting it out the first time and then getting it back in. Last time I had the top assembly out I put the hoop ends back in place from inside the car where I could see the clips.
Here's what I did to make room so I could see the clips and work from inside the car looking under the bottom edge of the headliner:
- Remove the headrests from the seats. (May need to put the top down for clearance)
- Move the seats fully forward and set as low as it will go.
- Put the seat back as far back as it will go. (Use caution not to crunch any loose parts from the rear plastics)
- Set a flash light or work light in the area just above the storage tray hinges pointing toward the front of the car.
Now you should be able to peek under the headliner and see the clip holding the ends of the hoop. I was able to take plastic body tool and hook it behind the hoop and just pop it out.
I'd do the passenger side first as there's no hydraulic lines running by it so you can clearly see the clip. On the driver side you have hydraulic lines running across the front of the hoop.
It may also help to pry slightly on the outside part of the top to roll the top part of the hoop end inward as that's what has to happen for it to release from the clip. Do so very carefully as you don't want to damage your top canvas.
I have a spare clip at home and I'll try to take a photo of it tonight so you can see how it holds the hoop if you're still struggling with this.
