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Reload this Page SmartTOP installation (with pictures)

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NC Mods - Cosmetic/Convenience/Safety Discussions of all non-performance mods to your NC, from body kits and roll bars, to seat covers and steering wheels.



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Old 25th May 2011, 19:12

  #1

John Galt

Second gear

 

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Galt's Gulch

Posts: 138

SmartTOP installation (with pictures)


I was already considering a SmartTOP when I got caught in a downpour the other day. Twelve seconds is a lot when you're sitting still and getting drenched.

Here are some pictures of the installation which I did this afternoon. It's an easy task, on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1=putting gas in the tank and 10=master mechanic skills, I rate the difficulty of installation a 2. An oil change is more difficult. The only tool necessary was a 10mm wrench, and even that may not be required once you know where the electrical connector is and how to unplug it.

---

Here's what you get in the mail:



It goes behind the panel aft of the left seat. Pry the top loose with a coin or plastic tool, then remove it with your fingers:



Here's what's hiding behind it:



Lifting the foam cover reveals the enclosure which presumably contains at least some of the controls for the PRHT. The connector that must be removed is behind the bracket holding a cable (fuel door release cable, I think):



You can't see the connector, and if you can't see it, it's going to be hard to disconnect. Clearly, that bracket must be removed.



Since I'm going to work in there for a while I held the foam cover open with some painter's tape:



Continued...

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Old 25th May 2011, 19:13

  #2

 

John Galt

Second gear

 

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Galt's Gulch

Posts: 138

page 2 of 3


Removing the 10mm nut that secures the bracket to the control enclosure:



With the bracket out of the way, now I can at least see the connector plug. I can't see the back where the lock is, though. I broke my inspection mirror so I had to borrow Mrs. Galt's. Note to self: Mrs. Galt needs a new makeup mirror:



Removing the plug wasn't difficult once I saw how to unlock it. I pressed the lock release with my left middle finger while holding the connector from the sides with my right thumb and forefinger. Wiggling it back and forth was enough to remove it. No tools required:



The connector I just removed gets plugged into the SmartTOP's T harness socket. It's the only place that fits so no worries plugging it into the wrong end of the harness. Push hard!



The other end of the T harness plugs into the PRHT electrical enclosure. Push hard!



Both connectors attached. I think the bottom one isn't fully home yet. Push hard!



Continued...

 

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Old 25th May 2011, 19:15

  #3

 

John Galt

Second gear

 

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Galt's Gulch

Posts: 138

page 3 of 3


The last connector attaches to the SmartTOP module. As soon as I plugged it in its green LED flashed once, yes I had my ignition off and key removed so I suppose that's normal:



With all the connectors connected I re-secured the fuel door cable bracket:



Now all there is to do is find a place for the module. I hate rattles, so it must not contact anything that could result in noise. After considering tie wrapping it to the cables, I decided to use the Velcro pads included with the module. They have self-stick adhesive. 



I stuck the Velcro on toward one side since that's where it will adhere to the black panel underneath the PRHT control enclosure. The USB connector will remain easily accessible in this location should a firmware update ever be desired. 

The top is shown open in this picture - I had already tested it and made sure nothing I did with the SmartTOP or its harness interfered with the PRHT's motion:



Since there was a possiblity one of the harness connectors could rattle against the SmartTOP module, I secured a tie-wrap so as to hold the connector away from module. I hate rattles!



Replacing the plastic panel - place its two tabs in the bottom holes then press the top closed.



That's it! Nothing left to do but enjoy the one-touch open and close.

Total installation time was perhaps thirty minutes, not including a break to go get some ice cream with Mrs. Galt in the Hammond.

Operation was as expected, everything works as advertised. No surprises. Best of all, no more stopping by the side of the road just to close the top. 

MotiveMods was excellent - I ordered the SmartTOP on Sunday and got it today (Wednesday).

Enjoy!

 

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Old 7th February 2012, 10:42

  #40

 

jstraw

Third gear

 

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Topeka, KS

Posts: 364

Done.


Works a treat!

May I suggest a slight improvement to the installation instructions?

You can get to the plug and undo it MUCH easier with the tonneau portion of the system up...then leaning in over the side.

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Stormy 09 GT 6MT PRHT Prem&Susp, Webelectric BLP-1, PLX ODBII bluetooth, Nautilus horn, DRL fogs, BP cuff/lumbar support, I.L.M. hood lifts, SmartTop

 

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