Can the convertible hood be wired to bypass the parking break so the hood can open electronically from the open/close button from inside the car.

 

Sure, no problem Get yourself the wiring schematic for the top system and identify the wire to the convertible top module in the trunk. On that schematic you will see the wire that comes into the module from the parking brake handle . That line goes to ground when the PB has been set. On my own 89, I cut this wire at the module connector (car connector side) and connected that end permanently to ground. Leave the other end (that comes from the PB handle switch to the top module) loose, and unconnected to anything (tape it off). This way all you need to do to raise or lower the top is put the car in park (or neutral) and press the button....

On my 89, this was a black/white wire. Looks like it would be the same on your 96......

 

Many thanks... I truly appreciate the fast response