Discussing various XK issues with @gbellefo I suggested manual operation of the convertible top for a weekend excursion until parts arrive to make the needed repair for automated operation.
Not a stranger to manual "hood" operation myself, I was doing just that, positioning the rear window glass on a pair of edgewise nominal 6" deck boards to add sealant. A stitch in time, so to speak.
Since my oldest son is long since gone, I've become accustomed to doing things myself, a "one man show".
On this occasion, I manually released the front latch (seems like 50 turns of the Z-wrench), opened the bypass valve on the hydraulic pump, then lifted the front and rear of the "hood" simultaneously and, holding the rear up, placed the appropriately named "deck boards" to support the rear window glass. The "hood" was then suspended in mid-travel.
After the sealant was renewed, with time to cure, I removed the boards and went to close the "hood" only to find that that the front edge would not close to the windshield.

The convertible top, "hood", was somehow mechanically bound. I realized that I had seen the results of this problem before, on another XK, one with a "floppy hood" that when closing would fall by gravity as the front edge passed vertical. So, rather than "force it", I carefully examined the linkage.


Left side convertible fold point showing guide pin


Convertible top frame ahead of the guide pin


Slot in frame properly engaged with the guide pin


Apparently, lifting the top from one side can cause the frame to become skewed sufficiently to mis-align the guide pin on the opposite side. Forcing the top under these circumstances will bend the mechanism and cause a "floppy hood". The correct solution is to carefully examine both sides to determine which side is mis-aligned and lift the frame to clear.

Better yet, avoid the problem completely by having a helper on the far side when manually opening or closing the "hood".

 

So this had me thinking....

I've read many posts about manual top operation in a pinch.
Words. Sometimes like above, a photo or two.

Went searching. And searching. And searching. Not a single video on how to do this.
Most are on the XK8. One goes through replacing the hydraulic system.
A ton of silly 1.5 min videos on how to check the parcel shelf and push a button.

I mean yeah sounds easy. Open cover on right side of boot. Use Z wrench to release pressure. Then, something something.
But for a first time owner, finding these something somethings would be challenging. Especially in a pinch.

But having a video guide that includes the cautions like Bill pointed out above would be very valuable.
I'd just be staring at a half open top going fk fk fk.

Does anyone know of a video that is maybe buried in the algorithms that shows from beginning to end, how to manually open/close the top?

 

There is a thread in this forum about this problem, I don't recollect if there are any attached video links or instructions or whatever though.

 

Not seen a video but having had my 07 vert for 5 years I (and my helper!) have manually lowered the top many many times in the early days! I have now repaired the broken wires in the top and fitted Steves magic box so recently have had not to do it.
BUT having a helper is more or less essential, I avoid trying to do it on my own. The helper does not have to be "strong", as I take most of the load and my wife just has to assist the movment of the other side so both sides are in sync.
I also use two pieces of wooden stick to support the top and/or the tonneau cover at mid point if required.

 

If there's something strange
with your neighbors hood
Who you gonna call?
Steve Wrangler.