The JTIS guide isn't very helpful regarding this:

I had to disassemble the old regulator in order to remove it, and I haven't been able to fit the new regulator into the opening. It's jamming up on the convertible top bracket; I read a .pdf which claimed that it should clear that bracket if the bracket was pried out ~0.5", however despite doing so, I still can't get it to fit.

Any suggestions, other than removing the convertible top?

 

Is this the PDF you were reading?

Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...lacement-2.pdf

 

yes I followed the .pdf exactly as stated, however I'm unable to pry the bracket out far enough to provide the clearance required.

 

I wish I could offer assistance with it but I have not done this project myself. Have you done a search on this forum to see what others might have done?

 

I remember this was a pain to install but can't remember exactly how I actually got this in place

 

I have often walked away frustrated to turn and see it another way.

 

I've just replaced the regulator myself a few weeks ago. It's definitely a two man job. Also make sure the window is half way up when trying to put in the regulator.

 

Other than one fellow who mentioned using a hammer I found no information regarding this. It appears that those who replaced the regulator without removing the top all had 2002 or earlier models. Mine is a 2003; perhaps something was changed that year which requires removing the top.

 

If I were closer I would come over and help.

 

After screwing around with this for a few weeks I called North Coast Exotics in Cleveland and explained the situation to the owner.

He said they normally charge $200 to replace the regulator. Wasn't even worth my time researching the problem on the internet, let alone my time spent fussing with the repair.

Unfortunately, after he saw the car, he said there would be additional labor involved due to my having disassembled much more than he would have, so it did cost a bit more. When I asked him how he fit the regulator into the cavity, he said "you pull the body away." I've no idea how one would go about doing that.