Removing the convertible top frame, best way?

[SouthSwedeSpider]

I'm installing a new top later this spring. The old top is still on the car, which is still hibernating in my neighbour's garage. My plan is to remove the old top within a few weeks, rustproof and paint the frame and then put on the new top. However my neighbours garage is not suitable for any work, so I need to remove the frame and bring it over to my place for sanding and painting.

Are there any tricks when removing the frame? Any particular bolts I should look for? And what interior parts have to be taken out first to get to the frame? I have found a lot of useful info here on how to put on the new top, but very little about the frame.

I'll report back when the new top is on, will probably take some before/after pics, and some pics of the work. It's a nice German-made Sonnenland quality top, hope it fits as good as it looks

[manoa matt]

Remove the two side panels at each side of the rear seat. On each side of the wheel wells you will see the bracket that attaches to the car body. There are two allen head bolts that are flush/tapered head on each side. Remove those 4 bolts and the whole frame can be removed. The old top must also be removed from where its attached above the back seat. Remove the screws securing the cover trim piece above the rear seat back to expose the bracket that holds the top to the body. Loosen and/or remove the hold down bracket and then loosen the clips that hold the steel tension wires on each side.

[SouthSwedeSpider]

Many thanks, sounds like an easy enough task even for me.