98 gt convertible top help?

[98sn95]

I have a 98 gt convertible and was wondering if it's ok to manually open and close the convertible top. The motor works but I'm wondering if opening and closing it manually would help preserve the life of the convertible's motor. Would it damage the motor if I manually open and close the top?

 

[mransr]

I don't think you can open and close the top manually without disconnecting the hydraulic cylinders from the top mechanism.

 

[98sn95]

Really? I didn't even know the top had any hydraulic components, I just thought it was all electric

 

[stormsedge]

I used to raise and lower the top on my '64 TBird manually, after pulling the pins on the rod ends of the hydraulic cylinders and laying them down in the trunk area...haven't looked at my Mustang to see if that is a possibility as my top works fine---the TBird, not so much.