I am installing replacement linkage and d-ring. The old d-ring and turning mechanism broken and so I had no problem taking the pin out of the old d-ring.
The new turning mechanism goes down in place and then there is no room to put the pin in the d-ring.
I will get pictures in the morning. It is too dark in the garage right now.


I do not understand how you can install the d-ring and then turn it clockwise to add the pin?

 

I replaced the D ring and linkage on my blue roadster a little over a year ago, I don’t recall having any problems. I don’t even remember looking for any instructions. The only advice I can offer is step back, have a cold drink and start again. Seriously I don’t recall having any issues. Sorry I’m not any help, I will take a look in the morning and if any bells ring I’ll revisit.

 

I don't see any reference to a 'pin'. Looks like the Release Handle is held on by something like a keyway and secured with a set screw - common practice for that type of mounting. Above page from the Service Manual makes it look fairly simple to replace the Release Handle. Did you rotate the new Release Handle clockwise after you installed it on the top's linkage? Without doing that, I could see that the location for the set screw would be near impossible to get at.

 

Didn’t sleep well. Then at 5:30 am I got an idea looking at the service manual page again and went out in the garage and put the d-ring up to the mechanism and pushed up hard and turned like the dowel pin was in and that exposed the opening for the pin and it lined up because I was pushing up like the the handle would be if the pin was already in. Volia!

 

You might know that the Service Manual didn't say anything about pushing the Release Handle up. Probably required to engage the keyway. Makes sense for that step so the keyway rotated with the Release Handle when you turned it. Glad this worked out for you.

Later