Top on my 72 88 has been working ok, recently top made a pop and would not come all the way down, apparently front left ball joint and socket came apart, arm that holds ball stud bent badly.
Questions, are the right and left side ball arms symmetrically opposite? in case I cant find a replacement, I can straighten and reweld it matching the right side, it's hard to tell arm almost broke thru and bent 90 degs from right side., pic shows it bent back some what after I pried it back some. Socket part messed up also.
I will post in wanted adds for some used pieces.

 

I knew I had them somewhere, turns out they where right over my head.
$30 for the pair plus shipping if you still want em.
I can't see shipping being more than $10.
Happy New Year & good luck with your ride.

 

Some tips:
Once repaired lube all the top frame joints. Everything on our cars likely needs to be lubed... tops, glass tracks, door-hood-trunk hinges, jamb locks, etc etc...,
After you fix the frame disconnect the pistons/rams and manually operate the top frame to check for bind and smooth operation. Inspect the fluid and hydraulic lines.
This is the time when you want to make adjustments. (Windows up, all window tracks adjusted & lubed, replace bad weather strips etc).

Next, verify the electrical connections for the system under the dash and back at the pump. Good clean grounds are your friend. Not a bad idea to check amp draw.

Any voltage loss or mechanical binding is obviously undesirable.

Need deeper help find a good upholstery shop that specializes in old school vert tops. A friendly shop can offer many tips n tricks.

Let the MAWs commence!