Audi Repair: Audi A4 Cabriolet Power Top Storage Bay - broken lever, audi a4 cabriolet, audi a4

Question
2004 A4 1.8T; recently purchased; I broke the mechanism that allows the lever to raise or lower the storage bay base when I first tried to test it -- it just wouldn't budge, I couldn't move it from below, and I applied a little too much pressure on the lever (and heard something break inside). Approximately $1000 estimate to repair entire mechanism when mechanic was looking at another issue. I can now raise the bay by pushing up on it from below but the lever swings freely and seems to be disengaged. Any do-it-yourself possibilities here? Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer
Well I would start by taking it apart; and see if something has really broken or just jumped off tracks.  I would never spend that kind of money for a new mechanism, since the web provides wonderful search engines, and this item will hardly ever get damaged in an accident, so I'm sure it is available used.  Let me know,  Jan