89 560SL, soft top rear post wont release completely.

[IHateUserNames]

I cant find this specific problem in the forum yet, hopefully someone has had it before.

When I try to put the soft top down, I release the rear as per the instructions, and the post pops up about an inch, then is stuck. I can't pull it up, out and up, in and up, it just won't clear. I have tried re-release, tried the safety switch in both positions, using some lubricant, release the front first, and all the combinations of the before mentioned I can think of.

Is something bent or out of adjustment? Is there a trick I don't know?

I don't want the top up the rest of the summer! Any suggestions before I try the dealer?