How do you go about removing the long rod that goes from the handle in front to the  pin in the rear of a t-top for an '80?  Taking off the handle is a no brainer but I can't get the rod out of the passageway.

Did you unscrew the pin from the linkage? The pin itself unscrews from the linkage rod inside where you can't see it.

I did remove the pin but I can't see any reason that would make a difference if it were not removed.
I'm after the long linkage rod.

Can you see the rod? Do you have the moulding off that the weatherstrip pins into that covers it?

Looks like that may be the first step....removing that moulding