Convertible Guys, I have a Question!

[7upstang91]

Back in March, I had a new Top put on the mustang. All of the components for the top worked fine, meaning the convertible top motor and supporting pieces. They worked great, and never once had a problem. This is before I had the new top put on.

Well, I always drive with the top down, since the weather is always great. But I rarely drive the car. Every time I put the top up, it has been a pain to latch both sides down. I have spent around 5 minutes nearly everytime I wanted to put the top up. I need about another 1/8 of inch in all reality to align the "j" hook latch into the hole.

Last time I drove the car I just 'flopped' the top up, but did not latch it. This morning I went out to latch the top, so I could wash the car, but to my luck after fighting for 10 minutes I could only get one side latched.

This is my question. Do you think the top wasn't put on right( due to the fact it has been a pain in my butt to put up)? Or is the old motor finally giving out(which never once had a problem before)?

They did the top on my mom's Cobra the next week and it had an awful wind noise, but she traded the Cobra in shortly after.

 

[wythors]

When I had the top done on my car several years ago, I was told to leave my top up for two weeks to allow the top to stretch. Even though I did so, it was still much tighter than it had been for a couple of years after the install. I'd recommend leaving it up and sitting in the sun for a while and see if that helps.

 

[7upstang91]

When I had the top done on my car several years ago, I was told to leave my top up for two weeks to allow the top to stretch. Even though I did so, it was still much tighter than it had been for a couple of years after the install. I'd recommend leaving it up and sitting in the sun for a while and see if that helps.

I was only told a week. I might have to leave it out a little while longer and get someone to help me hold pressure against the top to actually get it into place and latched.

 

[leibldg]

When I had the top done on my car several years ago, I was told to leave my top up for two weeks to allow the top to stretch. Even though I did so, it was still much tighter than it had been for a couple of years after the install. I'd recommend leaving it up and sitting in the sun for a while and see if that helps.

+1

 

[IN2FORD]

If it does not streatch out for you, there are all sorts of adjustments you can make to get it latched. I bought a copy of the factory convertible service manual off of ebay for $30...well worth it. It covers the windows as well getting them to seal right. Might want to check into that. Here is a pic of the front cover.

Barry

 

[Slo5Oh89]

I left mine up for amost 4 weeks and never had any trouble out of it. I would leave it up for a few weeks so the fabric can settle in. Also try getting it in the sun some with the top up.

 

[need4speed7383]

I installed my own top on my 92 LX and left it up for two wks and couple of days in sun and worked well after that. when I initially finished the install i had a hell of a time latching it but the two wks cured it.

 

[7upstang91]

+1

To the bottom.

If it does not streatch out for you, there are all sorts of adjustments you can make to get it latched. I bought a copy of the factory convertible service manual off of ebay for $30...well worth it. It covers the windows as well getting them to seal right. Might want to check into that. Here is a pic of the front cover.

Thank you. I actually need to buy this for the windows too.
Barry

I left mine up for amost 4 weeks and never had any trouble out of it. I would leave it up for a few weeks so the fabric can settle in. Also try getting it in the sun some with the top up.

I installed my own top on my 92 LX and left it up for two wks and couple of days in sun and worked well after that. when I initially finished the install i had a hell of a time latching it but the two wks cured it.

That is just it. I had the top done the first week of march. Two and a half months later, and yes the top is latched and has sat in the sun for probably a month total.

That's what I don't get. It has been latched and sat in the sun, for the recommend time and beyond. There has to be adjustments, and I am going to order the book soon.

 

[strtrcr50]

If it does not streatch out for you, there are all sorts of adjustments you can make to get it latched. I bought a copy of the factory convertible service manual off of ebay for $30...well worth it. It covers the windows as well getting them to seal right. Might want to check into that. Here is a pic of the front cover.

Barry

You mean this manual? top info.pdf Right here in .pdf format?

 

[oldno7]

Thanks a lot

 

[oldspony]

top won't latch

My wifes 03 convertible is almost impossible to latch on passanger side. Was hoping someone would have an answer as to what I could adjust but guess I'll try keeing top up and in sun as much as possible.

 

[kaitan]

Thanks for the online manual! A real life saver.

 

[aar0s]

strtrcr is todays winner! thanks! And in .pdf format no less, my wifes nook will also be getting this for easy transport to the garage...