89 Convertible Frame Broken?

[mustangkarl]

I bought another mustang yesterday. a 1989 gt convertible. The motor for the top does not work so I have to raise and lower the top manually. On the ride home from where I bought it I put the top down and then back up with no problem. but today I lowered it and had to push it down a bit to put the cover on properly. When I went to put the top back up it no longer reaches the window to latch the j-hooks. Is it possible I bent the frame pushing it into place or maybe the hydraulic rams can't extend all the way without the motor?

 

[90limited]

The top shrunk while you had it down... I know that this does not sound possible, but it happens.

If I left the original top on my 90 down for a day or two, I would have to put weights on the front of the top to stretch it before it would hook. Even kept a ratchet strap in the trunk, in case of ran with no time to stretch, I could hook to a pole and "help" things along. You might consider adjusting the frame, but be careful if you have never dealt with convertibles before. Backing the J hooks out a couple of turns should not mess things up to much and might just give you the extra ¼” to get things hooked. If it is really tight once you get the hook in, be careful not to force the top latches. After a couple years of forcing the top closed with the latches, the pivot point in the latch wore out and I had to replace the driver’s side…

After replacing the top, I do not have this issue anymore. They way to avoid it is never leave the top down for an extended period.

 

[90limited]

Also, make sure to pull the top material out of the frame before fully retracting the top. The frame will pinch the top, causing damage over time and make it hard to fully retract.

 

[Ds88vert]

PM me with a good email addy...I have the full ford shop manual on the fox body convertibles. What you are talking about is the for and aft direction of the vert top...

 

[mustangkarl]

I just went outside and it latched as easy as can be. I find it amazing that a difference of 20 degrees can make a difference of 3 inches to latching.