Classic Mustangs List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: james.w.butler ((email redacted))

About 2 weeks ago I purchased a 91 GT Convertible. I know that this list is for Classic Mustangs, and you guys have helped me out a lot with my 68 Coupe. Now I really need help with my new Fox Body. The problem is the convertible top. I need to replace it. Is there anyone out there that might know a web site or give me info so that I can do this. I have replaced a few tops before but not on a Fox body.

Any Help is appreciated

James.

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: ffacker (Fred Facker)

James, I had an '87 convertible for almost 10 years
and replaced the top twice in that time period. The
first time because it had just rotted out and the
second due to hail damage. I didn't really have any
instructions, but found that the whole thing is just
held on with staples. Just take notes as you remove
the old one and then use it as a pattern to trim the
new one as you fit it onto the frame. If memory serves
me correctly, the top and the window are stapled onto
a bar that is bolted into the car behind the seat.
Unbolt that bar and it gives you enough slack to start
removing them. The only thing I can remember that was
tricky was the front corners up at the windsheild.
Take notes of how the old top was folded together, and
you may have to use some glue on those corners when
putting the new ones on or you may end up with little
wings sticking out like I did on my first attempt. I
also remember that keeping it completely straight left
to right, was a little tricky, but if you measure
carefully, it shouldn't be too bad.

One problem I never could resolve was the fact that
the sheath glued into the middle of the convertible
top that attaches to the rib along the middle of the
top frame always ripped free of the new tops within
the first year causing my top to have a balloon effect
as I drove down the highway. I consulted verious
upholstery and body shops about this, tried regluing
it with various glues and even attempted to try and
stitch through the lining of the top without piercing
the outside, but never had success in keeping it
attached for long. Maybe someone else on the list
would have better advice on that part of it.

-Fred


Message: 1
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2004 15:38:49 -0600
From: (email redacted)
Subject: [CM] OT (some what) Convertible tops
To: classic-mustangs
<(email redacted)>
Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

About 2 weeks ago I purchased a 91 GT Convertible. I
know that this
list is for Classic Mustangs, and you guys have helped
me out a lot with
my 68 Coupe. Now I really need help with my new Fox
Body. The problem is
the convertible top. I need to replace it. Is there
anyone out there
that might know a web site or give me info so that I
can do this. I have
replaced a few tops before but not on a Fox body.

Any Help is appreciated

James.

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: james.w.butler ((email redacted))

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the same type of replacement as a SN95.

Thanks again,
James

----- Original Message -----
From: Fred Facker <(email redacted)>
Date: Friday, February 6, 2004 10:51 am
Subject: [CM] Re: OT (some what) Convertible tops

> James, I had an '87 convertible for almost 10 years
> and replaced the top twice in that time period. The
> first time because it had just rotted out and the
> second due to hail damage. I didn't really have any
> instructions, but found that the whole thing is just
> held on with staples. Just take notes as you remove
> the old one and then use it as a pattern to trim the
> new one as you fit it onto the frame. If memory serves
> me correctly, the top and the window are stapled onto
> a bar that is bolted into the car behind the seat.
> Unbolt that bar and it gives you enough slack to start
> removing them. The only thing I can remember that was
> tricky was the front corners up at the windsheild.
> Take notes of how the old top was folded together, and
> you may have to use some glue on those corners when
> putting the new ones on or you may end up with little
> wings sticking out like I did on my first attempt. I
> also remember that keeping it completely straight left
> to right, was a little tricky, but if you measure
> carefully, it shouldn't be too bad.
>
> One problem I never could resolve was the fact that
> the sheath glued into the middle of the convertible
> top that attaches to the rib along the middle of the
> top frame always ripped free of the new tops within
> the first year causing my top to have a balloon effect
> as I drove down the highway. I consulted verious
> upholstery and body shops about this, tried regluing
> it with various glues and even attempted to try and
> stitch through the lining of the top without piercing
> the outside, but never had success in keeping it
> attached for long. Maybe someone else on the list
> would have better advice on that part of it.
>
> -Fred
>
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2004 15:38:49 -0600
> From: (email redacted)
> Subject: [CM] OT (some what) Convertible tops
> To: classic-mustangs
> <(email redacted)>
> Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> About 2 weeks ago I purchased a 91 GT Convertible. I
> know that this
> list is for Classic Mustangs, and you guys have helped
> me out a lot with
> my 68 Coupe. Now I really need help with my new Fox
> Body. The problem is
> the convertible top. I need to replace it. Is there
> anyone out there
> that might know a web site or give me info so that I
> can do this. I have
> replaced a few tops before but not on a Fox body.
>
> Any Help is appreciated
>
> James.
> _______________________________________________
> Classic-mustangs mailing list
> (email redacted)
> lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs
>