Convertible owners, how do you remove that panel next to the trunk with the 5 screws?

[MustangLX-5.0]

The panel on top, between the rear window vinyl and the trunk. It has 5 screws on it. I removed them, but it's still being held on... I think maybe by the black hinge covers on top, but I cant even figure out how to get those off. I need to remove the panel so I can at least slow down the rust I have in the trunk and stop water from going in. Its gonna rain again soon.

 

[7upstang91]

The part of the trunk box that goes part of the top?? I think is what you are refering to.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

panel

This one, that the screwdriver is sitting on.

 

[7upstang91]

Crap, never had that off. But it isn't your leaking problem. The top is leaking in at that point.

 

[psycho78]

Speaking of the top, my 87 has a smell hole in the exact same spot (the fabric directly below the window). Ive seen that you can buy a replacement window that includes that section of the top and I was "told" that it simply zips out. Is this true? Is it easy to replace that small section>?

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

I bought me a new rear window section with vinyl from Latemodel Restoration. Think it was $159. Yes it unzips, but theres a lot more than just unzipping in the back. I think part of the top has to come off from the back end. The other half of the zip end is tucked under the very back frame bar in the top. I don't know how to get it out. the other lower half is well.... secured under that panel somehow.

I know that panel itself isn't causing the rust, but I have to remove it to even get to the drainage channel where the rust is. I don't know how else to get to it.

 

[Repostyle]

Speaking of the top, my 87 has a smell hole in the exact same spot (the fabric directly below the window). Ive seen that you can buy a replacement window that includes that section of the top and I was "told" that it simply zips out. Is this true? Is it easy to replace that small section>?

Yes, it's that simple, there are also some nuts along the bottem edge that you can see and access from the back seat. If you have to replace the other half of the zipper then you have to remove the main part of the top first since it's sandwiched in between the main top and the bow, and that's not really a DIY for most people.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

That's the thing, you WILL have to replace the other half of the zipper because it doesn't come completely undone when unzipped. Theres still about 2-3 inches of material sewn into the other half of the zipper. Both halves are one piece, unless you cut it. And in that case, theres no guarentee that the new zipper section will attach with the old half.