Convertible Top Frame Adjustment

This is directly from a Ford Technical Service Manual. I've used this procedure to adjust my top and it works well. The illustrations (very helpful) did not copy and paste. If you email me at mapandjlp@yahoo.com, I'll try and email you a better copy with illustrations.

Good Luck!


Top Linkage Alignment

Stand behind the vehicle and visually sight across the folding top rear number 4 bow (51278). The height of the folding top rear number 4 bow should be even side-to-side. If not even, adjust as follows:

1. Remove rear seat. Refer to «Section 01-10».

2. Remove quarter trim panel (31012). Refer to «Section 01-05».

3. Remove screws retaining roof headlining (51916) to folding top rail pivot bracket link (506A68) and rear tacking strip.


Folding Top Rail Pivot Bracket Link




Rear Tacking Strip Attachment



4. Disengage roof headlining retainer (50980) from folding roof rear side rail (53138).



5. While holding roof headliner elastic strap, remove screw retaining strap tofolding top center rail (51154). Install a hooked metal rod through hole in elastic strip and slowly release tension on elastic strip.

6. Note position of V-notch on pivot adjusting cam and remove set screw. Rotate adjusting cam so V-notch is aligned toward rear of vehicle.



7. Loosen two bolts at bottom of folding top rail pivot bracket link. Then push down on folding top rail pivot bracket link to raise rear of folding top center rail. Tighten folding top rail pivot bracket link bolts.



8. Rotate adjusting cam forward until V-notch in adjusting cam is aligned upward.

9. To install set screw, rotate adjusting cam slightly to align with the closest set screw retaining hole and install screw.

10. If folding top front side rail (53104) and folding top center rail are not parallel at pivot point after this adjustment, loosen retaining side rail set screw lock nut.

11. Rotate set screw in or out until folding top front side rail and folding top center rails are parallel at pivot point and tighten lock nut.



12. To install roof headlining, quarter trim panel and rear seat, reverse Steps 1 through 4.

does someone have pics of this process?

Do you still have pix? My top sags in front of the rear window.

To fix saggging in the rear window the top needs to be installed from both the rear and side trim sticks. Then the rear window assembly needs to be installed and pulled tight on the rear trim stick. Not for the light of heart.

That should say uninstalled can't edit via phone... grr

I would love to see some pictures of this. IMTOPLS, sent you an email. Thinking about picking up a '00 vert that has this sagging frame on both sides. you have to finagle the window at an angle to get it to close and seal properly.

What about a gal in the front for a SN95

My top doesn’t reach the windshield on one side and I have to put a lot of pressure just to get it even close to it.

My top is doing the exact same thing as his, it’s right above the drivers door. I can’t see photos, and can’t find a service manual on this. Anyone know the process for a 94 GT convertible with this issue how to get it to stop doing that so I can close the window

Here ya go.

Let's see if the attachment sticks this time
View: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IshE5UQQ6v-ianqntJJtdPlKqqTgg_TQ/view?usp=drivesdk

Service manual

I have a Ford Technical video on this somewhere
A bit complicated of a procedure and that is why they put out a video for us techs to watch and have
Never had the pleasure and am glad about that
Not sure if the video is for sale anywhere and it is VHS
Been looking for my copy and have not found it yet
I will look for it some more
Not sure how to pass it along on this platform

Basically it has you go thru the series of adjustments working towards the front
Then you have to go back and re adjust the rear points and do it all again
Takes a few times to get it perfect
The windows are in on it too
Never had much trouble with the convertibles under base warranty so I never had the pleasure thank God

Had to watch about 10,000 hours of these videos to gat my Ford Chassis Master
Got mine in 1998 I think

Adjustments are not that bad (hard)
It's removing the seats and panels and both door panels that takes the time
It'll give you a whole new appreciation for not operating the top at speed or in wind
Plan on 6 to 9 hundred bucks if you want it done right
That's why I started turning wrenches in '76
I needed a waterpump on my 66 with a 289 and the guy wanted 320 bucks