Convertible Top Issues - Fix: *New Switch* OR *Convert To Manual* - HOW?

[topless98gt]

I've been gone for a long while...been neglecting the Mustang for my bike

But I'm back. And I am trying to do some repairs to my 98 GT convertible.

My main issue is the top. My car was broken into in March of 2008. The only thing that was stolen was my center console. Right, who breaks into a car to steal a center console?! I was wondering that too.

Anywho, I got the new center console some time ago, but I was unable to find one with a convertible top switch. I believe this also means that I may not have the correct harness to just plug a switch directly in.

So here's my dilemma: should I custom wire a switch (I really don't want to pay $80 for a new one, and no junkyard around here has any), or just gut the innards of the convertible (motor, hydrolics, etc)? It seems like removing the innards would prevent any future issues as well, such as the motor or hydrolics going out.

So here's what I ask now:

How do I wire a customer switch?
- What wires are involved if I do not have the correct harness?
- What kind of switch will I need? I heard their switches are special high-amp switchs.
- Anything I should know about when doing this?

How do I remove the motor, hydrolics, and anything else "not required" for manual use?
- What kind of process is it? ie, do I have to remove the back seat?
- How much weight will this free? I might choose this option for weight reduction purposes.
- Is there a write-up on how to do this? I don't want to have to try and guess everything little thing and accidentally remove something that is required for manual use.
- I don't mind doing it manually. I have been lowering and raising the top manually AGAINST THE HYDROLICS since March of 2008. It has been over 2 years, so I really don't mind not having a switch.
- It seems like it would be less to worry about in the future (ie, convertible motor, cables, hydrolics)

If you have any questions that I need to answer, please feel free to ask. Any and all help is greatly appreciated in advance.

Oh, and one last thing...I MISS YOU GUYS!!!

 

[aar0s]

to make mine manual all i had to do was pull some hitch pins out of the rams where they connect to the top frame, took like five min.

 

[topless98gt]

Does anymore have more information on this? When I attempted to disconnect the hydraulics, all I could find was the star-key bolt which was nearly impossible to take out.

Thanks!

 

[wmburns]

The switch is a very simple three wire affair (SPDT monemtary contact with center off). The wiring harness runs under the center console so I suspect that all of the wiring is still there. Seams like a simple matter to rig up a separate switch to raise/lower the top.

The electrical diagrams are too large to post. PM you email address if you want a copy.

 

[Twista]

DId you look in a "you pull" junk yard.

 

[topless98gt]

Yes, I've been at least 5 times over the past 2 years and haven't come across anything except for the switch housing (not real switch inside)

 

[flstang65]

I know you don't want to pay he price at the stealership but, maybe you have to bite the bullet on this one. I have had to do that a few times. Also, sometimes, when you go in to the parts dept. you can bargain and haggle a little with the salesman.