Convertible

[Tom Newell]

Hi, my mustang is a 5L convertible that I have put a new top on, before I put the top on it was going up and would stop 4" from the top, after I put on the new top on again the top would stop at 4" from the top, i put fluid in it and it doesn't make any change. What should I do!!!!!! Tom

 

[billison]

Hi tom.

I when you say you changed the top, do you mean you changed the fabric or you found a complete top with frame and all?

If you changed the fabric, you’ll want to grab a buddy or two , get the car is a warm/almost hit garage for a couple hours, then slowly push the top till it can close and latch and leave it a few days or weeks so it stretches out.


If you did the top with frame, one of the mounting points on the sides that looks like a sequels is actually a rectangle and can be installed upside down, this will cause the top to bind

 

[Tom Newell]

Hi, when I say I had a convertible top supplier put the top on, just the fabric. The problem is it did not change from the old to the new, it does not go to the top edge so I can fasten it. Tom

 

[billison]

Ok, if you had the top professionally replaced, the top needs time to stretch. Get a buddy and push the top down and latch it and leave it a week.

 

[General karthief]

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-8393GUIDE/1983-93-Mustang-Convertible-Top-Guide-Book
I suggest this guide for the diy convertible owners, I left mine in my vert when I sold it
I miss that car
And stangnet members get a discount from lmr

 

[Tom Newell]

The top won't allow for me latch it down, 4" short, it did this when I had the old one, around 5yrs ago and with the new one, two yrs ago.

 

[billison]

Can you either better explain the issue or post
Pictures?

If it’s a new top, they are very tight when New, and very hard to shut and usually require more than
One person, once shut, it’ll slowly stretch.

 

[Tom Newell]

Hi, you are right, the top is too tight, it has been down for around 6 months. I'll get pictures.

 

[billison]

Yup. That’s the issue then.

The easiest and safest way to will be something like this.

1. Get the car is a heated garage, crank the heat and let it set till the whole car is warm. “ optional but suggested”
2. Get 2 buddies, beer and pizza may be required.
3. With you on the inside and one guy on each
Side, run th pump till it goes as far as it will go, then with gh help of your pizza and beer fuel comrades, push and pull until you can close the top. Leave it this way at least a week.
4. Never store th car with the top down.
5. Tell the wife how you fixed it and saved yourself millions of dollars.

 

[General karthief]

I take it the top has never been latched?