DIY Convertible Top repair

[93 LX]

Does anyone know where I could find information on the the convertable top?

I am looking for all types on information such as replacement of the top, window, frame, moldings, motor and hoses.

Anyone know of a place or can give me tips?

The 1st 2 items are...

Hose replacement and refilling of the system.

Replacement of Rear plastic Window.

Any help would be great!

I found a few places that will do the window for 4 to 5 bills. I dont think so since this window is a temporary deal.

Thanks
Allen

 

[stykthyn]

I would think that you could get replacement hoses at your local hardware store. I dont know of any place that sells them. as for replacement moldings and frame rails the 'bay is the only place I know of to pick them up.
check over on Corral. there is a guy there called Puter and he is uber vert savvy and has helped me many times with my numerous top problems.
If worse comes to worse I have the technical manual for the convertible top. all in all it's pretty worthless, but if you need to I can start scanning pages and loading them up for you.

 

[hungrymonkey]

50resto.com has the convertable hydraulic hoses in a kit.

 

[93 LX]

Does anyone know if there is a service manual for the convertible? I dont see it in the Ford manuals I have for the 86....

 

[hungrymonkey]

50resto and hydroelectric have them. I did a search of stangnet earlier this morning and found a few posts saying it did not help very much, and some posts that said it helped them alot.


http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=LRS-8393GUIDE 1&comp=LRS

 

[Mr. Rustypwnz]

this is how I did mine, I took all the lines, the pump and the cylinders out, and now It dosent take 5 mins to take it down or up, its easy as hell too....

 

[90limited]

As for filling, there is a rubber plug on the side of the pump. Pull the plug and file w/ ATF to the bottom of the hole when the pump and car are sitting level. If the lines are toast, I know guys that have used fuel line to replace the plastic lines...

 

[93 LX]

I was thinking of braided line that way it wont break again....

 

[hungrymonkey]

my pump did not have atf in it. The ford dealership parts counter told me it was hydraulic jack fluid.

So you might want to look into what fluid it really takes.

 

[90limited]

my pump did not have atf in it. The ford dealership parts counter told me it was hydraulic jack fluid.

So you might want to look into what fluid it really takes.

My original 1990 pump said to use Dexron II ATF right on the pump housing. The replacement pump (from a 1985 convertible) also said to use ATF right on the pump...

 

[93 LX]

So my lines are broken, how do you clean up the spillage? Also I have tried to get the back seat out.... is there a trick?

 

[hungrymonkey]

My original 1990 pump said to use Dexron II ATF right on the pump housing. The replacement pump (from a 1985 convertible) also said to use ATF right on the pump...

the pump in my 89 had clear fluid, The dealership parts counter stated it was hydraulic jack fluid.

 

[90limited]

Never poke another mans rust bubble.

Just noticed that... That is freak'n funny.

 

[Mr. Rustypwnz]

to take the back seat out, get in front of it and push with force, and youll feel it pop up, and its out, the upper comes out with 2 7/16's(I think) right at the bottom on each sides, that slides out as well. to clean it up just look for all the crap and clean it up. it will be everywhere as well..

if you patch the line make sure you have some serious hose clamps, if you dont it will bust and ruin your day...

and yes I do think that your supposed to use hydro fluid..