Info on 1983 Ragtops!!

[sledcrazy]

hi all........I just aquired a 1983 convertable.....302 5 speed. Did these come with a 5 speed? Its a driver/project at the same time......but its a blast too.......should have got one years ago!! Im looing for a new top and wondering who does a good job installing a new one. Im in Creston so Calgarys close. any info is really appreciated.....thanks

 

[Stang8URMPRT]

Yes, 83s did come with 5 speeds AS AN OPTION. My 83 vert came from the factory with an SROD 4 speed manual, and was switched to a 5 speed before I bought it. Best thing to do is check to see if you have the stock rear end in it, and see if you have 2.73 rear gears or 3.08s. If it has 2.73s, it came with a 5 speed. If it has 3.08s, it came with a 4 speed. As for the rag top... it can cost anywhere from 800-1800 depending on the type of material used and how much shops charge. I would recommend the canvas top, as the stock vinal is a piece of crap, rips easy, and fades and stains very easy. Good luck!

Nick

 

[tjm73]

The T5 in the 83 was made standard mid year. It was not an option.

Source: www.mustanggt.org

"To handle the additional horsepower, a major change was also made in the transmission department part-way through the model year. At the beginning of the ‘83 model year, the Ford 4-speed SROD was standard in the ‘83 (a carry-over from 1982 GT’s), however in early December 1982 (December 6 is believed to be the changeover date), the standard transmission became the all-new, stronger Borg Warner T-5 5-speed transmission. Interestingly, the 5-speed was made the standard transmission with the SROD 4-speed available as an optional transmission. Those who ordered the optional 4-speed received a credit of $124 on the window sticker."

 

[Stang8URMPRT]

Whatever... Same difference.

 

[tjm73]

Whatever... Same difference.

I was like "Option? I thought it was a mid year change over. Hmmm.... I gotta check that out." I thought I had missed something. LOL

 

[egnorant]

They are kinda fun!

I got one about 6 months ago myself. Early car with the SROD 4 speed and it is a blast. Top prices vary, I plan on doing it myself and about 250 dollars
for the top. The underhood wiring has become brittle and required some repairs
but this is a Texas car and we get a bit more heat here.
Had a problem with the pinch welds on the door skins also.
Had a little slop in the steering and discovered deteriorated rubber bushings on the pack and pinion unit and the swaybar bushings. Lt of little things but it is still a blast!
Bruce (East Texas)

 

[tjm73]

I got one about 6 months ago myself. Early car with the SROD 4 speed and it is a blast. Top prices vary, I plan on doing it myself and about 250 dollars
for the top. The underhood wiring has become brittle and required some repairs
but this is a Texas car and we get a bit more heat here.
Had a problem with the pinch welds on the door skins also.
Had a little slop in the steering and discovered deteriorated rubber bushings on the pack and pinion unit and the swaybar bushings. Lt of little things but it is still a blast!
Bruce (East Texas)

If you change the top, be sure to change the back window as well. The window section is not included with most top kits. Don't buy a plastic window section.....especially if you live in a hot climate. The turn cloudy and get brittle. They're garbage and a waste of money IMO. Also some aftermarket tops have a single seam down the center. OEM has 2 seams. If you care about such things (I do) you will want to check that out too.

FYI - The factory glass is double compound curved. Some aftermarket tops/windows don't have the double compound curved glass and look like asz when installed. Be sure to ask about that before you buy a top.