My convertible top rattles ('70)

[Hack]

Please help me!

Both parts of the latches are worn (hooks and receivers? I don't know what to call the parts on the top corners of the windshield). The hooks are threaded in as far as I can get them, but the top is still a little loose, so it rattles.

Can anyone recommend a good place to buy replacements? I see tons of parts for earlier Mustangs, but the '70s seem a little neglected.

I'm not planning on restoring to concours or anything, I'm just looking for some good quality parts that will fit and last a while.

Thanks!

 

[CochinoFilipino]

Just a thought. Make sure the weather stripping is good before ordering those parts (if you can find them). If you can't find the parts, maybe you can build up the recieving eye-hole w/some JB Weld.

 

[Hack]

Thanks for the reply. I might just try the JB weld.

I did find them at Mustang's plus for $80. I'm hoping to avoid spending that, but at least there's a place to buy.

 

[Pakrat]

You have to remember that they made something like only 3000 convertibles in 1970, so there is not much part support for them. True 69' parts will interchange, but even at 15,000 units in 69' it's still not enough to justify someone reproducing them. It sounds to me that the receiver must either be very warn or someone did not install the top properly or as mentioned, it's compressing to much and ot's time for new weatherstripping. As you have probably noticed, the weatherstrip on these cars is not cheap either. Building up the receiving hole will likely work, but your hooks should be sticking out at least 3 or 4 threads in a normal situation, so something is obviously not right.

 

[Hack]

Well, I've had mine about 15 years and never touched the top or the weather stripping. I've done the motor, tranny, brakes, rear suspension, and I am going to replace the front suspension soon.

However, I'm getting more and more sick of the other problems, I think it's time for me to get off my butt and tear this thing completely apart.
I don't really want to replace the top and weatherstripping once, and then a second time in a few years after I fix the other problems.

edit: I didn't realize there were so few '70 convertibles. Thanks for the info!