Questions for Covertible Fox bodies guys

[DanB93]

Hello,

Again a new Mustang owner and Have a few convertible related questions.

1-My top seems to be in great order and goes up and down in about 20 sec. My question is how much of a wine does the top motor make? Mine doesn't wine too much but wasn't sure if that is the sound I should be hearing of if its time for some checking.

2- When the top is closing the driver side make it all the way to the pin and latches very easily, but the passenger side just doesn't quite make it and needs some helping hand to get in place. Because of this I usually lock down driver side first so it is aligned properly. It not that much of a pain but thought I'd ask about how easy it should go.

3- Does it matter if the windows are up or down when putting the top up?

4- Any things I should be looking out for to head off problems related to the mechanics or top?


Thanks and I cast my vote for a convertible forum. I saw someone else mention that in here. :SNSign:

 

[Ozz]

1- It whines quite a bit. Definitely audible. I don't really know what they sound like on the way out but mine's always sounded the same.

2- Mine is the opposite. The pass. side closes more easily than the driver's, but not every time. SOmetimes they're equal. Go figure

3- Not to my knowledge, but if they're down you won't slam the top down on top of them once it closes.

 

[grey5.0beast]

1- mine is loud too, alays been since new(had it the whole time)
2-Mine is like Manson's My driver sideis harded to latch, I heard that its b/c the top stretches and contract depening on the temp, definatelymakes sense, mine is always harder to close when cold. I wouldn't worry bout it
3- I always have my back windows up before I close it, seems tome like it puts more wear on the back windows trying to get up against the friction of all the weather stripping

Have fun with it! I love my vert!!

 

[ryan218]

just as they say...thats how mine is...and my dads vert.

 

[grey5.0beast]

Sorry to threadjack, but will a newer vert motor work in our foxes?

 

[ryan218]

Sorry to threadjack, but will a newer vert motor work in our foxes?

i thought i heard somewhere that a top motor for 65 on up with work but correct me if im wrong

 

[Ozz]

Gretybeast - The top sure does do that. If you leave it down long enough it could become impossible to latch again without stretching or warming it up in the sun for a while. I remember my dad kept one of his classic convertibles' tops down throughout winter, and come time to put the top back on it was missing by about TWO inches That was fun pulling on it after warming it up to finally get it on. After that though it was fine again, it just needed some help.

A friend of mine got his top replaced on his '94 last year and the shop asked if he leaves the top down at all. He said yes, and that he actually lets it sit that way for basically the entire year. It is driven like mine is, which is nice days only and sparingly at that, but also sits in a clean-air/open space garage. So having it down doesn't bother the interior like it would mine (thanks, dust). Anyway, the shop guy nearly flipped out saying "YOU CAN'T DO THAT! THE TOP HAS TO GO UP OR IT WILL RUIN THE MATERIAL AND IT WON'T FIT ANYMORE"

So uh, yea, it does that

 

[DanB93]

i thought i heard somewhere that a top motor for 65 on up with work but correct me if im wrong

I have seen a couple of threads mention that the 65 to 93 top motors are the same.


Thanks for all the quick respones everyone.

 

[DanB93]

Gretybeast - The top sure does do that. If you leave it down long enough it could become impossible to latch again without stretching or warming it up in the sun for a while. I remember my dad kept one of his classic convertibles' tops down throughout winter, and come time to put the top back on it was missing by about TWO inches That was fun pulling on it after warming it up to finally get it on. After that though it was fine again, it just needed some help.

A friend of mine got his top replaced on his '94 last year and the shop asked if he leaves the top down at all. He said yes, and that he actually lets it sit that way for basically the entire year. It is driven like mine is, which is nice days only and sparingly at that, but also sits in a clean-air/open space garage. So having it down doesn't bother the interior like it would mine (thanks, dust). Anyway, the shop guy nearly flipped out saying "YOU CAN'T DO THAT! THE TOP HAS TO GO UP OR IT WILL RUIN THE MATERIAL AND IT WON'T FIT ANYMORE"

So uh, yea, it does that

That's good to know too. I will be driving my vert the same way, only on nice days and in the garage in winter, (Maryland). I plan on working on the interior this winter but will now not leave to top open all the time. Thanks

 

[RYC CUKR]

I have seen a couple of threads mention that the 65 to 93 top motors are the same.


Thanks for all the quick respones everyone.

I can tell you from experience that the 65 to 93 top motors are the same. When my motor in my 93 croaked I used my spare motor from my 65. Works like a champ. They can usually be had at classic car swap meets for between $50 to $75.