Hey guys -
StangNet is my first Mustang forum and this is my first post. I have a 2000 v6 Convertible. I bought it last year and have a blast using the top almost every day. I can't imagine having another car - it's perfect for where I am in life right now.
However, I'm having a few issues with the ragtop. First it was a leak (which I temporarily fixed with duct tape. I'm planning on re-fixing it what I've read on this forum thread) and now the left side of the ragtop won't go up. I can hear the motor running faithfully but the left side just stays down. The right side will raise and then I have to manually lift the left side up (about a foot or so) before I can re-engage the convertible top motor. Once it's up that far, it will go up, albeit slowly. This problem started two weeks ago out of the blue. No warnings as far as I can tell.
I know that the rag top will have to be replaced, but I want to know if I will have to replace the hydraulic system as well. At first I suspected the motor was the problem but as the right side of the rag top goes up well, I think it's the hydraulic system.
Here are my questions:
I also have questions about replacing the ragtop itself.
I'd like to do as much work as possible on the car myself, just because I want to know my car inside and out. I'm not afraid of getting greased up in the process. I'd just like to have an idea of what I'm getting myself into!
Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully accepted!
StangNet is my first Mustang forum and this is my first post. I have a 2000 v6 Convertible. I bought it last year and have a blast using the top almost every day. I can't imagine having another car - it's perfect for where I am in life right now.
However, I'm having a few issues with the ragtop. First it was a leak (which I temporarily fixed with duct tape. I'm planning on re-fixing it what I've read on this forum thread) and now the left side of the ragtop won't go up. I can hear the motor running faithfully but the left side just stays down. The right side will raise and then I have to manually lift the left side up (about a foot or so) before I can re-engage the convertible top motor. Once it's up that far, it will go up, albeit slowly. This problem started two weeks ago out of the blue. No warnings as far as I can tell.
I know that the rag top will have to be replaced, but I want to know if I will have to replace the hydraulic system as well. At first I suspected the motor was the problem but as the right side of the rag top goes up well, I think it's the hydraulic system.
Here are my questions:
- How can I confirm that it is the hydraulics and not the motor?
- If it is the hydraulic, can I refill it or does it need to be completely replaced?
- Can a novice mechanic attempt replacing the hydraulics?
I also have questions about replacing the ragtop itself.
- Are there fitment issues with using an aftermarket top?
- What price point should I be looking at?
- Can a novice mechanic replace the ragtop?
I'd like to do as much work as possible on the car myself, just because I want to know my car inside and out. I'm not afraid of getting greased up in the process. I'd just like to have an idea of what I'm getting myself into!
Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully accepted!