New Convertible Top

[NOT A T5]

Asking all Convertible owners!
I had a new top professionally installed in February 2023. When the top is up and resting on the windshield frame I have about 2" from the fabric (very front of the top) to the edge of the windshield trim, towards the windshield (if that makes sense). I need the entire top to come forward about 1/2" or so, so I can latch it more easily. The way it is now (goes up and down very smoothly) I have to extend both hooks to get it to latch, also the pins are off quite a bit. Then I undo one latch at a time (while holding on to the latch and pulling somewhat hard so I can put the hooks back to their original position and barely can latch them. Is there an adjustment to bring the top forward a little more? Any suggestions appreciated. When I put the Convertible Top frame back in the car (before the Rag Top install) I tested its function and it latched normally. Thanks a lot!

 

[Horsin' Around]

Take it back to the "Professional" that you paid to do the job. Sounds like they bent the frame.

 

[Sheriff41]

I agree, take it back to the installer. Also, watch the West Coast Classic Cougars video on convertible top replacement for an understanding of how it's done. Your installer may have simply pulled the canvas too tight. He may have not measured the height of the rear bow and got it positioned wrong.

 

[Sheriff41]

Also read https://7173mustangs.com/threads/1973-convertible-top-adjustment.30249/

 

[cv_72mustang]

I'd be real careful until you get this sorted out you don't bust the handle. I broke mine and it's an issue to replace.

 

[NOT A T5]

With the top up and latched how many inches do you guys have from the front edge of the top to the (measuring straight out) edge of the windshield molding?

 

[73CobraJet]

I'd be real careful until you get this sorted out you don't bust the handle. I broke mine and it's an issue to replace.

Do you know if the handle could be repaired? The bolt going through the mechanism got “lost”’some how. Trying not to undo the the original top!

 

[cv_72mustang]

I broke my handle and I needed to remove a portion of the top. I think I have post on the process. The tried to epoxy the handle and it didn't work and purchase another. I needed to paint it black. It was not a exact fit but very close.

The main issue is the handle connects with rivets. I remember using something called barrel bolts instead of the rivets. I'll repost if I can find specifics. Do a search on the site. I posted some pictures and directions that may help.

TonyD

 

[mrgmhale]

Asking all Convertible owners!
I had a new top professionally installed in February 2023. When the top is up and resting on the windshield frame I have about 2" from the fabric (very front of the top) to the edge of the windshield trim, towards the windshield (if that makes sense). I need the entire top to come forward about 1/2" or so, so I can latch it more easily. The way it is now (goes up and down very smoothly) I have to extend both hooks to get it to latch, also the pins are off quite a bit. Then I undo one latch at a time (while holding on to the latch and pulling somewhat hard so I can put the hooks back to their original position and barely can latch them. Is there an adjustment to bring the top forward a little more? Any suggestions appreciated. When I put the Convertible Top frame back in the car (before the Rag Top install) I tested its function and it latched normally. Thanks a lot!

Our top rests lightly right on top of the windshield trim before we latch it down.

 

[cv_72mustang]

Our top rests lightly right on top of the windshield trim before we latch it down.

Exactly, I always need to give it a shove left!

 

[NOT A T5]

The front seal just barely touches the windshield trim on mine. Could someone please measure how many inches of the stainless trim is exposed after latching the top. Thank you!

 

[RIBS]

Mine doesn’t fit well. Self install. Lol. Is it possible it just needs to sit in the sun and relax a bit since it’s new?

 

[droptop73]

Mine will power to about 1" from the trim then I pull it down and latch it. When it's closed it's close to flush with the front of the trim.