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Author
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Topic: 'vert top install
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73trials
Gearhead Posts: 680
From: New Orleans, La. M&M member # 1752
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-20-2002 11:20 PM
   
I'm thinking seriously about installing the new convertible top on my 73 by myself, in part because there does'nt seem to be anyone in my area that does this. Anyone ever tackle this job? I'd appreciate any tips you might have. I've got the Ford shop manuals, some good info there, Know of any other books that might give more detail? Who has the best tops? I hope to begin in about 2 weeks. Thanks in advance for any help. 
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73trials
Gearhead Posts: 680
From: New Orleans, La. M&M member # 1752
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-23-2002 02:38 PM
Guess i'm the only one crazy enough to try this himself.
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Dave Witthoeft
Gearhead Posts: 1954
From: IL.
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 03-23-2002 03:39 PM
Actualy I'll be trying this in the future too. But the way things are going, it will be later than sooner. If I had time, I'de come down and help. Your buying lunch. 
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 30097
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 03-23-2002 04:36 PM
My friend did his on his brand x last summer. He said it wasn't very hard, but accidently poking a hole in it really made him wish he had someone else do it. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773 I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5456
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 03-23-2002 05:02 PM
I have used a few different brands. From my experience, wouldn't use Crown, Electron is OK but I think that Robbins is the best. Their heavy grade one is tops. Fit was good, also. There are some other brands, never used them. Measure your bows, relationship to others, before removing top and write them down. Particularly important, is the rear bow to the the rear moulding. If the rear gutter area has any rust out, it needs to be replaced with metal as this is the anchoring point of the top at the rear. All of the old staples need to be pulled out ot the tack strips. If the rear fiber insert part is shot, they can be serviced with body side moulding. If the header bow is oxidized, it should be wire wheeled and pocks filled with a waterproof resin based filler. Then painted with a good paint. Many shops use a very thin padding on the header. Examine your padding to make sure that it is not rotted. 71/2 uses a solid glass rear window which I've never dealt with. When you've got the prep done, look at the shop manual. I've repaired top bows, headers, latches, padding, rotted gutters, tack strips but leave the actual installation. However, the best job I've ever had is on my 65. It was done by an amateur that had done 2 before mine. He installed it very tight, and after 3 years of a lot of use, it has NO wrinkles and fits excellent. It can be done. When not using the car, the top is put up! Have had top guys tell me to always do that.
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73trials
Gearhead Posts: 680
From: New Orleans, La. M&M member # 1752
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-25-2002 12:00 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by mellowyellow:
All of the old staples need to be pulled out ot the tack strips. If the rear fiber insert part is shot, they can be serviced with body side moulding. Thanks, guys. Mellow, that's one part i was concerned with. Have'nt pulled any staples yet, but it looks a bit worn. Thankfully, no rust to deal with. 
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73trials
Gearhead Posts: 680
From: New Orleans, La. M&M member # 1752
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-25-2002 12:02 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Witthoeft:
Actualy I'll be trying this in the future too. But the way things are going, it will be later than sooner. If I had time, I'de come down and help. Your buying lunch.
Come on down. weather's great, crawfish are in season.
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RagTop
Journeyman Posts: 18
From: Pleasanton, CA, USA
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-26-2002 03:24 PM
I admire your courage. I've thought about replacing my top but everyone tells me it's a major nightmare and that I should let a professional do it. Trouble is they charge more to install the top than the price of the top itself. Keep us informed of your progress and success.------------------
Regards,
RagTop
69 Meadowlark Yellow convertible, 302(308)/4V
69 Royal Maroon SportsRoof, 351W(363)/4V
00 Pewter Camaro Z28, LS1
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