Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

[My Raven]

When the softtop is up on your Thunderbird how is the fit around the rear glass? Please include all that apply and comments welcome.

Thanks.

[Sandman]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Hi Joe,

What's the reason for the survey?

The top line on mine is 1.75 inches from the top material and the bottom line is 2 inches from the bottom fabric. There are a total of 10 thin lines.

The timing was perfect for this survey because this is only the second time the hard top was off this car since new. The original owner had the dealership take it off and back on the day he took delivery so he could check if the soft top works. I took off the hard top thursday.

Ron

[My Raven]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Hi Ron: I had the top replaced on the 04Raven. First the nylon backing was exposed so I took it back for adjustment; then it happened again; then I noticed when I took the merlot to CBT that the large vertical defroster bars were not exposed. They are obviously exposed on the 04Raven and I noticed how ugly it was when I walked up behind the car today.

I suspect the replacement top was cut incorrectly and as the top "stretches" it loses its proper form. I plan to call them once again but before I do I wanted to make sure of the fit on other members Birds.

When I pay this much for a replacement factory Haartz top I feel like the least they can do is make it right. It is frustrating.

Thus, the poll and the inquiry.

[Lonestar]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

The top line on mine is 1.75 inches from the top material and the bottom line is 2 inches from the bottom fabric. There are a total of 10 thin lines.

Ditto the above & no orange showing on either side.

[Sandman]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe, thanks for the update. When did you have the top replaced?

[wtxbird]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe , I have had no problems with my top. Of Course i keep the hardtop on it 99% of the time.

[redbirdman]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe, same as post #2 on mine.My top covers heavy orange strip by 3/8 " on sides.for the price they probably charged,it should match oem.

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Mine is the same Joe. No Vertical Stripes showing and evenly spaced left and right. The top line on is 1.75 inches from the top material and the bottom line is 2 inches from the bottom fabric.

[FritsB]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Mine is same Joe, no visible bands, except for the small tab that stands out, but only visible on left side.

[bwlewis]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe, mine is the same as all the others.

[5bird7]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Only the horizontal heating elements showing. - space above top bar and space below bottom bar like Nickys'
Measurements:
Center, vertical opening - 14 1/4"
Across base of opening - 48"
straight across near top of glass from seam to seam - 40 1/4"

[My Raven]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Thanks for the imput and Dot thanks for the measurements.

The folks who replaced the top requested pictures of a "factory correct" top fit around the rear window.

As the 04Merlot is in storage if y'all would help me out I would greatly appreciate it and send me or post any close ups so I can forward them along to the folks who replaced the top.

Now that I have noticed the horizontial bars it looks like **** with the top up. They are saying well you have had the top 6 months and now you are complaining? So, I think this might get messy.

I would like to send them an e-mail tonight if possible.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[wtxbird]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

So much for customer service.
What company did you buy this from?
Please Save the rest of us some grief.
Sorry your dealing with Idiots.
Joe---All my tops are all on the stands or i would send you pictures and my Powersports Tonneau is on the car, plus its storming here.

[justjon]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Convertable top replacement is a truely fine art. There are very few top shops anymore and odds are that it's a first time job for most of them to do a Tbird. If you don't live in Los Angeles or Miami finding anyone capable of doing it is remote at best. My advice is DON'T replace the top. Cover the car when parked trade it in for one with a better top if you can't stand it. My 90 Allante had the original top and 86,000 miles, it also had a half inch tear, I bought a Tbird.

[My Raven]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

I copied a bunch of pics from EBay sales to prove my point from 2002 to 2005.

Let me find out their response before I start calling names ... LOL.

And you are right, Jon ... This was their first Retro top replacement. That said it was necessary to replace it and this shop has an impeccable reputation here or did thus far.