Custom Fit a Hardtop

[merlot4]

To save you some reading, this post has links that do not work; for the correct information, go to the post: Custom Fit a Hardtop -Redux.

Sorry for the confusion, thanks to those who let me know the link wasn't useable.

[JerriLampon]

It says, "Sorry, you are not authorized to view this page. For assistance contact the site administrator."

[merlot4]

It came up as a download on my machine, which I was then able to view, there must still be a copy floating around on my computer that it's referring to. It's darned annoying trying to get a PDF on this platform....thanks for letting me know Jerri. This was a worthwhile thread, so I'll do it over the slow way.

Stay tuned.

[Bobnoir1]

For the severely rattling hardtops, this is one method (though rather rigorous) to tighten the hardtop to the car.
This is not for the faint of heart, but adjustments can be done.

The hardtop was manufactured by an outside supplier for Ford. The vertical adjustment nuts are welded to the hardtop latches on the bracket so they cannot be readily adjusted.
Place the top on the stand. Mark remove the plastic trims that cover the brackets and portholes. With a pencil, mark the positions of the brackets on the top, then removed them.

Secured a bracket in a vise and use a chisel to break the welds on both adjustment nuts.

Bracket.jpg

Rotated the nuts two turns to raise the locking posts pull the top down tighter. The distance the post is adjust may vary, so this is a first-estimate.
Tighten the nuts securely and reinstalled the brackets into their original, marked positions.

Prior to installing the top coat the weather strip lightly with pure silicone grease.
As per the manual, set the hardtop in place on the car with the bracket levers in the center position (perpendicular to the top) and securely tightened the windshield attaching bolts with the torx tool. Then move the levers forward to the locked position.
Test and readjust as needed.

[merlot4]

I'm not holding my breath for this second attempt to work, but..... Please let me know if this is also a no go. After you click on the link, it will hopefully show as a download on your desktop, which you then have to click to view.
Custom fit a hardtop Redux.pdf

[BillyL]

Sorry, link will not open.

[merlot4]

Thanks, Billy.

[Domino]

On of the screws that hold the hard top to the windshield will not screw in. It appears to be lined up but will not advance into the roof. What can I do to get to attach?

[kmtbird]

I have used this before: Loosen the screw that is working but do not unscrew it completely, just so it is rather loose. Roll up two hand towels and carefully place one under each side of the rear of the hardtop-be sure the working screw is loose enough to allow the hardtop to be raised 1-2 inches. Then align the troublesome screw and hardtop and start the screw into the top-if it will start. If it screws in, remove the towels and start latching the rear of the hardtop following the owner's manual instructions and completely secure the top.

If the screw does not start, you may to check to be sure the threads on the screw or the top are not messed up. I hope this helps.

kmtbird