First time installing hardtop--help!

[BBestone]

Hi everyone..
Today's the day to put the hardtop on--for the first time. Can someone explain the best way for me to do it? My 22 year old son and his friend will be doing the actual lifting---so I am the instructor and don't have a clue as to what to tell them--Help!!
Thanx...BBestone

[DavidA]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Lift it into place making sure the rear pins are in the holes.

put the rear lever in the center position

tighten the front bolts

pull the rear levers to the front position.

When taking it off

Push the rear levers in the middle position

loosen the front bolts

Push the rear levers into the rear position

Lift the top off.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

1. Blanket on Trunk Lid.
2. Practice lifting Top off Cart. Get sense of weight balance points.
3. Move Top to Rear of car, at least 2 feet away.
4. LOCK Wheels on Cart & DO NOT Trust them!!!
5. Lift Top, Level it, and carry over blanket, to a Point where the front edge is BEYOND the Windshield.
6. Set it down, and Locate Holes for the Pegs.
7. Relift, and slide backwards into the rear holes for the pegs.
8. Latches at Half way.
9. Start the Torc wrench for the front screws. Hand on top of the Top to ensure contact and setting. Screw in 2/3rds or just before snug.
10. Latches Fully engaged.
11. Tighten Front Torc screws.
12. Recycle Door windows for proper fit.
13. TA-DA!! You're done!!

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Hi Barb,
Check your manual. The instructions in there are pretty good for putting the top on.
Having said that, I learned it from similar threads in this awesome site.
Make sure you have protective strips in place. If you don't you should wait until you do. Just my opinion but most will agree. Otherwise there is an excellent chance that the seal will get abrasive and scratch the panal it is up against.
see http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...p+Installation
Here is a good thread for installation instructions:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...p+installation
Read this if you want to get nerveous about doing it. Personally, I find it very easy to put on and remove.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...p+Installation
Use the search tool on this site for anything about your car. It has probably been discussed on here one time or another.

[Leroy]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

I think you'll find that the rear pins locking lugs line-up best with the latch lever all the way back when setting the top onto the car and in the same position when lifting it off. If this top has never been on this car it may be nessesary to remove the plastic molding across the inside front of the top and loosen the three screws on each of the front monuting blocks to line them up with the windshield screws. The molding just pulls off and just snaps back on. You should only have to adjust these blocks once. This is what I had to do to get my 03 MSG top to easilly fit on my 04. Leroy

[FUN X 3]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Don't forget to check the bolts after driving 30-50 miles, as recommended by Ford. Mine have never been loose, but there's a first time for everything...

[007Cruiser]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

How did it go?

[njmiket]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Install open cell weather strip under hardtop to keep from scratching the paint.
Available at Ace hardware around 4 bucks. The put the hardtop on.

[FritsB]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

How did it go?

Yes, how did it go Barb? I remember first time is quite a thrill.
But after doing it you know it's a piece of cake next time.

[Ski]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Install open cell weather strip under hardtop to keep from scratching the paint.
Available at Ace hardware around 4 bucks. The put the hardtop on.

Does this serve the same purpose as the chrome TBC strips? Are they black? I don't think I would care for the chrome on my T-bird.

[redbirdsal]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Does this serve the same purpose as the chrome TBC strips? Are they black? I don't think I would care for the chrome on my T-bird.

John, the color is black, or charcoal. It's not quite the same as the gasket, but it's close. I've used it several times, and it does protect the sail panel, and is hardly visible. The only problem is that, over time, it has a tendency to "roll" out a little on the passenger side. I don't know why it happens on that side only, but several members have reported the same thing.

[Dizzbe]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Install open cell weather strip under hardtop to keep from scratching the paint.
Available at Ace hardware around 4 bucks. The put the hardtop on.

Can someone describe or post a picture of what "open cell" weatherstrip is? I've gone to Ace in the past and they can't tell me, nor is the website any help. I'd like to try this option, but don't know what I am looking for. Others have said on older posts, not to use closed cell weather stripping - so I know what those look like. HELP?

[MATBird]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Ski: You can buy Prostripe in black. Finishes off the deck area, easily installed, provides tighter bond between HT and body & easily removed/replaced if it gets scratched

[Leroy]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

I put on professional auto painters masking tape, the good stuff that comes off easilly. I buy the 3/4" width and put it all the way around the rear deck edge from door jam to door jam with about 3/8 of an inch showing on the surface where the weather strip meets the paint. When the top is removed the tape can be easilly pulled off. Leroy

[Lonestar]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Can someone describe or post a picture of what "open cell" weatherstrip is? I've gone to Ace in the past and they can't tell me, nor is the website any help. I'd like to try this option, but don't know what I am looking for. Others have said on older posts, not to use closed cell weather stripping - so I know what those look like. HELP?

http://doitbest.com/Main.aspx?PageId=64&SKU=270881