Sticky Convertible Top

[00mustng]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

.....from time to time I'll give the joints a shot of WD40.....It has never operated in one smooth flow, without hesitation.

[AZTB]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

When I start lowering my convertible top it seems to stick (hesitate) at the first elbows on both sides. It hesitates for a second until pressure builds a little and then "pops" out and continues to lower properly. I just got back from Ford to have it checked and they (their expert on tops) said that it was normal...I don't believe them so I asked them to log my concern (factory warranty up next week) and to check for any service bulletins.

Do your Birds do this? Do they lower smoothly at all times as the elbows bend?

Gary

Gary: the top on my '05 caused me problems the first year I owned it. It popped, snapped and growled, and it seemed worse in colder weather (if that's possible in Phoenix). Well, took it to the dealer, and they order a new frame, which they installed (warranty). It no longer pops or snaps, but the motor still growls when cold. Haven't returned it for that, however, as it took them almost 4 years just to find the tranny problem.
Jim

[snowbird]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

.....from time to time I'll give the joints a shot of WD40.....It has never operated in one smooth flow, without hesitation.

Martin: Keep in mind that WD40 is not a lubricant and will dry out over a short period of time. If anything, it may also take out any lubrication of the joints. Great for freeing up seized items/joints etc., but get some type of lubricant spray for the joints if you think they are sticking. Part of the PM program.
Our '03 007 has no hesitation at all but have noticed our friend Gord's '02 is starting to do the 'hesitation' jerk bit. Will look at it in the spring to see if I can find anything.
MartinB.

[pjprokop]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

When I bought the 05, the top worked smoothly. Over time, it developed the hesitation described here, but it always went up and down. The dealer said the hesitation was normal operation.

Today, I soaked all of the many joints and pins with Seafoam Deep Creep - penetrating lube that does not drip off.

Top now works smoothly again - no hesitation. Don't believe the dealer when they say a hesitation is normal.

[snowbird]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

Thanks for the tip on the "Seafoam Deep Creep" lubricant Paul. Will try to find some in our area to keep on the shelf. (should work especially well on the PCR birds).
MartinB.

[luvbirdz]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

MartinB, please let us know if you find a source for it here in Canada. I'm sure we may all need it eventually (and my 82 LeBaron just might be due for it. LOL)
Thanks
MartinL

[snowbird]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

MartinB, please let us know if you find a source for it here in Canada. I'm sure we may all need it eventually (and my 82 LeBaron just might be due for it. LOL)
Thanks
MartinL

Hey Martin: Remember those adds where the guy had the squicky garage door ? Perhaps that would work. Also, to be on the safe side, hold a rag behind the joint when spraying. Will let you know if I find anything as Gord's top is starting to have this problem. At least the last time I saw him put it down.
MartinB.
ps. You haven't left for Florida yet ? or was it Mexico ?

[Tbirddave]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

Paul - Who makes the "Seafoam Deep Creep" lubricant? Sounds like the fix for the sticking tops. May be able to order from the manufacturer..

[luvbirdz]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

Leaving Monday for Mexico, coming back end of March, can't wait to get away, had enough of driving a snowblower instead of the TBird.
Martin

[pjprokop]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

See www.seafoamsales.com for all the info. I love this stuff. You can go from a full spray to drop by drop. Thick enough to stick and penetrate.

[UncleTurbo]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

My top has the hesitation on going down, but no unusual noises. I think it is part of the machanics of the lowering system. Some car to car variation is to be expected and if the motor strains and there is jerky action with noise it may need attention. One day I took a drive with the top down when it was about 20 degrees and the top was very slow and noisey when I raised it. Cold weather definately puts a strain on the system and I determined not to do that again!

[johnthetaxi]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

I've had the hesitation from day one but it works fine. Never gets below 65F here so I don't hear noise from the top motor. What I have noticed is that over some of the joints in the frame, the top is starting to show signs of spot wear. I raise and lower the top at least once a day and sometimes more than that so my usage is a little extreme. I've had the Bird for about three years so I guess the wear is normal. I'm a long way from a new top. Looks like a new top runs about $2,000 installed (without a new rear window or headliner) so it isn't a serious worry. I will probably get 5 years out of the top.

Anyone else notice spot wear over the joints?

[blue731]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

.....from time to time I'll give the joints a shot of WD40.....It has never operated in one smooth flow, without hesitation.

WD40 is not a lubricant - very common mistake. It is a solvent and designed to remove water. Try an actual silicon based spray lube next time, and you won't have to spray it as much.

[johnthetaxi]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

Maybe my sticky top cured itself by breaking a weld in the top frame. Just found a broken weld in the frame, don't know how long it has been like that. The dealer is sending it out to a top shop to replace the whole top frame. Sure am glad I bought the 6 year/60K extended warranty. Here is a link to a picture of the weld. Anyone ever have a problem with the frame? The dealer said he had never seen a top frame problem.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/membe...sort=1&cat=500

PS - a great lubricant for hinges or pivot points is STP additive. It lasts longer than lithium grease and is easier to apply to hard to reach areas. If you want to squirt it on a hard to reach spot, mix it with WD 40. The WD 40 will soon dissipate leaving the STP where it is.

[BJHEN]

Re: Sticky Convertible Top

PS - a great lubricant for hinges or pivot points is STP additive. It lasts longer than lithium grease and is easier to apply to hard to reach areas. If you want to squirt it on a hard to reach spot, mix it with WD 40. The WD 40 will soon dissipate leaving the STP where it is.

John, Sorry to hear about your top frame, but glad it is being fixed under warranty.

Can the frame be lubricated without staining the soft top? I have a sand colored top and staining is already a problem. Does Ford recommend the top frame be lucricated?

Cliff