Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

[CVCashmere]

It was nighttime; I was putting the top down when I heard a “pop”… and the left side of the roof suddenly grinded to a slow crawl. I solemnly finished putting it down by hand, and fell into auto-induced state of depression.

Afterwards, I had to “help” the left side back up to its closing position (in the dark). The next time I tried to lower the roof, it jammed!
Seems that 1 loose nut (SEE ATTACHMENT) allowed a bracket to slip out of its mounting point on the left hydraulic cylinder. The bracket then jammed against the hydraulic cylinder… potentially breaking it from its mounting point.

Using a swine flu-approved mask, surgical gloves and sterilized, medical implements (tonneau tool), we unsnapped the liner. Note to friends: buy Geoff’s “tonneau tool”… it’s a real lifesaver when trying to unsnap the fragile fabric in the boot.

The wayward bracket was found, the hydraulic cylinder was gently raised (using the “top up” button), and the bracket slowly popped back into place. Then, the loose nut was tightened with another of my favorite hospital tools (adjustable wrench). I am debating taking any further action (e.g., locktite; a second nut, etc.

While inside, we checked that the other nut was tight… and were relieved to discover it was fine.

BIG QUESTION: WHAT DOES THE GREEN PAINT ON THE END OF THE BOLT SIGNIFY? IS THAT A TORQUE SETTING?

Advice to fiends..er..a…friends…. Go in… check the tightness of these nuts on some bright sunny day. Just be careful unsnapping the boot fabric.

Enjoy!
CV

[MATBird]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

Thanks Carl:
Certainly worth checking to be proactive. Picture really helped too.



EDIT: Just noticed the TBN clock says 9:27 AM and it's 3:52PM EST in MA - Must be part of the upgrade that's going on. AND, it bumped three posts that I had previously read, to appear below this post

[snowbird]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

The 'green' material could be a form of "lock-tight' that comes in a fluid state, put onto the threads, and will set over short period of time to stop the nut from backing off on its own due to friction. A wrench will break the bond so it can come off for maintenance purposes. Usually comes in various colours that rates it from 'mild' to 'strong' bonding.
That would be my guess,
MartinB.

[Lonestar]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

Not contradict Snowbird for what you saw might have indeed been lock tight stuff but I suspect it is one of the numerous inspection check offs. Ford has always been very colorful with paint dabs on the assembly line especially on under carriage components. If you look around your car you will find blue, green, red, and yellow paint dabs. These paint dabs, and sometimes colored chalk, usually indicate that the part was indeed installed and torqued (if applicable) to the appropriate setting. Sometimes it simply means that the part was verified as being installed by an inspector. Paint on springs and shocks indicate ratings while paint on drive shafts indicate that a specific drive shaft was used for a specific engine, trans, & rear end combination.

[SKIPIFE]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

this will be an ongoing problem unless you use some lock tight, those are special bolts for the top, one of mine broke a while back, thought I posted it when it happend...anyway, yes all should check to make sure these are tight, the top is not easy to operate manually.

[MATBird]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

Thanks Carl:
Certainly worth checking to be proactive. Picture really helped too.

Out cruising today and when I got home I decided to check. You are correct, Geoff's tool does come in handy, especially in that area since it's so cramped for someone 6'4'.
Happy to report, nothing loose in there and I got it buttoned back up.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Wow! One Loose Nut Jams Soft Top!

Checking mine tomorrow that for certain
Thanks for telling us about this potential problem.