Hartop stuck

[rthirdbird]

Help,
The hardtop is stuck on my 05 Cashmere. I can unlock all four cornors but the left rear srew (drivers side) will not let go. I can lift the three cornors and move top a small amount, but the left rear will not let loose. The lock bar will go all the way back but not let loose. Has anyone had this problem, and if so what did you do?
Thank you,
Bill

[MATBird]

Re: Hartop stuck

First I've heard of it. But try, fastening it back down. Header screws and the two levers in the rear.
Now, turn the rear levers only a half turn; then unloosen the two front screws on the header; finally turn the two rear levers the rest of the way.....and see if that's any help.

[Gobird]

Re: Hartop stuck

Sounds like you may have this top cocked on the frame. Try what George said and get back to us.

[DavidA]

Re: Hartop stuck

There is a plastc spacer on the driver's rear side. If this was not in the proper place or was knocked loose when the top was put on, it is probably hanging up the rear release. You may have to force the top up, thereby probably breaking that plastic spacer. It will need to be replaced once the top is off. DO NOT try to put the top back on without that spacer. The top will not fit properly and will leak air and water.

You need to be very careful of that spacer when placing the top on the car.

[jaguar72]

Re: Hartop stuck

If the spacer is the problem, see the thread "Hardtop Hold Downs - Heads Up!".

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ard+top+spacer

It has all the information, pictures and even part numbers that you will ever need!

Good luck!

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72

[BirdWingsToo]

Re: Hartop stuck

Bill,

I hope you don't mind... I moved this thread from the "How to Use Website" forum to the "Thunderbird Chat" forum. Topic-wise, it doesn't really fit with the "How to use the website" topics and more members are likely to see it (and reply) in the more frequently visited "Thunderbird Chat" forum. Even so, I left a two-week "redirect" in the "How to Use Website" forum, so people will see the thread listed there as well for the next two weeks.

Good luck with your hardtop!

--BWtoo

[PaulD]

Re: Hartop stuck

After reading this thread as well as the "Hard Top Hold Downs" thread at http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...Top+Hold+Downs, I checked my driver side and discovered my spacer was missing also. It had come off and was under the cover piece which surrounds the hold down pin. Do not know how long it had been off since I only had the hard top on when I brought my bird home and had not noticed any rattle at that point.
I can see why it would come off .... very flimsy clips with minimal holding power.

[DavidA]

Re: Hartop stuck

There is no spacer on the passenger side, that is where the power for the defroster comes from. The spacer on the driver's side is to balance out the top so it sits level. I agee it isa flimsy part, but ... it is what it is. Jt be careful when you put the top on next time.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Hartop stuck

That spacer is pesky, and as Paul said, "flimsy". It becomes dislodged easily if you have to lift the top and reposition it, and it has to be put on just right - you have to align the small notch with the one on the base for it to be in the correct position. If you are not looking closely, you will not even see that notch.

[15AGAIN]

Re: Hartop stuck

When I replaced the spacer, I added a little super glue to the bottom side of the spacer. It has not moved since.
The right side spacer stays in place better because it has two wires attached to it.

[rthirdbird]

Re: Hartop stuck

Thanks to everyone who responded.
I finaly got the top off today, I did what MATbird said ang kept pulling. The problem is the spacer it had moved down the front of the socket. I will order a new one from Ford on Monday.

Thanks again,
Bill

[Allen P]

Re: Hartop stuck

My drivers side spacer also came off this spring when I took the h-top off . I was dreading trying to find a replacement , but due to this GREAT web site , and reading previous posts , my problem is solved . THANK YOU .

[MATBird]

Re: Hartop stuck

Thanks to everyone who responded.
I finaly got the top off today, I did what MATbird said ang kept pulling. The problem is the spacer it had moved down the front of the socket. I will order a new one from Ford on Monday.
Thanks again,
Bill

Thanks for the reply Bill. BTW, mine fell into the well and I never found it and never replaced it. And the top sits fine, no air rush, no rattle etc...