Convertible Top Lifts Up Unevenly - Lift Cylinder and C-Pivot Inspection

NOTE: Before starting the adjustment process, inspect the top for damage, make sure that the door window glass and rear quarter glass are correctly adjusted then completely lower all window glass.

NOTE: After each adjustment make sure the convertible top operates correctly.

Remove the quarter trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .

NOTE: This step applies to vehicles equipped with the Mach sound system.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the screws and disconnect the electrical connectors.
Remove the screws.

Fig 2: Removing Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the speakers. For additional information, refer to SPEAKERS .
Move the convertible top to the half-open position and support the convertible top in that position.

Fig 3: Moving Convertible Top To Half-Open Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nuts and bracket.
- Support the lift cylinders.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Nuts And Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lift cylinder rod mounting bolts.

Fig 5: Removing Lift Cylinder Rod Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the convertible top switch, retract the lift cylinder rods and check for bent or binding rods. If one rod bottoms out 25mm (1 inch) or more before the other, the lagging lift cylinder may be bent and will need to be replaced.
With the lift cylinder rods retracted, manually lower the convertible top.
Manually lift each side rail 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches) to check for obvious binding. Side arms should have equal resistance, side-to-side. If the resistance is noted, loosen the clamp load of the c-pivot rivet by using a center punch. If a dramatic resistance is still noted replace the c-pivot rivet with shoulder bolt kit (F5ZZ-76539A04-A).
Position the lift cylinders and install the nuts and bracket.

Fig 6: Installing Nuts And Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the two cylinder rod mounting bolts.

Fig 7: Installing Cylinder Rod Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the speakers. For additional information, refer to SPEAKERS .
Install the screws.

Fig 8: Installing Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: This step applies to vehicles equipped with the Mach sound system.
Install the screws and connect the electrical connectors.

Fig 9: Connecting Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the quarter trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Make sure the convertible top operates correctly.
Close the convertible top.