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Convertible Top Material: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Place the convertible top material on the convertible top frame.
    1. Mark the headliner using chalk at the center hole in the number 2 bow (if no mark is present).
    2. Align the convertible top material using the mark made on the headliner to the mark on the convertible top material. Snap the convertible top channels into the guides on the convertible top frame number 2 bow.
    3. Center the convertible top material on the number 3 bow and snap the convertible top channels into the guides.
      G08646959
  2. Using heavy wire or other suitable material, pull the convertible top tensioner cables through the channels to the rear of the convertible top.
  3. Connect the heated rear window electrical connectors.
  4. Reattach the retaining strap to rear of side rail using shouldered screw (one per side).
  5. NOTE: Depending on the build level of the convertible top, there will be either tension cable guide or no guide. See the illustration to determine if you have a guide and which guide is used.

    If equipped with a tension cable guide, route the tension cable through the guide.

    1. Route the tension cable through the tension guide bracket and pivot the bracket up. Install rivet (one per side, W707504-S303) in the pivot guide bracket.
    2. Route the tension cable through the tension guide bracket.
      G08646960
  6. NOTE: Depending on the build level of the convertible top, the tension cable rivet attachment will be on the inside of the number 5 bow or on the top of the number 5 bow.

    Install the tension cable to the number 5 bow.

    1. If equipped with a guide bracket, place spring silencer over spring and rivet spring attachment to the number 5 bow using a rivet (one per side, W707504-S303).
    2. If not equipped with a guide bracket, rivet spring attachment to the number 5 bow using a rivet (one per side, W525155-S303).
      G08646957
  7. Reattach water diverter elastic strap to number 5 bow, (route inboard of tension cable at front and under stay pads and locate just inboard of stay pads and secure with two 3/8 inch T-50 stainless steel staples to number 5 bow.
  8. Tuck water diverter behind rear rail form panel and loosely wrap Velcro® strap around rear rail to engage.
  9. NOTE: Drive screw 15 mm (5/8 inch) from end of strap into hole in side rail.

    Attach the convertible top cover cross vehicle elastic retaining straps (one on each side) to the front side rails most forward attachment.

  10. NOTE: Use hand tools to install the screws. Failure to use hand tools will damage the threads in the convertible top.
    NOTE: There will be 6 screws for early build convertible tops.

    Install the 4 screws holding the front of the LH and RH stay pads.

  11. NOTE: Reuse loose washer and screw (one each side), drive screw 15 mm (5/8 inch) from end of strap into hole in side rail

    Attach the convertible top cover short elastic retaining straps (one on each side) to the front side rails rearward attachment.

  12. Center the convertible top material on the number 1 bow then snap the front retaining track of the top cover onto the number 1 bow.
  13. NOTE: Center rear screw is shorter than the other 5, and must be routed through fabric tab underneath support panel.

    Install the header form panel and 6 screws.

  14. Rivet the front tension cable attachment using a rivet (one per side, W707504-S303).
    Fig 1: Locating Cable Guide Rivet
    G06393258Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Apply a light mist of water to the double-sided tape on the header form panel, and the underside of the convertible top material where it will contact the tape.
  16. Install the rivets (W707504-S303) attaching the front corners of the convertible top material to the frame number 1 bow (2 each side).
  17. Install the front retaining channel into place on the front underside of the convertible top frame number 1 bow, starting in the center and working out towards the edges. Using a spring clamp, clamp the convertible top material in place.
  18. Prior to stapling, make sure there are no wrinkles in the convertible top material along the front edge. Staple (1/4 inch T-50 stainless steel) the front corners of the convertible top material to the frame.
  19. Starting with the center screw, then 2 end screws and working inward, install the compression panel and 11 screws.
    • Tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-in).
  20. NOTE: Across the center of the number 5 bow there are two thicknesses of material to be wrapped over the number 5 bow and evenly pulled during stapling.

    Using an assistant, pull the convertible top material rearward over the convertible top frame number 5 bow using the measurements recorded from the original top or, if installing the original top, the marks made during removal.

  21. NOTE: Make sure there are no wrinkles on the top of the convertible top material.

    Staple (3/8 inch T-50 stainless steel) the convertible top material to the convertible top frame number 5 bow, starting at the centerline rear then the remaining measurement points. Fill in between all the spaces between leaving a 25.4 mm (1 in) to 50.8 mm (2 in) gap between staples.

  22. If installing a new convertible top material, remove extra material from the convertible top leaving 25.4 mm (1 in) to 38.1 mm (1.5 in) below the number 5 bow.
  23. If equipped, install number 5 bow weatherstrip using 3/8 inch T50 stainless steel staples leaving a 25.4 mm (1 in) to 50.8 mm (2 in) gap between staples. Staple the center, then the 2 ends and fill in the areas between.
  24. Secure the sliding poly retainer channels with retaining pins (one per side) securing the material to the top frame side rail.
  25. Install the large push pins securing the water diverters to the hinge.
  26. NOTE: Make sure the weatherstrip retaining channels are replaced in their original locations. Failure to replace the retaining channels in their correct positions may cause water leaks, resulting in interior damage.

    Install the LH and RH side front, center and rear weatherstrip retainer channels and screws.

    • Front retainer channel, tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
    • Center and rear retainer channel, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
  27. Install the left and right side front, middle and rear weatherstrip.
  28. Remove the LH and RH convertible top frame No. 5 bow pivot bolts.
  29. Install the convertible top assembly. For additional information, refer to CONVERTIBLE TOP ASSEMBLY .
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