Convertible Top Material: Removal

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.

NOTE: Use care when working around or handling the convertible top material to avoid scratching or creasing the material.

NOTE: Use care when handling the convertible top material to avoid damaging the rear glass. If damaged or broken, the rear glass cannot be replaced, and will require replacement of the convertible top material.

NOTE: Light scratches in the convertible top material can be removed using isopropyl alcohol and 600-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Use light pressure, polishing in a circular motion. Use care not to use excessive pressure. Do not use power tools, as these permanently damage the convertible top material. Heavy scratches require replacement of the convertible top material.

NOTE: Light creases in the convertible top material can be removed by applying water to the creased area, and pulling the creased area flat, while applying mild heat from a heat gun. Use care not to apply excessive heat, as this permanently damages the convertible top material. Heavy creases may require replacement of the convertible top material.

NOTE: Removal: A video version of this procedure is available on-line.

Installation: A video version of this procedure is available on-line.

Remove the convertible top assembly. For additional information, refer to CONVERTIBLE TOP ASSEMBLY .
Place the convertible top assembly on a flat surface and open fully.
NOTE: These bolts were removed during convertible top assembly removal.

Install the LH and RH convertible top frame number 5 bow pivot bolts.
If installing the original convertible top material, use chalk or china marker to mark, on the convertible top material, the position of the top and bottom edge of the convertible top frame number 5 bow.
If installing a new convertible top material, measure and record on both sides, the following distances:
1. between 1 (upper corner seam) and 2 (top of number 5 bow).
2. between 1 (upper corner seam) and 3 (top of number 5 bow).
3. between 4 (bottom of rear window glass) and 5 (top of number 5 bow).
NOTE: Be sure to mark the location of the weatherstrip retaining channels prior to removal. If the weatherstrip retaining channels are not replaced in their original locations, the weatherstrips may not seal properly, resulting in water leaks and interior damage. Failure to replace the retaining channels correctly may require replacement of the convertible top assembly.

Mark the location and remove the 3 LH and RH side weatherstrips, screws and the retainer channels.
NOTE: The screws will be reused during installation.

Remove the 11 screws and the compression panel.
Remove the staples which secure the LH and RH front corners of the convertible top material to the frame.
Release the front retaining track securing the front of the convertible top material from the front underside of the convertible top frame number 1 bow.
Remove the rivets attaching the front corners of the convertible top material (2 per side) to the convertible top frame number 1 bow.
Pull the convertible top material from the header form panel.
Remove the 6 screws and the header form panel.
Use an awl or punch to remove mandrel from hole from the number 1 bow (rivets previously removed in step 10).
Release the rear retaining tracks from rear top side of number 1 bow.
If equipped, remove staples and the weatherstrip from the number 5 bow.
Remove the staples attaching the convertible top material to the convertible top frame number 5 bow.
Disconnect the heated rear window electrical connectors from the rear window glass.
Remove forward cable guide rivet, after rivet removal use an awl or punch to remove mandrel from hole prior to assembly.

Fig 1: Locating Cable Guide Rivet
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: There are 2 types of screws used. Note the location of screws for installation. The screws will be reused during installation.

NOTE: There will be 6 screws for early build convertible top.

Remove the 4 screws holding the front of the LH and RH stay pads.
NOTE: The screws will be reused during installation.

Remove the convertible top cover cross vehicle elastic retaining straps (one on each side) from the front side rails most forward attachment.
NOTE: The washer and screw will be reused during installation.

Remove the convertible top cover short elastic retaining straps (one on each side) from the front side rails rearward attachment.
Position the water diverters aside to gain access to the tension cables.
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.

Remove tension cable spring rivet attachment from the number 5 bow. Drill out rivet completely.
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, remove the tension cable from the tension cable guide.
1. Remove the tension guide rivet and pivot the guide retainer down to remove the cable. After rivet removal, use an awl or punch to remove mandrel from hole prior to assembly.
2. Route the tension cable out from the tension guide.
Remove water diverter push pins (one each side).
Disconnect the Velcro® strap securing the water diverters around the hinge assembly.
Remove the 2 pin-type retainers securing the top material to the top frame side rail.
By pulling staples, remove water diverter elastic retaining straps from number 5 bow.
Pull tension cable through pocket toward front of top.
NOTE: The screws will be reused during installation.

Remove retaining strap at rear of side rail by removing shouldered screw (one per side).
NOTE: The screws will be reused during installation.

Remove the retaining strap screws (2 on each side).
Fold convertible top material over to number 2 and 3 bows and slide convertible top material to the RH or LH side off the number 2 and 3 bow extrusions.