convertable top

[tc x 4]

I need to install a new top. Just wondering how difficult its going to be. Also I bought it in winter and the guy insisted on putting it up. He either fried the motor or something else. Is there a relay or something for it. The car is a 1983 gt.

[dreamstang]

Difficulty 8 1/2 out if 10. It's 10/10 if you don't by the DVD. But anyone can do it with basic skill, patience, and attention to detail.

[vt89gtvert]

Does the top need replacing or just the motor?

The top is a real B. Local to me there are only two places that will work on them because of this. I watched mine being replaced once and was happy I paid him to(Or that my insurance was), but think I could hav pulled it off with a ton of adjusting and time.

First thing the guy did was take out the front seats and I think that would almost be required.

Also the top will be really tight for a couple days until it stretches out some.

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by dreamstang

Difficulty 8 1/2 out if 10. It's 10/10 if you don't by the DVD. But anyone can do it with basic skill, patience, and attention to detail.

I've seen a sebring top installed, the guys were having a pretty tough time. Does the mustang top staple along the front? Also is ther a relay on the top motor?

[dreamstang]

Originally Posted by tc x 4

I've seen a sebring top installed, the guys were having a pretty tough time. Does the mustang top staple along the front? Also is ther a relay on the top motor?

i would think there would be a relay but i have never messed with it.

it takes close to 500 staples front and back. and glue is used also. the new top comes with lines on it where to line everything up to. the stretching of the top is actually pretty easy. the tricky thing is getting the rear bow right. it has to be tensioned till it ends up at a specific height. this can be done using the pads. i would suggest getting an air stapler. i picked one up at menards for about 25$ and it came with all the staples i need. there is actually 2 or 3 different size staples needed.

[tc x 4]

VT89 ... The top def needs replaced or dyed. The motor makes no sound at all now. The guy either burnt it up trying to close a frozen top or poss blew a relay if we have one. Idk

[dreamstang]

i have seen trojan recomend this. and i actually was thinking of getting it.

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...Top-Guide-Book

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by dreamstang

i would think there would be a relay but i have never messed with it.

it takes close to 500 staples front and back. and glue is used also. the new top comes with lines on it where to line everything up to. the stretching of the top is actually pretty easy. the tricky thing is getting the rear bow right. it has to be tensioned till it ends up at a specific height. this can be done using the pads. i would suggest getting an air stapler. i picked one up at menards for about 25$ and it came with all the staples i need. there is actually 2 or 3 different size staples needed.

That 8.5 is starting to make sense. Thanks when I get it going I might need some more advice. Lotta irons in the fire + its riding season.

---------- Post added at 11:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 PM ----------

I'll deff pick that book up , handy for everything

[dreamstang]

Originally Posted by tc x 4

That 8.5 is starting to make sense. Thanks when I get it going I might need some more advice. Lotta irons in the fire + its riding season.

---------- Post added at 11:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 PM ----------

I'll deff pick that book up , handy for everything

and the how to dvd. its a must for the install!

[vt89gtvert]

Yeah, lot of staples.

As for the motor. It is a hydrolic(Spelling) motor powers the system. Should be a relay of some type somewhere that sends power to the motor. IIRC you can access the motor by dropping the cover thing in the trunk. I would use a multimeter on the power going to the motor and have a friend push the button to find out if it is an electrical issue, or motor issue.

I am sure there is also a fuse in fuse box, so might want to check them first.

[Trojan Horse]

Originally Posted by vt89gtvert

Yeah, lot of staples.

As for the motor. It is a hydrolic(Spelling) motor powers the system. Should be a relay of some type somewhere that sends power to the motor. IIRC you can access the motor by dropping the cover thing in the trunk. I would use a multimeter on the power going to the motor and have a friend push the button to find out if it is an electrical issue, or motor issue.

I am sure there is also a fuse in fuse box, so might want to check them first.

It's actually an electric motor powering a hydraulic pump.

[vt89gtvert]

Originally Posted by Trojan Horse

It's actually an electric motor powering a hydraulic pump.

I'm pretty sure it is a hydraulic motor. Burns hydraulic fluid and all, but it is super effecient. You will barely notice the exhaust even with the top up.

I'm pretty sure he got the idea either way, but thanks for pointing out the little things in life.

[Trojan Horse]

Originally Posted by vt89gtvert

I'm pretty sure it is a hydraulic motor. Burns hydraulic fluid and all, but it is super effecient. You will barely notice the exhaust even with the top up.

I'm pretty sure he got the idea either way, but thanks for pointing out the little things in life.

Like they say, "The devil is in the details".
It seems like misinformation spreads like wildfire, while factual information stagnates and is ignored.
By making corrections or adding to information whenever I can, I hope to make this site one of the best information gathering places on the internet for our cars.
No offense intended.


It really is an electric motor with a hydraulic pump. The pump provides the pressure to move the hydraulic cylinders which raise and lower the top.