luvthestang

I have a 97 convertable with a broken rear window. Can I release the back of the rag top by the trunk lid and install this or does the whole top have to come off?

SKAR

Did you eat your wheaties today?

ryan1994mustang

you have to take off the whole rear half of the top. if you are replacing the rear window, you might as well replace the whole top and rear curtain. it wont cost much more $$.

luvthestang

The top is in great shape. Is the window skirt attached to the top or the frame?

ryan1994mustang

if i remember correctly, the window curtain isnt attached to the top, but it is attached to the frame, under the top. so to replace the rear curtain, you have to take the top off the rear rail that goes around the top of the well liner, and also you will have to take it off of the first frame rail that is just above the rear window. its not too terribly difficult if you are good with your hands, but takes time and patience. id guess that there are about 300+ staples in just the rear rail itself, then there are prob 100 more on each frame rail. also, make sure you do it in warm temperatures, that way the top stretches easily and you don't get wrinkles in it down the line.

scan1959

In other words, don't start the job on Sunday afternoon if you need to drive the car on Monday morning.

luvthestang

Thanks Ryan. I'm an autoglass technician by trade but have never tackled a ragtop.

sherryrenell

hey lovethestang. how did you replacement go? I am considering doing my 2004 back glass replacement myself. any advice?

Special20

I would highly recommend the dvd from aoksales.com. This dvd will show you step by step how to remove and replace the top and rear window curtain. I purchased it last year but have not replaced my top yet. I figure that when I have the time, I will set aside 3 days.

fastbackford351

I used the AOK dvd and it was awesome. Every nut, every bolt, every thing was covered. I did mine in two days but next time it will be a lot faster.

Get a power stapler. Your trusty ol' Arrow T50 or Powershot won't cut it. I got an electric one from Lowes for about 20.00 and it was worth every nickle and then some.