Need top installation information
08-31-2014, 03:43 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 38
Need top installation information
1986 GT IIRC, original should have been 2 pc with wire-on on rear bow. Top currently on the car (barely!!) has no wire-on. Rear curtain is oem type glass. Is this now a one piece top?
I am replacing it with a new top with plastic window. Budget is tight!. I do have a garage, and I did this before ( 1964 Falcon Sprint), buts its been a while, and from my initial survey of the situation, things are a little different. For instance---no wire-on ( as previously mentioned)
no front tack strip. Top was retained by a curved bar with screws into the front header. Header seal and weatherstrips simply glued to this.
tension cables--- Falcon was probably the last car w/o these, but I see where they are, and what they do.
I have looked at the available online installation instructions and they look woefully incomplete.
Can anyone scan the relevant pages from the FSM?
Any other help is greatly appreciated--but I am NOT taking it to a local pro upholstery shop. I have done this, and I WILL do this one.
I am replacing it with a new top with plastic window. Budget is tight!. I do have a garage, and I did this before ( 1964 Falcon Sprint), buts its been a while, and from my initial survey of the situation, things are a little different. For instance---no wire-on ( as previously mentioned)
no front tack strip. Top was retained by a curved bar with screws into the front header. Header seal and weatherstrips simply glued to this.
tension cables--- Falcon was probably the last car w/o these, but I see where they are, and what they do.
I have looked at the available online installation instructions and they look woefully incomplete.
Can anyone scan the relevant pages from the FSM?
Any other help is greatly appreciated--but I am NOT taking it to a local pro upholstery shop. I have done this, and I WILL do this one.
09-02-2014, 09:27 PM
#3
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 147
I don't think this one is available as a one piece top.
You picked a tough one to take on. Here's some tips:
The front header weatherseal and metal weatherseal track will need to come off. When you do this, you need to plan on having a new weatherseal available(if not actually in hand, then know where to buy one). Many previous installers glue the weatherseal in place and it comes out in 8 or 10 pieces.
The back window needs to be fitted first. Make sure the bow at the top of the window is at the correct bow height measurement, or the top cover won't fit.
The rear tack strips are attached with nuts on the studs coming out of the sides and rear.
Buy or rent a good stapler and use galvanized or stainless staples.
Have a garage, carport or dry area ready to store the car. It will take plenty of time.
Good Luck.
You picked a tough one to take on. Here's some tips:
The front header weatherseal and metal weatherseal track will need to come off. When you do this, you need to plan on having a new weatherseal available(if not actually in hand, then know where to buy one). Many previous installers glue the weatherseal in place and it comes out in 8 or 10 pieces.
The back window needs to be fitted first. Make sure the bow at the top of the window is at the correct bow height measurement, or the top cover won't fit.
The rear tack strips are attached with nuts on the studs coming out of the sides and rear.
Buy or rent a good stapler and use galvanized or stainless staples.
Have a garage, carport or dry area ready to store the car. It will take plenty of time.
Good Luck.
09-03-2014, 11:12 AM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 38
I don't think this one is available as a one piece top.
You picked a tough one to take on. Here's some tips:
The front header weatherseal and metal weatherseal track will need to come off. When you do this, you need to plan on having a new weatherseal available(if not actually in hand, then know where to buy one). Many previous installers glue the weatherseal in place and it comes out in 8 or 10 pieces.
The back window needs to be fitted first. Make sure the bow at the top of the window is at the correct bow height measurement, or the top cover won't fit.
The rear tack strips are attached with nuts on the studs coming out of the sides and rear.
Buy or rent a good stapler and use galvanized or stainless staples.
Have a garage, carport or dry area ready to store the car. It will take plenty of time.
Good Luck.
You picked a tough one to take on. Here's some tips:
The front header weatherseal and metal weatherseal track will need to come off. When you do this, you need to plan on having a new weatherseal available(if not actually in hand, then know where to buy one). Many previous installers glue the weatherseal in place and it comes out in 8 or 10 pieces.
The back window needs to be fitted first. Make sure the bow at the top of the window is at the correct bow height measurement, or the top cover won't fit.
The rear tack strips are attached with nuts on the studs coming out of the sides and rear.
Buy or rent a good stapler and use galvanized or stainless staples.
Have a garage, carport or dry area ready to store the car. It will take plenty of time.
Good Luck.
I found the measurement for the fourth bow on a website. I will use that if the new top has no better information.
I think I am ready, but I am an information *****-- meaning I will take all the information I can get. Never have too much information.
It really wasn't much different from the Falcon I did some years ago. That one I trial fitted about 6 times before stapling anything. This may go the same way.
09-03-2014, 07:31 PM
#5
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 147
Pilgrim,
Don't forget the pads. If the underside(facing the seats) has been worn through in places, replace the pads. A new top that isn't protected won't wear very long. You'll be doing this job again soon.
scan
Don't forget the pads. If the underside(facing the seats) has been worn through in places, replace the pads. A new top that isn't protected won't wear very long. You'll be doing this job again soon.
scan
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