I was recently given a 1988 mustang lx 5.0 from a friend of mine. It's a vert. He said if I removed it from his property it was mine. It had 52000 original miles on it and was just sitting. So I was stoked. I bought a battery and dropped it in and she fired right up and runs great. But... The top is destroyed! I had plans to take her to a shop and have a new top put on it but when I put it down to clean her up I discovered that the top frame was broken in 3 places. Bummer. well frames are insane but I called prestige mustang in georgia and got a new frame with a top on it for 450.00 plus 100 shipping. Im happy again.

So to the point does anyone know how to remove the frame from the car. I can't find anything on the subject. I am mechanically inclined and work at a custom hotrod shop in florida so I have the space and all the tools to do the job but I need a clue as I have never done anything like this. I plan to put the new frame and top in as a single unit and staple her up any input would be appriciated. thanks.

 

I dont know of anyone that has replaced the frame and the top. You may wind up having to purchase a shop manual, not the ones you get a Auto Zone, but a sure enough tech manual like the dealers have. I think they cost around 80 bucks. My Chilton does not detail how to remove the frame, just the top itself.

 

All the comments I've ever heard of people trying to replace their own tops is, it's a nightmare!! Several days of fiddling & swearing and most got theirs on, maybe one of those guys will chime in here to add their $0.02

That's a great price you found though!

 

If it is already on the top it should be alot easier. Might have some trouble getting to to line up to latch down, but it will be alot easier then putting on a new top by yourself. I would look around and see what holds the frame to the car right now. I would imagine you could figure it out with a little time since i am guessing this is not a DD for you. If you are mechanicly inclinded and have all the tools you should be ok.

 

[align=left]Well if anyone is interested I got my top and frame changed with no problems to speak of. Just a few bolts and the old one was out and the used one fell right into place and fit like it was supposed to be there. The junk yard that I bought it from left it stapled to the rails so all I had to do was bolt the top up and install the rear window DONE. So if you ever have questions about that type of change I'd be glad to help. Now on to the next project.
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There ya go! For a mear $450 + tax & a battery you got yourself a Vert Stang[8D]