Instruction on how to replace a top on a 89-90 Mustang Convertible!
I have not replaced or tried to replace any convertible top on any car. I had mine professionally installed. But there are many questions regarding the DIY types, so here is a word for word instruction on how to replace a top on a 89-90 Mustang Convertible. Mods, if you want to make a sticky, that would be great. Anyone care to write one for other models? Please read carefully guys and gals, and then you will know why labor to install a top is worth every penny!
Convertible Top Replacement taken from the 89-93 Chilton Repair Manual
To Remove:
1. Disengage the right and left top latches by rotating the handles inward.
2. Raise the top and put 4-6 inch blocks under the front of the top.
This will relieve tension on the rear window.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the retaining screws, then unclip the sling at the quarter and rear belt areas. Lower the sling to the storage area.
5. Remove the nut and washers from all the tacking strips on the quarter side panels and at the bottom of the rear valance assembly. Remove all the tacking strips
.
6. Unzip the rear window and put aside.
7. Carefully remove the staples from the tacking strip and the rear window valance. Save the tacking strip.
8. Remove the caps and screws from the No. 4 bow.
9. Slide the transverse roof molding out of the transverse roof molding carrier.
10. Remove the retaining staples from the transverse roof molding carrier.
11. Position the left and right quarter sides forward.
12 Remove the staples from the zipper on the No. 4 bow. Discard the zipper.
To install:
13. Position the old valance on the new valance and trace the square cutout holes onto the new valance.
14. Staple the tacking strip to the new valance using a staple gun and 1/4 in x 5/16 (6mm-8mm) staples.
Staples should be shot in a row with minimal gap of 1/4 inch(6mm) between each staple.
15. Measure end to end on the No. 4 bow, then mark the centerline with a grease pencil.
16. Measure end to end on the valance, then mark the centerline with a grease pencil on the zipper of the valance.
17. Position the zipper of the valance on the No. 4 bow, aligning the centerline of the valance with the centerline of the No. 4 bow.
18. Staple the zipper portion of the valance to the No. 4 bow using a staple gun and 1/4 x ½ in (6mm-13mm) staples.
Staples should be shot in a row with a minimal gap of 1/4 inch(6mm) between each staple.
19. Trim off excess material on the zipper.
20. Move the right and left quarter sides back into proper position.
21. Position the roof transverse carrier molding above the convertible top material on the No. 4 bow, then staple using a staple gun and 1/4 in x ½ in (6mm-13mm) staples.
Use RTV sealer on the top of the transverse roof carrier to prevent leaks where stapled.
22. Slide the transverse roof molding into the transverse roof molding carrier, then attach with roof molding caps and screws.
23. Install the rear window valance in the proper position and zip closed.
24. Finger tighten the nut and washer assemblies for the tacking strips on the quarter side panels and at the bottom of the rear window assembly.
25. Remove the blocks used to relieve tension, then open the latches, lower the top into position and lock the latches closed.
26. Adjust and secure all tacking strips on the quarter side panels and at the bottom of the rear window valance assembly.
Be certain the rear window valance has no visible sags or buckles.
27. Cling on the sling well and attach with the remaining screws.
28. Connect the negative battery cable.
29 Raise and lower the top and confirm proper operation.
This was taken directly from the Chilton Repair manual edition 26606. Mustang 1989-93.
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