Question on 1968 convertible top replacement.

[Supersnakeingrass]

Hi all,

I am looking to replace my folding glass backed White convertible top for #2651.  I know the topic
of proper replacement has been discussed in the forums before but after the server meltdown
I can't seem to find the information.  Which Brand and top should I be looking at.   The junction
between the split glass is starting to "split" and the top is starting to look ratty.

Any help would be appreciated.

SSIG


#2651

[68blk500c]

Check with TLea here; Tim can advise you, if you want one that is made spot-on.

[8T03S1425]

There was a pretty good thread on this subject 2-3 years or so ago. It was complete with a discussion about the need to tailor cut and sew a top to specifications to accommodate a rear bow set dimension, versus buying a readily available top and setting the rear bow distance as needed. Apparently that spec changed after a bit of time, presumably to have the top or folding glass last longer.

If nothing surfaces, I'll look to see if I still have the printed article. If I do, I'll recap the issues and recommendations.

[corbins]

Check with TLea here; Tim can advise you, if you want one that is made spot-on.

+1 ...he's the man !!  And a nice one to boot

[Supersnakeingrass]

There was a pretty good thread on this subject 2-3 years or so ago. It was complete with a discussion about the need to tailor cut and sew a top to specifications to accommodate a rear bow set dimension, versus buying a readily available top and setting the rear bow distance as needed. Apparently that spec changed after a bit of time, presumably to have the top or folding glass last longer.

If nothing surfaces, I'll look to see if I still have the printed article. If I do, I'll recap the issues and recommendations.

Thanks...

SSIG

[8T03S1425]

Hey there interested folks. Sorry for the delay. It took me a while to find the safe place in which I filed these forum threads on this topic. Wouldn't you know it, it was in the last place I looked. I shoulda started there instead of the hundreds of other places I looked before the last place. Anywho, here're two threads I saved for future reference. A sincere thanks to Bob Gaines, Shasmu, Bill Collins, Tim Lea, and MustangsInOz for their input.





And then there was this one, with a some what spirited discussion on the rear bow height dimension. Please note that page 6 of 6 was a blank page.

[Supersnakeingrass]

Hey there interested folks. Sorry for the delay. It took me a while to find the safe place in which I filed these forum threads on this topic. Wouldn't you know it, it was in the last place I looked. I shoulda started there instead of the hundreds of other places I looked before the last place. Anywho, here're two threads I saved for future reference. A sincere thanks to Bob Gaines, Shasmu, Bill Collins, Tim Lea, and MustangsInOz for their input.





And then there was this one, with a some what spirited discussion on the rear bow height dimension. Please note that page 6 of 6 was a blank page.

This information is awesome.  I measured my bow height and it is 20 1/2 inches.
I will price one out tomorrow from my local installers. 

Thanks,

SSIG

[corbins]

Old and a bit pissy thread form the past.... BUT ,,, is one suppose to unzip the rear glass prior to raising and lowering the convertible top? And no, I didn't bother to check my owners manual... just wondering.

[Bob Gaines]

Old and a bit pissy thread form the past.... BUT ,,, is one suppose to unzip the rear glass prior to raising and lowering the convertible top? And no, I didn't bother to check my owners manual... just wondering.

Yes , unzip if you want to lower the risk of the silcone joint pulling apart.

[corbins]

Thanks Bob !  I thought I had read that somewhere at some point. Sounds logical.

[rsmith]

Anyone had experience with tops from The Convertible Top Guys? Their web page looks like they know something.

[Rukiddin]

Just trying to help......I replaced the top on my 68 and bought it from NPD. It is a EZ-ON product with folding glass rear window. My only previous experiment was replacing 84 Mustang top,20 years ago.I used the Ford factory shop manual and found it to cover every step. I would say that it is a challenge,but rewarding. Go slow and read the manual. Buy a GOOD pair of scissors. I bought a great pair on Ebay for $20, Gingher brand. There are many,many how-to videos on youtube and I watched many of them over and over,until I felt comfortable proceeding. Don't throw anything away until done. You may find it a good time to check the latches and bushings and correct them,if needed. Take pictures of the old top and refer to them often. A good,heavy duty staple gun is needed. Watch a few videos and read the manual. Get a quote from a top shop and see how much you can save! Go for it !
Ford manual shows making a wooden jig/template to locate rear bow that is way off. Measure your bows and take notes.

[Bob Gaines]

Just trying to help......I replaced the top on my 68 and bought it from NPD. It is a EZ-ON product with folding glass rear window. My only previous experiment was replacing 84 Mustang top,20 years ago.I used the Ford factory shop manual and found it to cover every step. I would say that it is a challenge,but rewarding. Go slow and read the manual. Buy a GOOD pair of scissors. I bought a great pair on Ebay for $20, Gingher brand. There are many,many how-to videos on youtube and I watched many of them over and over,until I felt comfortable proceeding. Don't throw anything away until done. You may find it a good time to check the latches and bushings and correct them,if needed. Take pictures of the old top and refer to them often. A good,heavy duty staple gun is needed. Watch a few videos and read the manual. Get a quote from a top shop and see how much you can save! Go for it !
Ford manual shows making a wooden jig/template to locate rear bow that is way off. Measure your bows and take notes.

+1 on air staple gun and staples that are specific for the job . I sourced the air staple gun and staples from a local automotive upholstery supply co.