New female member with question

aalsmo · 08-23-2002, 03:46 PM

Hey all, I'm restoring a 1984 Mustang Convertable GT and the convertable top needs replacing. I dissasembled the top, and bought a new one with a glass window. How hard is it to replace, and does anyone know of a previous thread or somewhere that I can get directions to do this? Is this an task that's fairly easy? HELP, Anyone?

The Deuce · 08-23-2002, 03:52 PM

Welcome to the boards. I had to chuckle when I saw the year of the car you are restoring, but then I realzied it is almost 20 years old.

Don't have any experience personally replacing tops, but there are people around who do body work. I'll search and see if I can find a thread that will be more help.

aalsmo · 08-23-2002, 04:01 PM

I apprecate it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Yeah, I know...1984 doesn't sound old, but it actually is. Believe it or not. I just fell in love with the car and couldn't let her sit and rot, had to ressurect her......

84LX89GT · 08-23-2002, 04:37 PM

I like those year cars....what engine does yours have, the turbo 2.3L or the 5.0L?
Sorry this doesn't much answer your question....i've never had a convertible.

Maroon 5.0 LX · 08-23-2002, 05:01 PM

I replaced one a few years back on a '72 LTD. It's not hard, but somewhat time consuming, just follow the instructions that came with the top.

Make sure your tack strips are solid and not rotten from moisture, or you may have to replace them. Keep pulling the fabric even so you don't wind up with a lot of wrinkles.

I didn't use tacks, I bought an electric staple gun from the home center. It's not a necessity, but sure does make it easier, 'cause there are a lot of staples to pop.

RBatson · 08-23-2002, 07:44 PM

Its not a job I would tackle but I'm not real mechanically inclided. I did replace the latch on one side though. Guy at work did a 60s model mustang he had and he said he wouldn't attempt it again. I had a shop do mine, cost me $800 total(cheap). I remember Hydro-electric sold a how-to video, years ago. I bought the latch and power door lock from them and can recommend them. Look in a mustang mag for their small ad.

RBatson · 08-23-2002, 07:52 PM

OH NO!! I was just flipping through some mags and I can't find them, I hope they didn't go out of business..

mustanggt350 · 08-24-2002, 01:14 AM

You live in hot weather.... Set the new top out in the sun on concrete that is NOT wet. Let it get heated up and then tackle the job of putting it on. Replacing a convertible top is like reupholstering seats, it helps if the fabric/vinyl is pliable.

Shelby

PS Just to worn you, it is not an easy job for one person, I would enlist some help.

jj_jonathon · 08-24-2002, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aalsmo
1984 doesn't sound old, but it actually is.

whoa whoa...lol...im from 1984 and im still in my irresponsible adolensence stage

.....im old?!

...oh well....welcome to the boards...

aalsmo · 08-24-2002, 09:34 AM

Hey thanks everyone....I've got someone that would be able to help me....thank god. As far as the engine question...it's a 5.0L but the engine is being redone and some things are being changed a bit. A friend of mine is doing the mechanics for me and I'm doing the cosmetics. Any suggestions or warnings or anything else that could help would be greatly appreciated. This is my first stang. I saw her sitting in someone's field, and she just called to me. So, now I'm ressurecting her. I'm so glad I found this forum!!!!

P.S. I've attached a pic of the engine for anyone who's interested...It's basically ready, just needs to get put back in!

The Deuce · 08-24-2002, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aalsmo
Hey thanks everyone....I've got someone that would be able to help me....thank god. As far as the engine question...it's a 5.0L but the engine is being redone and some things are being changed a bit. A friend of mine is doing the mechanics for me and I'm doing the cosmetics. Any suggestions or warnings or anything else that could help would be greatly appreciated. This is my first stang. I saw her sitting in someone's field, and she just called to me. So, now I'm ressurecting her. I'm so glad I found this forum!!!!

P.S. I've attached a pic of the engine for anyone who's interested...It's basically ready, just needs to get put back in!

Man that's pretty. I'm guessing its a little hotter than when y'all pulled it out? That's going to be a fun car.

The Deuce · 08-24-2002, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jj_jonathon

whoa whoa...lol...im from 1984 and im still in my irresponsible adolensence stage .....im old?! ...oh well....welcome to the boards...

Well, you could stand for someone cleaning you up a little, but you are not old, my friend. Cars 25 years old and older are 'classics' kind and over 50 are antiques. Kind of like being over the hill (40?) and senior citizens. (55?) I forget, because the ages keep changing. You're fresh of the lot man, don't worry.

aalsmo · 08-24-2002, 10:22 AM

Yeah, the engine has a few things done to it but all in all, it's the same block, just been bored and new pistons, cam and a few other trinkets put on it...I can't wait to get it in and give it a try! But a few other cosmetics need to be done to. Don't worry, I'll keep all you guys posted!!!

joe4speed · 08-24-2002, 12:09 PM

Welcome to Mustang Works! Good luck with the restoration!

mustangman65_79 · 08-24-2002, 05:24 PM

WOw, thats a clean motor. I see u have a Edlebrock performer RPM intake manifold. Same one As I have yet to install. How much did it cost u to polish it? After seeing your motor, I can't wait to finish my '79. It's a 302 bored .60 over, 10,000 miles on a rebuild. Shinny finnish 750 Holley, same intake, basically same as yours exept the heads. When I painted it, it was supposed to be Ruby red, but came out Magenta. And the valve covers were going to be blue, but came out blueish purple, so it's a kinda interesting motor. But when I get back, it will be finnished, and I'll load up pics.

By the way, welcome to the site.

08-24-2002, 09:59 PM

Hi and Welcome to MW. I can't help you with the top, but I see that you have done pretty good getting your answers here. These guys are great. Someone is always able to be of help here. Odie

08-23-2002, 03:46 PM	#1
aalsmo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 12	New female member with question Hey all, I'm restoring a 1984 Mustang Convertable GT and the convertable top needs replacing. I dissasembled the top, and bought a new one with a glass window. How hard is it to replace, and does anyone know of a previous thread or somewhere that I can get directions to do this? Is this an task that's fairly easy? HELP, Anyone?

08-23-2002, 03:52 PM	#2
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	Welcome to the boards. I had to chuckle when I saw the year of the car you are restoring, but then I realzied it is almost 20 years old. Don't have any experience personally replacing tops, but there are people around who do body work. I'll search and see if I can find a thread that will be more help. __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

08-23-2002, 04:01 PM	#3
aalsmo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 12	Thanks Deuce I apprecate it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Yeah, I know...1984 doesn't sound old, but it actually is. Believe it or not. I just fell in love with the car and couldn't let her sit and rot, had to ressurect her......

08-23-2002, 04:37 PM	#4
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	I like those year cars....what engine does yours have, the turbo 2.3L or the 5.0L? Sorry this doesn't much answer your question....i've never had a convertible. __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)

08-23-2002, 05:01 PM	#5
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	I replaced one a few years back on a '72 LTD. It's not hard, but somewhat time consuming, just follow the instructions that came with the top. Make sure your tack strips are solid and not rotten from moisture, or you may have to replace them. Keep pulling the fabric even so you don't wind up with a lot of wrinkles. I didn't use tacks, I bought an electric staple gun from the home center. It's not a necessity, but sure does make it easier, 'cause there are a lot of staples to pop. __________________ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 4.9 Hi-Top Conversion Van '06 Mustang V-6, 5 speed

08-23-2002, 07:44 PM	#6
RBatson Registered Member Join Date: May 1997 Posts: 3,028	Its not a job I would tackle but I'm not real mechanically inclided. I did replace the latch on one side though. Guy at work did a 60s model mustang he had and he said he wouldn't attempt it again. I had a shop do mine, cost me $800 total(cheap). I remember Hydro-electric sold a how-to video, years ago. I bought the latch and power door lock from them and can recommend them. Look in a mustang mag for their small ad.

08-23-2002, 07:52 PM	#7
RBatson Registered Member Join Date: May 1997 Posts: 3,028	OH NO!! I was just flipping through some mags and I can't find them, I hope they didn't go out of business..

08-24-2002, 01:14 AM	#8
mustanggt350 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 173	You live in hot weather.... Set the new top out in the sun on concrete that is NOT wet. Let it get heated up and then tackle the job of putting it on. Replacing a convertible top is like reupholstering seats, it helps if the fabric/vinyl is pliable. Shelby PS Just to worn you, it is not an easy job for one person, I would enlist some help. __________________ Quiet women rarely make history!! 1991 Medium Red Mustang GT (Scarlet)

08-24-2002, 10:22 AM	#13
aalsmo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 12	Deuce Yeah, the engine has a few things done to it but all in all, it's the same block, just been bored and new pistons, cam and a few other trinkets put on it...I can't wait to get it in and give it a try! But a few other cosmetics need to be done to. Don't worry, I'll keep all you guys posted!!! __________________ 1984 Mustang Convertable GT - Restoration 1976 Chevrolet Corvette 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

08-24-2002, 12:09 PM	#14
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	Welcome to Mustang Works! Good luck with the restoration! __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

08-24-2002, 05:24 PM	#15
mustangman65_79 My poor 79 RIP Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Suisun City, Posts: 2,320	WOw, thats a clean motor. I see u have a Edlebrock performer RPM intake manifold. Same one As I have yet to install. How much did it cost u to polish it? After seeing your motor, I can't wait to finish my '79. It's a 302 bored .60 over, 10,000 miles on a rebuild. Shinny finnish 750 Holley, same intake, basically same as yours exept the heads. When I painted it, it was supposed to be Ruby red, but came out Magenta. And the valve covers were going to be blue, but came out blueish purple, so it's a kinda interesting motor. But when I get back, it will be finnished, and I'll load up pics. By the way, welcome to the site. __________________ '84 mustang GT turbo '85 LTD '89 Camaro Irocz z28 '94 Lightning '96 Trans am

08-24-2002, 09:59 PM	#16
gt lee Guest Posts: n/a	Hi and Welcome to MW. I can't help you with the top, but I see that you have done pretty good getting your answers here. These guys are great. Someone is always able to be of help here. Odie

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K member Question	techsan	Windsor Power	3	03-20-2003 10:04 PM
New Female member here with a question...	aalsmo	Windsor Power	11	08-29-2002 09:56 AM
New member and a question	RocRace	Windsor Power	3	10-20-2001 12:11 PM
New member and a question	RocRace	Stang Stories	1	10-20-2001 11:26 AM
Hey New Member (Question inside)??????	DarkHorse94	Windsor Power	5	05-18-2001 06:29 PM