Going to replace the ragtop on my R@GGTOPP

[Rio Red GT]

After almost a year of driving around with a hole in the top of my car, I've decided it's time to do something about it. However, instead of paying someone else close to $1,000 or more to do it, I've decided I'd like to take on the install myself. To be frank about it, the thought of doing that scares the hell out of me but I really want to do it....with help of course.

If there's anyone out there that has the time, facilities and experience to work with me on this I'd really appreciate it. I haven't bought any parts yet and I probably won't until I find out whether or not someone has the time to help/mentor me on this. After all, in addition to replacing the top, I hope to gain some experience that I can pass along to other Mustang owners. Thanks!

[01Bullitt]

i dont know how but if u need help you let me know

[CAMELEON]

I would like to help also, but I will be learning just like you. I will start scouring the internet for writeups. I also have a Haynes manual covering that car, I will check it also.

[bknblack]

should be easy for you. i worked in an auto upholstery shop for 3 yrs. it is a pretty easy install but can be aggrivating if you never done it before. you'll have 6 main components 1. the top 2. the rear curtain 3. the pads 4. the bows 5. rear hoop 6. front pad. your pads go on first the are the bands that strecth from the rear to the front. then you install the rear curtain. then the top,the rear of the top attaches the the same rear hoop as the rear curtain. then your going to attach the front. the hardest part of the whole thing will be strecthing it out so that you dont wrinkle the side curtains. i highly recommend a good air powered staple gun. a heat gun. and a lot of patience. the guyy i worked with could do it in about 3 1/2 hours includeing all the jibber jabbing. once you get it done you will have slight wrinkles, dont freak out you'll have to leave the top up a few days in the sun to help heat and stretch the top out. a good kit is one from late model resto should come with pretty detailed instructions. now i must add my disclaimer to all of this, I was only an apprentice, i have helped do these installs and in no way claim to be a proffesional. just thought i would throw out what i learned so if you take this on yourself please dont be in your driveway cursing me when it doesnt go as planned ha ha ha. anyways pm me I'll give you my cell number and if you have any questions I'll try to answer what i know and if i cant I WILL get you the right answer. hope this helps,YOU CAN DOO IT!!!

[Rio Red GT]

.... anyways pm me I'll give you my cell number and if you have any questions I'll try to answer what i know and if i cant I WILL get you the right answer. hope this helps,YOU CAN DOO IT!!!

Cell number? We don't need no stinking cell number! But since you have experience, I do expect you'll be there helping Chuck, Jeremey and me. :wink:

Thanks for offers to help guys. Once I have ordered/received parts and made sure I have all of the tools I need for the job, I'll get in touch with you and we'll schedule a day (or two) and make it happen. Anybody else out there that wants to get involved or watch, just let me know....

[caspian65]

I've observed the process and helped do this on a few cars(mostly older ones). Depending on the condition of your rear glass, you may not need to replace it. A lot of times you can re-use the rear glass for the first top replacement. Also, considering the age of your car, you shouldn't have to replace any of the pads or tacking strips. Pretty much, you'll just be doing an R&R of the actual top.

The most difficult and critical part of the job is setting the rear quarters correctly so that you don't get any wrinkles. It's important to remove your old top very carefully so that you can use it as a reference to install the new one. The new top will come with alignment marks on the rear quarters and probably the front bow to get you close to where the top needs to be. Depending on the top manufacturer, you may nail it perfect the first time.

If you decide to replace the rear window, that will throw some complexity into the mix as the measurement of the rear bow to the back of the car is critical in the fit of the rest of the top.

The key thing to remember here is that you just need to take your time and be very careful taking things apart.

[Rio Red GT]

Thanks for the insight, Charles. It's greatly appreciated. Regarding the rear window, yes.. I'm planning to replace it along with the top and headliner. pads, etc. All of that stuff is twelve years old. It may cost a little more but I think it'll be worth it.

[caspian65]

I actually need to replace the top and rear window on my '00 GT. Maybe we ought to get together one weekend for a club tech session?

[Rio Red GT]

That sounds like an excellent idea. We'd probably draw a good sized crowd for that. We already know Chuck and Jeremy are interested. I'm selling a few items to raise money for the new top (one is a quality handgun.. if anyone is interested, please IM me for info). When funds are in hand parts will be ordered. I'll let you know when I receive them.