1955 soft top adjustments

[Gtrrhythm]

Hi
55 T-Bird stored for 10 years with soft top stored behind the seat. Have had it in the sun to let the fabric stretch, and got it all latched, but it's still not sitting right. Can anyone point me in the direction of adjustment instructions? Thanks!

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[lcboyer]

Hi
55 T-Bird stored for 10 years with soft top stored behind the seat. Have had it in the sun to let the fabric stretch, and got it all latched, but it's still not sitting right. Can anyone point me in the direction of adjustment instructions? Thanks!

Can you explain not sitting tight?

 

[Gtrrhythm]

Can you explain not sitting tight?

Couple of things going on. One side does not sit flat on rear deck. Also, that bar that runs over the window on both sides with the joint (hinge?) in it - will not straighten up and be parallel with the window. So it sags downward at that joint. I'm afraid to force anything.

 

[lcboyer]

To adjust the manual soft top frame or alignment on a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, you must align and fine-tune the mounting points, side pins, and rear deck latches.

Alignment and Adjustment Steps

• • Move the Seat: Push the front seat forward to access the rear deck wells and swing arms. [1, 2]
  • Check Rear Mounting Studs: Locate the studs and brackets behind the seat where the swing arm and rear bow attach. Adjust the slotted bolts or mounting nuts at the quarter panel/deck plates to shift the rear pitch or height of the top. [1, 2]
  • Align Rear Pins: Ensure the rear pins and keyways drop evenly into the deck plates without binding. If the rear channel flexes or lifts the seal, alignment requires loosening the mounting hardware and shifting the frame evenly side-to-side. [1, 2]
  • Adjust Front Latches: Check the front latches at the windshield header. The latch hooks and brackets can be adjusted using their retaining bolts to ensure the leading edge pulls down tight against the windshield frame without leaving gaps. [1]
  • Lubricate Linkages: Apply grease or lubricant to the pivot and pin joints on the swing arms to prevent binding during operation. [1, 2]

 

[Gtrrhythm]

To adjust the manual soft top frame or alignment on a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, you must align and fine-tune the mounting points, side pins, and rear deck latches.

Alignment and Adjustment Steps

• • Move the Seat: Push the front seat forward to access the rear deck wells and swing arms. [1, 2]
  • Check Rear Mounting Studs: Locate the studs and brackets behind the seat where the swing arm and rear bow attach. Adjust the slotted bolts or mounting nuts at the quarter panel/deck plates to shift the rear pitch or height of the top. [1, 2]
  • Align Rear Pins: Ensure the rear pins and keyways drop evenly into the deck plates without binding. If the rear channel flexes or lifts the seal, alignment requires loosening the mounting hardware and shifting the frame evenly side-to-side. [1, 2]
  • Adjust Front Latches: Check the front latches at the windshield header. The latch hooks and brackets can be adjusted using their retaining bolts to ensure the leading edge pulls down tight against the windshield frame without leaving gaps. [1]
  • Lubricate Linkages: Apply grease or lubricant to the pivot and pin joints on the swing arms to prevent binding during operation. [1, 2]

This is really great information! Thank you so much!!!