1957 - Removable soft top?

[bigfoot21075]

Hi Everyone,

My T-bird came with both tops. I really can't get in and out of it with the top on. I am wondering if anyone came up with a removable soft top that can be stored in the trunk The thinking being it will not take up that oh so valuable space behind the seat. I could even just unlatch it , fold it back enough to get in and out and still drive with the top up. I know, I am looking for creative ways to be able to drive her more often.....

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[Jim B.]

I’ll be following your progress on this effort. I only have a hard top for my ‘55 and plan on adding a soft top but have the same concern you have. I need the soft top to take short road trips. I want the top down but need the soft top in the event of rain and don’t have my hard top on the road! Should you find a removable solution, I’d love to buy your soft top if you are inclined to part with it.

Best regards,
Jim

 

[pltmgr]

My 56 has the hardtop only. Wanted to buy a soft top but the prices are holding me back plus Im not certain it'll fit due to the PO mounting the seat 6 inches back. It was difficult getting in and out with the hardtop on so I removed it. My not ideal solution to getting caught in the rain- waterproof car cover in the truck. I may get wet but the car won't.

 

[1957Birdman]

The currently available reproduction soft tops are available without the swing-arm and can be stored in the trunk, at least the 1957. The other way to go would be to install a tonneau cover. I have my top stowed behind the seat as original and I still think that is the best way to go, if at all possible.
Lew Bachman

 

[bigfoot21075]

The currently available reproduction soft tops are available without the swing-arm and can be stored in the trunk, at least the 1957. The other way to go would be to install a tonneau cover. I have my top stowed behind the seat as original and I still think that is the best way to go, if at all possible.
Lew Bachman

Thank you sir! If the swing arm top did not rob valuable seat space I would use it in a second. Keeping a non swing arm top behind the seat may not take up any useable seat room. I appreciate your input.

 

[DispatchJoe]

I have both tops on my 57 also. I store my hard to on a pully system in the top of my garage and use the soft top. I latch it on the back deck and leave it folded down. It is folded in a way that the wind does not bother it. When I go to use the soft top, I only pull the top forward and latch it when the wife complainns of too much wind. You can pull it 1/2 way forwart and then get into the car and latch it when you are seated. Easier getting in and out of the car

 

[JimLeanna55Bird]

I fold my soft top back and let it lay on top of the deck. I had PPF (paint protection film) installed on the read deck to prevent scuffing of the paint. You cannot not even notice it. Top sits fine when driving all though if I am going on freeway with it down I do use a bungee cord to hold it down just in case a random gust of wind comes along.

 

[bigfoot21075]

THAT is the first I have heard of the idea, THANKS! That would address my concern 100% - Thank you!. I will try that and send a picture. Maybe a mountain of a man CAN drive this regularly. BTW Beautiful bird, and great picture, Thank you sir!

 

[JimLeanna55Bird]

Hi Everyone,

My T-bird came with both tops. I really can't get in and out of it with the top on. I am wondering if anyone came up with a removable soft top that can be stored in the trunk The thinking being it will not take up that oh so valuable space behind the seat. I could even just unlatch it , fold it back enough to get in and out and still drive with the top up. I know, I am looking for creative ways to be able to drive her more often.....

THAT is the first I have heard of the idea, THANKS! That would address my concern 100% - Thank you!. I will try that and send a picture. Maybe a mountain of a man CAN drive this regularly. BTW Beautiful bird, and great picture, Thank you sir!

Yes, I’m 6’ 1” about 210 and with the top on It’s a very tight fit however with the top back it’s very comfortable.