1957 - Removable soft top? | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

1957 - Removable soft top?

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bigfoot21075

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Thunderbird Year
1957
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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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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
 
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.
 
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
 
1957Birdman said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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!
 
bigfoot21075 said:
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.....
Click to expand...
bigfoot21075 said:
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!
Click to expand...
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.
 
Mine has both the hardtop and soft top. I have the same issue. Unless I remove the hard top or put down the soft top it is impossible to get into. I think if I have good weather I am just going to cover it with the top off so I can get in and out of it when I like. Thanks for sharing!
 
Try going in headfirst right hand on seat right foot on brake then drag the rest of you in. It is still tight and much more comfortable topless. I'm 6ft and 208 and drove mine 20k miles
 
George Ford said:
Try going in headfirst right hand on seat right foot on brake then drag the rest of you in. It is still tight and much more comfortable topless. I'm 6ft and 208 and drove mine 20k miles
Click to expand...
I am 6'2" and 245 pounds. I get into our '55 by sitting in the seat with both feet outside on the ground then swing my feet in. It is a squeeze, especially with the original flat faced steering wheel. I can do this with either the soft top or hardtop in use.
 
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