1962 Fitment of Fill Panel attached to Convertible Top | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

1962 Fitment of Fill Panel attached to Convertible Top

  • Thread starter Thread starter kbuhagiar
  • Start date Start date
kbuhagiar
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Thunderbird Year
1962
Hello Folks,

I am working on the fit and finish of all of the panels associated with the convertible top on my 62.

See pictures below - I would like to get the convertible top trim panel to fit flush with the body. Right now the panel sits about 1/4" too high on both sides. I've scoured all of the manuals and the Internet but I can't find any reference to this adjustment.

20210608_151435.jpg

20210608_151454.jpg
Any tips, tricks or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

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**UPDATE**

I was able to greatly improve the fit of the package tray to the body. It was a nerve-wracking procedure, as I had never adjusted a convertible top before. Turns out my fears were unfounded.

Be advised that I am not seeking perfection. The car shows evidence of previous body damage, and the package tray has rust repairs that were done poorly. I merely wanted an improved fit, to make for a better overall presentation. I think I have succeeded.

I was able to adjust the side-to-side fitment by loosening the main top-to-trunk-floor mounting bolts (four on each side) and scooching the entire assembly to the left by about 3/16". After that I loosened the three main-body-bracket-to-top-frame-bracket bolts (mentioned earlier in this post by Jim Wulf - thanks Jim) on either side and just seating the tray down to flush with the body.

Again, not perfect, but much better than before.

On a personal note, with every little victory the convertible top mechanism becomes less and less intimidating, although I must admit it took me almost an entire day of measuring and observing and reassuring myself that I wouldn't do more harm than good before I finally worked up the nerve to start loosening those bolts. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way towards conquering the fear factor of working on these things.

Onward to the next Tbird crisis!

TrayFitDriverSide.jpgTrayFitPassSide.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for the update! I inserted your photos into your post.
 
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