2002-05 Pin Broken on Hardtop + Hoist Operation

[Desron2020]

Hey guys, picking up 03 bird 007 edition today, but getting nervous. Been reading research reports that say its hard with 2 people to remove/replace top. Then I read threads you guys posted about pins in top that bend?? And hard top rattles??? Is this just bad design from ford?Is this on every 03 model? Any suggestions on how to make removal/add on top easier? How do we avoid from jumpstreet the top rattle, if possible? Thanks for your input. One thing I don't understand car manuf. Usually improve products each year when they discover problems. Seems like ford has no interest in correcting these problems or at least try to. Could they have the attitude where making bird for only 3 yrs so the hell with it????


Moderator Note 2020- You can buy a hardtop hoist here- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...nderbird-electric-manual-hardtop-hoists.9260/

I just bought a 2004 Thunderbird. Bought an electric hoist from Top Hoist. We tried to remove hard top yesterday and the bolts broke on the bar the pulls the top off. Epic fail. Apparently we didn't have the pins in the front loose enough. How do you know if they are released? It appears the pin on the drivers side may be damaged. Does anyone know how to replace it?

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[biddle]

Is it the J-Hook? Post a photo of the broken part and read this thread-

2002-2005 Thunderbird Convertible Top Pivot Arm

I recently had a pivot arm break on my convertible top latch. Unable to find the discontinued part at a reasonable price, I had a local shop machine me a new arm and also had a few extra made. If you have this problem I can sell you the pivot arm, the bushings, and a new designed pin to allow...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[Bird52]

Two person removal easy to do. (even a neighbor can help, that's what I do)
Storage is the problem.
A must have is the rolling rack to store the top upright

 

[Bird52]

I just bought a 2004 Thunderbird. Bought an electric hoist from Top Hoist. We tried to remove hard top yesterday and the bolts broke on the bar the pulls the top off. Epic fail. Apparently we didn't have the pins in the front loose enough. How do you know if they are released? It appears the pin on the drivers side may be damaged. Does anyone know how to replace it?

Two person removal easy to do. (even a neighbor can help, that's what I do)
Storage is the problem.
A must have is the rolling rack to store the top upright .
Might have posted this on another question if so here it is again.

 

[tbird.blue]

Two person removal easy to do. (even a neighbor can help, that's what I do)
Storage is the problem.
A must have is the rolling rack to store the top upright .
Might have posted this on another question if so here it is again.

Hi, when removing the hardtop, and undoing the front bolts, it's best to undo the bolts fully and to test this by lifting the front of the hardtop by hand from inside the car to see if it is free from the windshield part of the car. Make sure the rear handles/ locks are completely free before you do this too. Lol

 

[Frankie the Fink]

Hi, when removing the hardtop, and undoing the front bolts, it's best to undo the bolts fully and to test this by lifting the front of the hardtop by hand from inside the car to see if it is free from the windshield part of the car. Make sure the rear handles/ locks are completely free before you do this too. Lol

ABSOLUTELY - those front bolts can snag on just 1/2 a thread and keep the top stuck. I routinely take my hardtop off and on by myself with a hand operated hoist. Once you get the "tricks" down its not that bad.

I have no/nada/zilch rattling with the hardtop on; although I do get a occasional creak when I go over speed bumps.

 

[Issyro]

Unfortunately you should have pulled up on the top front side with your hands to verify that they were loosened. Also It only take two people to get the top on and off, anymore than that and it becomes a circus. I’m sure someone has a solution for replacing the pins.

 

[350xfire]

ABSOLUTELY - those front bolts can snag on just 1/2 a thread and keep the top stuck. I routinely take my hardtop off and on by myself with a hand operated hoist. Once you get the "tricks" down its not that bad.
View attachment 13343
I have no/nada/zilch rattling with the hardtop on; although I do get a occasional creak when I go over speed bumps.

That hook into the roof looks a bit scary... 😱

 

[The Flash]

That hook into the roof looks a bit scary... 😱

I would put some reinforcements and a stronger hook to hold up 85 pounds

 

[DennisC]

I just bought a 2004 Thunderbird. Bought an electric hoist from Top Hoist. We tried to remove hard top yesterday and the bolts broke on the bar the pulls the top off. Epic fail. Apparently we didn't have the pins in the front loose enough. How do you know if they are released? It appears the pin on the drivers side may be damaged. Does anyone know how to replace it?

I’m up north for the summer and my TBird is in FL along with my shop manuals so I can’t look up how to change a front pin. I think they screw in but I am not positive. But I can offer some suggestions for part of your question. When you unscrew both front hardtop connecting bolts always, always push up on each side of the top and be certain both bolts are free. Also after the top is removed and before you put up the soft top, use your thumb to push any part of the threads showing (above the windshield frame) down toward the interior to make sure they don’t interfere with the soft top frame. Plus you don’t want to risk any damage to the threads on the end of the bolts when you drop the hardtop back on,which could make it difficult to reattach the hardtop. You may know this but if not, the rear pins also carry power to the rear window defroster so be careful not to damage them when reattaching the hardtop. I rarely have help so I have lift motors in my homes and always use two bath towel sized car towels, one one each rear quarter panel to act as a cushion when lowering the hardtop. Once lowered to about an inch above the body I make sure the pins are aligned with the female receiver and then lower it the rest of the way removing the towels one at a time. Hope this helps, Dennis

 

[DennisC]

I’m up north for the summer and my TBird is in FL along with my shop manuals so I can’t look up how to change a front pin. I think they screw in but I am not positive. But I can offer some suggestions for part of your question. When you unscrew both front hardtop connecting bolts always, always push up on each side of the top and be certain both bolts are free. Also after the top is removed and before you put up the soft top, use your thumb to push any part of the threads showing (above the windshield frame) down toward the interior to make sure they don’t interfere with the soft top frame. Plus you don’t want to risk any damage to the threads on the end of the bolts when you drop the hardtop back on,which could make it difficult to reattach the hardtop. You may know this but if not, the rear pins also carry power to the rear window defroster so be careful not to damage them when reattaching the hardtop. I rarely have help so I have lift motors in my homes and always use two bath towel sized car towels, one one each rear quarter panel to act as a cushion when lowering the hardtop. Once lowered to about an inch above the body I make sure the pins are aligned with the female receiver and then lower it the rest of the way removing the towels one at a time. Hope this helps, Dennis

Also here is a picture of my winch setup.