2002 Hard Top Rattle | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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2002 Hard Top Rattle

  • Thread starter Thread starter steve121459
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steve121459

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Thunderbird Year
2002
I’ve had my car for two years and struggle mightily with installing the hard top. Once on it rattles like hell. The latches seem tight, but I don’t think I’m getting the screws right no matter how much I fool with them. Any suggestions at all?
Moderator update- See this thread for video and install tips- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com/threads/2004-hard-top-installation-tips.17629/

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steve121459 said:
I’ve had my car for two years and struggle mightily with installing the hard top. Once on it rattles like hell. The latches seem tight, but I don’t think I’m getting the screws right no matter how much I fool with them. Any suggestions at all?
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When I bought my '03 the hard top had a slight rattle over bumps and a little wind noise. I went on YouTube and found the way to readjust the bolt line-ups on each side by taking the cover off (the inside plastic cover) at the top of the windshield. It showed how to make the adjustments, and I've had zero problems since. I'm not mechanically inclined, but it was easy and took me less than an hour (which means it's really about a 15 or 20-minute job).
 
I never experienced it on my 2002 but have read instances where the hardtop "receiver" gets damaged, the part on the car's body at the rear, where the back of the top where it latches....worth a look...
 
Does it rattle at the front or back? If at the back and the If the 03's are same as 02's, check to make sure the holes where the back pins go still have a black plastic piece mounted on top of the holes. If not that's why it's rattling. The passenger side part is special. That's where the electrical connection is made for the rear defroster.
 
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