2002 Hardtop is loose

[Fasteddie]

just bought a 2002 TBird. The first time I went to take the hardtop off the right front screw loosen was fine, but when I went to loosen the left one it was already loose and doesn’t tighten. It seems like it will loosen more but never get tight. What’s the problem and is it safe to drive. I drove it 200 miles like this already.

 

[NickTbird]

just bought a 2002 TBird. The first time I went to take the hardtop off the right front screw loosen was fine, but when I went to loosen the left one it was already loose and doesn’t tighten. It seems like it will loosen more but never get tight. What’s the problem and is it safe to drive. I drove it 200 miles like this already.

Mine is difficult to tighten on the driver side. I have to push up hard while turning it, even when it catches the threads I still need to push hard, but it gets tight and stays tight. I believe it has always been like that from brand new, but I never helped with the top prior to me taking ownership - my Aunt would always help my Grandpa and hated the driver side screw.

 

[booty_malone]

Unlatch the rear and loosen the other side and then try to tighten the screw while pulling down on the hardtop.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

I agree with the last two posters, that bolt and threaded receiver are pretty beefy, doubtful anyone stripped either; I think you just need to juggle things a bit until that bolt "bites" on the first few threads.

 

[Bond007]

As I said on your other thread, you need to check the alignment of the screw and receiver.

 

[BillM]

I agree with Bond my 03 had problems issues getting the bolts tight. i l aligned it and no more problems.

 

[NickTbird]

hard top won't attach

I have a 2004 Tbird with a hard top which I bought used. When I put the hard top on, I have trouble (only once have been succesful after many atempts) getting the left front screw to engage and tighten down. Does anyone else have this trouble and any suggestions?

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

this thread has instruction for aligning it. I will do this with mine in the fall as well to see if that makes my "issue" go away.

 

[BillM]

not a bad or hard job, took me outside maybe 30 minutes good luck enjoy your bird I know I have