2002 Hardtop removal issue | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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2002 Hardtop removal issue

J

JGentelia

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Reaction score
3
Thunderbird Year
2002
Hello I went to remove the hardtop, for the first time, and the drivers side rear latch will not come all the way free. The latching mechanism is pushed all the way to the rear of the car and the top pops up to get my fingers underneath but it will not pull up and pop off. Front torques are unscrewed and rear passenger side pulls free/ Am I missing something or what is the process to remedy this situation. Thank you for your time. JohnG

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Is it the seal? Some users in the past have suggested letting the hard sit in the sun to warm up the seals and spray the seal with silicone spray to prevent reoccurrance.
 
Problem solved I found a post on here making reference to the possibility of the hardtop pin getting bent. So I decided to take a long screwdriver and manually tweek the post and it popped right out. It doesn't look bent but could be slightly out of alignment. Thanks JohnG
 
Long time owner here - just reattached the hardtop - suggestions —work the stubborn lever back/ forth several times to obtain full extension- then do a two person shake / wiggle and pull up vigorously. The horizontal projections from the vertical pin need to be aligned with the pattern in the receiving receptacle- likely being stubborn four to inactivity.
 
Glad you solved problem. This is my fourth convertible and have NEVER wanted a hard top. Mine is always garaged so maybe that's why some people want them ?
For those of you shopping for a 2002-2005, don't be put off by 0 top.
Seems like a hassle to take on/off and store. I also don't think it is good for a top to be in a semi permanently down position. One mans opinion....................
 
First thing we did when we brought our '02 home was enlisting my son to help get the top off the car and onto the stand. That's where it's been for 2 years now.
 
I too removed the hardtop after purchasing my 2002 in 2010. I did not like the idea of keeping the soft top folded down, fearing that eventually the fabric would wear or 'break' at the folds.

I keep my car in the garage with the soft top up and stretched tight -- the fabric still looks as good as it did in 2010. The car is fully covered with bed sheets (to keep the spider/insect 'poop' off) -- an old collector car habit I have.
 
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