2003 soft top delays when retracting

[kberg85284]

My 2003 rag top pauses and almost stops at top center then keeps going down. I actually had to assist it once. Any ideas ? Battery or convertible motor?
Also what is best soft top cleaner to use on the tan tops. Seems like a very dry canvasy material. Thanks

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[biddle]

Also what is best soft top cleaner to use on the tan tops. Seems like a very dry canvasy material. Thanks

Rag top cleaner has been discussed many times in the site. Utilize the search page to get answers to many common questions.

Convertible top cleaner ragg top soft top

What does everyone use to clean and protect their convertible tops? This is my first convertible.hopefully I am posting this in the right place Thanks Moderator update check this out on Amazon. Ranked by number of reviews on Amazon as of 6/2021- #1 303 Products 4.5 Stars, 2500+ reviews Click...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[Huskerpete]

I have used the Ragg Top Cleaner and protectant on two cars in the last month. I highly recommend it! Be sure to use one of their soft brushes as to not damage the top when you are cleaning it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LOIA1S2/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[Frankie the Fink]

My top on the 2002 hesitated in that region also, its a critical pivot point where the articulating arms snap the top into the "stacked" position for storage in the folded top well. I took some Teflon dry bicycle chain lube and, while holding a rag behind each pivot point with the top in various positions, liberally sprayed ALL of the pivot points (hinges) and things operate smoothly now.

Aerospace 303 makes a nice convertible top cleaner and preservative combo, which is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A8JNF0/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[Merk]

My top on the 2002 hesitated in that region also, its a critical pivot point where the articulating arms snap the top into the "stacked" position for storage in the folded top well. I took some Teflon dry bicycle chain lube and, while holding a rag behind each pivot point with the top in various positions, liberally sprayed ALL of the pivot points (hinges) and things operate smoothly now.

Aerospace 303 makes a nice convertible top cleaner and preservative combo, which is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A8JNF0/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

Che

My top on the 2002 hesitated in that region also, its a critical pivot point where the articulating arms snap the top into the "stacked" position for storage in the folded top well. I took some Teflon dry bicycle chain lube and, while holding a rag behind each pivot point with the top in various positions, liberally sprayed ALL of the pivot points (hinges) and things operate smoothly now.

Aerospace 303 makes a nice convertible top cleaner and preservative combo, which is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A8JNF0/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

Check hydraulic fluid might be low or have a leak
303 for the top

 

[JRMedved]

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My top on the 2002 hesitated in that region also, its a critical pivot point where the articulating arms snap the top into the "stacked" position for storage in the folded top well. I took some Teflon dry bicycle chain lube and, while holding a rag behind each pivot point with the top in various positions, liberally sprayed ALL of the pivot points (hinges) and things operate smoothly now.​

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I'd suggest a PTFE (teflon) based lubricant. Tri-Flow is amazing stuff for this. Available in spray, pen or squeeze bottle.

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[edward301]

It does help to oil all the hinges and moving parts, that will make a big difference. There is also a spring located on one
of the pivot arms that helps the arm bend, I would imagine that after all of these years that this spring has lost some of
its spring force, which keeps the arm from bending easily.

 

[TXBluebird]

I've used both RaggTop and 303 with good results, though the top manufacturer, Haartz, recommends RaggTop.

For light colored tops, steam can help with stubborn stains:

. While I like the Bissell steamer, I don't recommend using its brushes on the top. It tends to fray the outer fibers of the material. Instead, I use the steamer with a brush from RaggTop specifically for canvas tops.