2004 soft top speed adjustment possible? | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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2004 soft top speed adjustment possible?

  • Thread starter Thread starter racsix99
  • Start date Start date
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racsix99

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Thunderbird Year
2004
Is it possible to adjust / control the drop speed / force of the softtop? I have to stop the closing of my ragtop at about the 3/4 closed position to avoid having it "crash down" in an uncontrolled manner. Is there an adjustment that can be made to maintain the tension until completely shut to avoid the free fall that occurs otherwise?

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You may be low on hydraulic fluid for the top or have a leak in the lines, fittings and or cylinders. You may want to check for leaks first then maybe fluid level in pump assembly.
 
I've noticed this too. Thought of putting my hand to cushion the impact of course not at point of contact.
 
forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

2002+ Cylinder Replacement & Bleeding for top

Here are the steps I took to replace the convertible top cylinders after one finally began leaking (2002 with 67k). Same steps if just topping up with fluid and bleeding (usually the issue when the top starts taking longer to lift or squeals in the process). Note that I removed the trim and...
forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com
You can start with this thread and then do some more searching for any questions that you might have.
 
racsix99 said:
Is it possible to adjust / control the drop speed / force of the softtop? I have to stop the closing of my ragtop at about the 3/4 closed position to avoid having it "crash down" in an uncontrolled manner. Is there an adjustment that can be made to maintain the tension until completely shut to avoid the free fall that occurs otherwise?
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I always stop the top a few inches up anyway, to make sure that the lever is fully pulled back before the top goes completely down. Mine goes pretty fast both directions, but it’s certainly not a problem.
 
So the top motor is hydraulic and not electric?????? Where is the fluid tank -- or is it supplied from a tank also used for other purposes? And where is the motor located?

My top goes up/down flawlessly, but this would be good info to know when something does go wrong.

Thanks -- Randy
 
The pump is located in the parcel shelf area behind the seats.

To gain access to the pump:

  • Raise the top.
  • Unsnap the cloth cover on each side where it hides the carriage linkage and cylinders. Fold these back and clamp to the top liner with a small clamp or binder clip.
  • Remove the 7/16” bolt that connects the rear window defroster body ground on the back metal bulkhead under the window on the driver side.
  • Unplug the defroster wire connector attached to the same metal bulkhead on the passenger side.
  • Pull both wires through the cloth cover and tuck into the same fold clipped to the liner from step 2.
  • Starting at one end, unhook the cloth cover from the rear deck trim. These are held in place with plastic tabs in the seam of the cover. There is an open oval in the tab that slips on/off a plastic/rubber head. Pull gently, or pry with a plastic trim tool.
  • On each side where the cloth cover meets the carriage hinges, pry the cover back with the trim tool to remove the 3-4 plastic push pins.
Since the hydraulic system is a sealed system, if the fluid is low it had to go somewhere. Make sure that you inspect the top motor/reservoir, hydraulic lines and lift cylinders for leaks.

If you are just checking fluid/bleeding the system, you can leave the motor in place and pry out the rubber plug near the top of the side panel on the driver side of the motor/reservoir. The unit is wrapped in an insulating cover for noise. You may need to pull back the flap to access the fill plug. The plug is an inch long. I used needle nose pliers and went slow so as not to tear it. Once out, use a small squeeze bottle or a turkey baster to top up with multipurpose Mercon ATF to the bottom edge of the opening. Place a shop wrap or paper towel to catch fluid that seeps out. Run the top through a full cycle to lower and lift. Leave the rubber plug out while bleeding. Check the fluid level after each full cycle. When no more fluid is needed, and the down/up cycle is smooth, reinsert the rubber plug.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Convertible Top Hydraulic System.jpgIMG-7192.jpgIMG-7193.jpg
 
It could be a low fluid level. I have worked with older mustangs before and have added a thicker oil to the reservoirs on them to give the pump more lifting strength. (hydraulic jack oil like used in a floor jack)
I would assume, this would also work to slow the system down. The thicker the oil, the fluid moves slower but with more force, because it cant slip past pump as easily
 
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