2004 - Soft Top Won't Close Fully

[najm.plummer]

Hello, all.

My wife and I recently bought a thunderbird, second hand, 2004 PCR with ~45k miles on it. Great shape.

We took the hard top off for the first time today and attempted to give our soft top a try. Unfortunately, it comes up and up to just within an inch of where it needs to be to latch. We've tried multiple times to let it up/down (time for it to rest in between), and even gently guided it without forcing anything too hard.

We can't get it that extra inch to where the latching mechanism will reach. Any obvious fixes? My only option is to take it to my local mechanic to see if they can service it at all....maybe a Ford dealership as a last alternative?



Thank you,
Nick

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[j&d]

Try pushing it down into the holes. It probably is shrinking from not being used and stretching it will make it taut. You might even take a blow-dryer and gently heat it slightly to make it stretch easier. . A body shop that replaces convertible tops can probably help you too. Let us know. Diane and I haven't had the hardtop off in many years and probably will run into the same problem.

 

[Redbird 02]

Let it sit in the sun a while. Then gently pull down on the latch handle as you latch the roof down. It will stretch out. May need a good cleaning if it has been in the well for a while.

 

[najm.plummer]

I was hesitant to apply any lubricant to the exploded henges that I could see when it’s halfway through the soft top operation. Should I do that? If so, any particular one?

I have no idea how long the prior user has had the soft top stowed away, so maybe it’s “tight”.

 

[JoseG]

I was hesitant to apply any lubricant to the exploded henges that I could see when it’s halfway through the soft top operation. Should I do that? If so, any particular one?

I have no idea how long the prior user has had the soft top stowed away, so maybe it’s “tight”.

You can use white lithium or silicone.

 

[gerryb1938]

Had the same problem when I returned to Florida on Thanksgiving day. Had left the top down all summer in storage. Let the car sit in the sun for a few hours and was able to close the top.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

These tops are Haartz Stayfast or something like it, there is no shrinkage (like the old vinyl) but it may need stretched out, per above some time in the sun unfolded and a little muscle and it'll likely close properly