2005 soft top opening after long storage | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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2005 soft top opening after long storage

  • Thread starter Thread starter ARB57
  • Start date Start date
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Mine was stored for years with the top down and the hard top attached. When I finally raised the top, I didn't do anything special. There were some wrinkles, so I parked the car in the sunshine to let the top stretch. I recommend inspecting the top where it meets the rear glass for any signs of separation. Mine had separated at the lower corners.
 
When you leave the soft top down that long (7 yrs) you stand a good chance of having serious creases forming where the folds occur. This will ultimately break down the fabric at those folds. I would follow the suggestion above about slowly letting the cloth stretch before clamping it down to the windshield.

It might be a good idea to start removing the HT every Summer to allow the ST fabric to stretch/stabilize.

I rarely use my HT any more, preferring to keep the ST up and the fabric looking taut and in like new condition. But then again, I do not drive my '02 in inclement weather.
 
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