1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Top Repair - How To: Replace Your '65-'68 Convertible Top

If you want to clean or paint the top bows and mechanism, then do so now before the new materials go on. The replacement top pad for the right side is installed first. Staple only the outer edges at this time. Mr. Autocraft recommends the use of stainless steel staples to prevent any rust stains or pull-through from rusted staples.

Once the top pad has been secured, the pad can be opened and the actual padding carefully slipped inside and positioned.

With the pad assembled, you can completely staple the pad to the bow. Finish off the pad by reinstalling the front retaining screws, and then repeat for the other side.

Now before the actual top is installed, the new well liner kit is positioned and secured with the original hardware. The correct trim screws are readily available if you are missing any of them. Simply take inventory of what you need before you start the top replacement.

The top installation starts with the rear window. The rear window is stapled to the rear tacking strip, and the strip is temporarily bolted in. This occurs several times, so have a good ratchet. Then, the window assembly is pulled snug and stapled to the top tacking strip.

These C-pillar pads are not always included in the top pad kit, nor are they always installed. These pads give a smoother, more taut look to the sides of the top. They also are stapled to the top and bottom tacking strips. Check for properwindow-to-top clearance before stapling them, to prevent the pads from sticking out from between the window and the top.

The actual top is now ready to be laid in place. With the top centered on the top frame, the rearmost ends of the top are stapled to the rear tacking strip, and then the tacking strip is bolted back in again to check the fit and top length. Remember that this tack strip is taken in and out a lot, so be prepared.

To facilitate pulling the original top wires back through the new top material, Mr. Autocraft uses nothing more advanced than a simple wire hanger with a hook bent into the end. Carefully pull the wire through the top and bolt the end clip back onto the frame assembly.

The top is raised and latched for this next step. The top is pulled and stretched until it is relatively straight and wrinkle-free. Then, the leading edge of the top is marked for where it will be folded over and stapled to the forward tacking strip.

Starting in the corners and working slowly to prevent creases, the top is stapled to the front tacking strip at the indicated marks. Excess top material has already been cut off, but you will see a good 5 inches of extra material on yours when you do this.

With the top unlatched and partially lowered, the C-pillar section of the top can be folded over and glued down to the top frame. Once the glue has set, the weatherstripping can be bolted back on over it. Don't latch the top until you do. Otherwise, the glue won't hold, and the top will pull away from the frame here.

The only remaining stapling left is at the rear tack strip. Staple only the corners first. Then, check the fit of the top at the top of the rear window, and staple the top into place. Make sure the window zipper is not visible with the top up. If it is, then pull the top material back down a bit and staple the top to the tacking strip to secure the adjustment.