Before you can install a new...
Before you can install a new top, bow positioning must be spot-on to achieve proper top tension and position. Stay pads maintain bow positioning and absorb sound. As a rule, there are four bows from front to rear on most convertibles, which Ford assigns numbers to-header bow (windshield; No.1), second bow (No. 2), third bow (No. 3), and rear bow (No. 4). Each side has a front side member, a horizontal side member, and a diagonal/vertical top frame member.
Bow Dimensions*
If you're stripping down a convertible top, we suggest measuring top bow dimensions to see how they compare with ours. What matters most is a top that will fit perfectly when it's time for installation. There are specified distances you need to have between top bows for good fit and function. These measurements aren't center-to-center, but from trailing edge to leading edge. Here's how measurements stack up.
No. 1 bow to No. 2 bow: 16 1/2 inches
No. 2 bow to No. 3 bow: 16 3/4 inches
No. 3 bow to No. 4 bow: 15 1/2 inches
No. 4 bow to stainless molding: 20 1/2 inches
No. 4 bow to drain trough: 22 1/2 inches
If you examine your '65-'73 Ford Shop Manual, you can fabricate a bow locating gauge from plywood, which will enable you to position bows to factory specifications.
Top adjustment isn't all that difficult according to Richard Smykay. There are five ways to adjust the top mechanism:Bow No. 2 up/down adjustment
Side rail camber eccentric at balance link
Side rail camber set screw at hinge
Header to side rail adjustment (fore and aft length adjustment)
Frame bracket to body bolts (side to side adjustment)
* Information courtesy Richard Smykay at smykayrich@yahoo.com
 Aside from the convertible...  Aside from the convertible top frame, stay pads are the backbone of your Mustang's convertible top. Think of them as the muscle under the skin. They have to be fabricated, then stapled to the bows. |  Stay pads are positioned,...  Stay pads are positioned, trimmed, and installed. Each side is attached first at the header bow. Each bow is correctly positioned per bow measurements, then the stay pad is stapled to it. The hanging cable will be channeled through our California Mustang top and fastened to the side bow. |  |
 Holes are punched for attachment...  Holes are punched for attachment screws at the No. 1 bow to anchor the stay pad. Attach here first. Then, one bow at a time, attach from No. 2 back. Use minimal staples because you will probably have to detach and readjust. |  Sail pads are next. They attach...  Sail pads are next. They attach at the stay pad (No. 4 bow) and at the top well. When the top is up, they pull tight. |  The bifolding rear window...  The bifolding rear window panel is prepared next. Note the special care Mustang Country shows for the rear window. Both sides are protected with bubble wrap. |
 The rear window panel is positioned...  The rear window panel is positioned and installed next. It must first be anchored to the body/top well, then stapled to the No. 4 bow. This takes a lot of patience and perseverance. |  From this perspective, you...  From this perspective, you can see the rear window panel and top well material being attached to the body. This requires a lot of adjustment. |  The rear window panel is stapled...  The rear window panel is stapled to the No. 4 bow. Again, use minimal staples because you're going to have to keep doing this until tension is just right. |
 For '65-'68 Mustangs, the...  For '65-'68 Mustangs, the distance from stainless to window is 41/2 inches. |  To work out wrinkles, be prepared...  To work out wrinkles, be prepared to use a heat gun as you go. Don't get too close to the material. |  Convertible top material attaches...  Convertible top material attaches at the top-well hold-down. This should happen when you install the rear-window panel. |