Manual and Power Tops
Manual tops are generally easier to repair and adjust because there's no hydraulics to consider outside of the counterbalance mechanisms, which make it easier to raise and lower your top. Power tops are nothing more than a hydraulic system (fluid under pressure) that includes an electric pump, a two-way switch, lines, and two hydraulic lift cylinders (actuators). The pump runs in one direction to raise the top and reverses to lower.
Anytime you are servicing the convertible top mechanism, make safety your first priority. Never remove the counterbalance cylinders with the top down, always disconnect the battery whenever you're servicing the power top mechanism, and keep your hands clear whenever the top is in motion.
Check the top mechanism for...
Check the top mechanism for proper seating at the windshield. Pins should properly align and latches should lock smoothly. Dowel pins are adjustable, as are toggle hooks. If toggle hook engagement is difficult, check adjustment. When adjusted properly, engagement is smooth and the top should seat snuggly against the header, but not too tight.
Here's a good look at the...
Here's a good look at the latch mechanism. With pins properly aligned and seated, the toggle hook should pull the top tight against the windshield.
Convertible top linkage tends...
Convertible top linkage tends to get bent through the years. Forcing a stubborn top, raising or lowering the top while the car is in motion, and running the top motor after it seats are examples of typical abuse. Before beginning top replacement, all mechanicals should be in proper working order. Top mechanism operation should be smooth and without binding. When the top comes to rest at the windshield, pins and latches should line up and lock easily. When the top is down, this mechanism should tuck neatly in the top well. There are also bushings and pins that must be inspected for wear. Hydro-E-Lectric can help with replacement convertible top bushings, pins, links, and other components.
Although we're using WD-40...
Although we're using WD-40 for lubrication, it's a good idea to use white lithium grease on all top mechanism joints. WD-40 is a moisture displacement and anticorrosive solvent. It gets rid of rust and corrosion, but it doesn't provide long-term lubrication like white grease does.
Ford calls this the quarter-deck...
Ford calls this the quarter-deck retaining cable, which enables all of the bows to operate in unison. It also retains the convertible top material. This is the cable tension adjustment point. Too much tension and the top won't seat at your windshield header; too little and it will flop.
Each bow contains material...
Each bow contains material known as tack strips, which is what convertible top material is stapled to. The tack strips will probably require repair as shown with screws and staples. You can also use industrial adhesive; when allowed to set up, it works better than staples or screws.
This is the power in a power...
This is the power in a power top, a reversing hydraulic pump that pumps fluid in two directions on either side of hydraulic actuators. It goes one way to move the top down and the other way to move it up. Moving the switch to "up" or "down" reverses the pump.
There are two counterbalance...
There are two counterbalance cylinders, one on each side, with a manual top to assist lowering and raising. Never attempt to remove the counterbalance cylinders with the top down because of the risk for personal injury. A power top has one lift cylinder (hydraulic actuators) on each side. When you run the pump, you are applying pressure to either raise or lower the top.