Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

[FritsB]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

What's the story behind the new avatar Joe...new toy?

[My Raven]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Well here is the "solution" to the replacement top: I ordered a OEM Ford soft top to replace the Haartz fabric top sewn by a aftermarket convertible top supplier.

My lesson here is just because you ask for a Haartz top does not mean you are purchasing a OEM top. This top has never fit correctly and has been adjusted 3 times. It now needs adjusting again.

So, partially I think to shut me up and quit my constant b*tch*n, the owner has agreed to credit me for the cost of the FoMoCo OEM top and apply it to the aftermarket top they are removing and replacing. What he doesn't know is I got a sizable discount on the OEM top.

So, we will see. I will be so happy to have a top that "Fits" and the horizontal rear window defroster strips covered. We Will See ...

And no, Frits, No 56 for now!

[scoops]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

And no, Frits, No 56 for now!

That's Joe speak for "I've found one that I'm checking out and will consider upon closer inspection."

[My Raven]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

After 9 months, 4 refits and adjustments, Suzanne has her new OEM FoMoCo Haartz top. I picked her up about an hour ago.

The shop kept her for 3 days and I was fine with them taking it slow and getting it right. They credited me for the cost of the original aftermarket top which I will apply to the cost of the OEM I ordered. They also threw in the labor for retrofitting the new top.

The shop manager told me they had added the RetroBird to their "no aftermarket top available" list. So our Retros joins the Corvette and the Nissan Z convertible in that the shop will only retrofit with OEM parts.

I swear the car is quieter with the new top installed even in the short time that I drove it back to the office. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed this car until I had to drive something else for 3 days: I couldn't wait to get Suzanne back.

Thanks to all of you assisted me with this and you know who you are ...

No more exposed vertical defroster bars or sealent tape exposed around the edges of the glass!

[5bird7]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

from that shot it looks good, Joe. Glad you finally got this resolved.

Eventually though, we will have to rely on aftermarket tops as Ford will run out of the originals and we're almost guaranteed that they won't restock them.

bottom line - take care of your soft tops even if you don't plan to keep the car forever. Next owner will or should appreciate that the top is in good shape.

[wtxbird]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe, it looks great, glad the ordeal is over.

[redbirdman]

Re: Softtop Fit and Rear Glass: Opinions Needed

Joe,top looks great,glad you got it resolved