Hardtop spacer

[Will]

Jaguar72 -- thank you for the lead. I just ordered one this evening. I think mine -- both sides -- are still in place, but I plan to have one on the shelf just in case. Many thanks. ---Will

[jaguar72]

Um, this is my story and I'm sticking to it. Some of this information (e.g., part number and description) is from a very helpful TBN thread from 2011, "Part # for Hardtop Spacer - passenger side" and is still, apparently, valid and correct. Thank you TBN members!

Part number for the passenger side hardtop spacer (the one that carries a small wiring harness for the defroster) is 1W6Z-18C618-AA, ( the part description is "WIR ASY-BK WDO HTR F"). Expecting no or at best "part discontinued" results, I did a search with just the part number and was surprised to see it pop up in three or four different places; however, Ford Parts Giant said it was discontinued and Tasca said "call for availability" not a good sign (Tasca did have a good photograph of it). But at least two other places indicated it was in stock and it was on sale or discounted for 25 bucks which is a good deal since it used to be well over $50...in 2011...

Anyhow, I ordered one from Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake. A couple of days later I received the familiar email saying the part had to be special ordered from Ford and there would be a 1 or 2 business day delay. I've been down that route before and thought that was that. However, two days later, lo and behold, I received an email from Auto Nation saying the part had been shipped, The part number and everything else on the invoice was correct. I haven't received the actual part yet but it's due in the next couple of days. I'll let you know what happens.

If you need one of these passenger side spacers (or even if you don't) you should probably order one soonest. Needless to say, 25 bucks or so is cheap insurance when Thunderbird parts seem to be disappearing from the marketplace with amazing rapidity, alas.

Hope this helps.

Disclaimer: I have no connection whatsoever with any of the companies mentioned in this post

V/R,

Gary/jaguar72

[steelblue5505]

Short of a body destroyed accident it is almost impossible to dislodge & loose the passenger side HT spacer because of the way it is attached & it's short wiring harness. It is very securely in place.
The driver side is completely different. Just a piece of plastic made go clip on by pressing it into place.
Often when removing the HT the post will pull this clip loose & it drops down into the body cavities
It's only purpose is to take up space. If one is cleaver you could easily fabricate something to accomplish the same need.

[007Cruiser]

If one is cleaver you could easily fabricate something to accomplish the same need.

This sounds like a good candidate for 3D printing. Wish I had the programming skill and equipment.

[ISSYRO]

Here is something everyone that reads this thread should do.

Prevent loosing this piece. Remind yourself the next time you have the HT off to cement this spacer in place. And each time you can remember check to see if the cement you have used is still holding.

Most importantly Be aware that this little spacer comes off easily being pulled by the HT latch pin as it lifts up out of the latch.

I also about two years ago installed both sides and cemented them in and they have held up pretty well.

[HKS]

Got my driver side spacer from e-bay. Delivered October 25, 2019. Price $25 and free shipping.
The nice person sent me an email saying he also included the passenger side spacer for free.
HKS

[jaguar72]

Got my driver side spacer from e-bay. Delivered October 25, 2019. Price $25 and free shipping.
The nice person sent me an email saying he also included the passenger side spacer for free.
HKS

Hermann, he did the same thing for me. A very decent fellow. He told me he has or can find other hardtop parts. I bought a couple of OEM hardtop bolts (the ones fixing the front of the HT to the car, part # W707077-S424) from him just to have them on the shelf. It's really nice to have the passenger side spacer because it's a hard part to find since it is usually available, as far as I can tell, only with the attached wiring harness...not a bad thing, of course, but probably unnecessary in most cases; but then again, you can't have too many spare parts.

V/R,

Gary/jaguar72

[HKS]

Gary,
My sentiments exactly. What a nice person. It was a pleasant surprise when he emailed me with unexpected good news.

Parts on my shelf:
Four coils and plugs. I was hoping that I could tell which bank of cylinders would have the bad coil.
Fuel pump.
Rear fender Tbird script's.

A variety of pushpins (plastic fasteners). Thanks to EllisonCal for finding a good source of TBIRD fasteners.
https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/se...=20518&Submit=
Lookup part number at Ford and buy at Clipsandfasteners.com

Thermostat and coolant housing
Two extra keys and FOBs (lost one into engine compartment and later found). Total of 4 now.
Original hood scoop.
Four spare original Tbird hubcaps.
Both hardtop spacers.
Spare new (FEM) Front Electronic Module manufactured in 2018.
Monogrammed floor mats with Ford logo (stored away)
I may have missed one.

Hermann

[Will]

Like Hermann & Gary & perhaps others, I ordered the driver's side piece but received it accompanied by the passenger side spacer, too. Mine arrived yesterday (Monday 10/28) & will go on the shelf. A nice guy to do business with. ----Will

[Smedley]

I guess he's sold out darn it. Any other sources suggestions?

[007161947]

Sent you a PM.