Hardtop Question

[NotU]

I have the opportunity to acquire a mint condition hardtop from a 2005 for free.
My Thunderbird never had a hardtop. It didn't come with one from Ford.
What modifications need to be done to the car to put a hardtop on it?
Windshield header? Additional support behind the seats?
Thank you for any advice and info.
Randy Mattson

[007Cruiser]

Absolutely nothing! Go get it now!!!

[Brad]

Grab it and go, all you need is a Torx wrench

[007Cruiser]

#40 torx wrench

[snowbird]

Possibly some minor adjustments on the top header . Just remove the top's header trim ( pulls off ) , loosen brackets and adjust with top in place . Thats it .

[007Cruiser]

If the brackets need adjusting the same torx wrench is all that you will need.

[Bobnoir1]

Here is the video Ford provided for installation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_gHCSxzF6w

[NotU]

Oh, I do plan on getting it but, since I've never dealt with the hardtop, I am curious.
Thank you, Bob, for the video link.
BTW...the rack is included.
This is from a car that was damaged with the top off.

[FUN X 3]

You may want to consider installing protection for the rear deck where the back of the top sits on the deck. Dirt can get under there and etch the paint from vibrations. Enjoy your hardtop! We sold ours after we moved to Florida, no real hardtop season here and no room in the garage. I miss having it as an option.

[ambitio]

You may want to consider installing protection for the rear deck where the back of the top sits on the deck. Dirt can get under there and etch the paint from vibrations. Enjoy your hardtop! We sold ours after we moved to Florida, no real hardtop season here and no room in the garage. I miss having it as an option.

My bird doesn't have any protection but seems to have been hardly used with the hardtop on. So thankfully I don't have any scratches yet. Is the chrome protection (aftermarket) a better option or the plastic films similar to what Ford apparently used to provide from 2003 on?

[007Cruiser]

I think they are pretty equal. Prior to the strips I used open cell weatherstripping that was 5/8” wide. Any hardware store should have it. It does the job and removes easily but you need to keep applying every time.

[NotU]

I missed it by 1 hour. Oh, well.

[007161947]

After you get the top I have a extra new factory hardtop cover for it. Earl