Convertible soft top replacement?

[Aussie4eyed]

Gday again,

I'm down in Australia and have an '85 LX 'vert.
I imported a soft top from Electron Top but I am having some trouble finding a motor trimmer any where near me who has done a Fox before.

I am thinking about having a go at it myself, and I thought that I read somewhere on this site some years back threads where some members did their own.

I just looked through the forums but can't see anything related.

Am I blinded by the light, or shortsighted or something?

Can anyone please direct me to where I may be able to find threads on the subject please?

TIA
Gary

[KevinK]

I think there may be some videos on CJ Pony parts. You might also check Mustang Monthly, Jim Smart probably did a write up on one. I'm sure there is a video you can purchase someplace too. Quite a few here have done it.

[Aussie4eyed]

Thanks for that Kevin - I'll chase those leads up.
Appreciate your reply mate.

[webestang]

I did mine myself using the DVD (made lots of notes) from LMR...
https://lmr.com/item/STO-8393DVD/198...stallation-Dvd

Also used a print out from 5.0 Resto and the Chilton manual has a section on replacing tops.
I replaced the top/glass window/pads and weather strips. Took about 6 hours total.
5.0 Resto printout.... http://cdn.lrsstatic.com/downloads/i...ons/et-ct1.pdf

[KevinK]

I believe the back window panel goes in first. Seems like that may make it easier. I replaced my back window on spur of the moment and could not find short staples for my pneumatic nailer. I only needed a few so I cut some long ones shorter.

[webestang]

You are correct, the pads and back window get installed first then the top. I also replaced the side cables.
Oh....use stainless steel staples so they do not rust. I bought mine from these guys... https://www.convertibletopguys.com/c...essories-tools

[mikes in australia]

Hi, also in Australia and replaced my 86 vert with an Eltron Top about 5 years ago. Sourced an article from Mustang Monthly, another - How-to install a Convertable Top by Miles Cook in 5.0 resto, and purchased a cd - AOK Sales, LLC DIY series presents 1983 - 1993 Mustang Convertible top Installation. Also installed a Headliner from a 87 or later to enhance the finish of the interior, highly recomended. Issue 9 of Fox Mustang Magazine [pages 34 - 43] has the installation how to.
If think i can send you a link which will enable you to download the Installation CD from AOK, just need your contact email. Cheers.
I am in Brisbane, if that is of any help? Mobile = 0473 676748

[Four Eyed Fox]

how do you guys install the stay pads on the side. i used directions that said to cut them right at the header at the front and duct tape them..yeah that didnt work too well so I figure they need to go over the header panel and possibly wrap around it like the top itself.

[webestang]

TAPE...!!??!! I used not a single piece of tape fitting my top. I also had to cut nothing.

Here is a shot of the d-side top pad after it has been stapled to header and rails.

[Four Eyed Fox]

Yeah it didn't work, I have to go back over it. No not a pro live and learn...

[KevinK]

Tape? My factory tops seem to have black duct tap covering the bolt heads at the trim just behind the quarter window. There may be another location as well.