Topic: Convertible top boot spring retainers

[Chris]

Where do the springs that hold the convertible top boot to the trunk actually attach? The previous owner put a cheap top on the car, and I suspect my boot does not have an attachment point. There is just the seam where the pieces join, but no obvious place for the hook to attach.

For the trunk attachment point, I guess it's whatever is close to the place where the boot attachment point is located?

Thanks,
Chris

[CharlesTurner]

Are you talking about the well-liner?  If so, there should be a metal rod inserted into the lower middle seam.  The springs in the trunk attach to the rod on each end to pull it down.

[Chris]

Charles,

Sorry, yes, meant to say well-liner. My well-liner does not have a rod, so guess I'll use my hold-down springs after I replace my top. Looking at an Electron top for my 64 1/2. Think I have to get it w/o the metal caps at the ends of the cord on the roof above the window.

Thanks,
Chris

[Building 3]

Is this what you are looking for? There was a post on the forum on April 9. You can search for "well liner."

[CharlesTurner]

Repro well-liners usually have the slot for the rod, you can buy a rod at Lowe's or Home Depot and cut it to length.  I don't recall the diameter, maybe about 1/4"?

You'll probably have to buy the rear finisher material and end caps from somewhere like NPD, I doubt the correct material comes with an Electron top.  You might want to consider a Kee or Robbins top. 

[Chris]

Charles,

Thanks. I had searched the site on the tops and thought the concensus was that Electron was best? Guess I should look again.

Chris

[CharlesTurner]

A friend of mine that has been in the auto upholstery business since the 60's says that Robbins is the best construction.  Kee is next and then the others like Electron are more 'economy' tops and don't hold up as well as the others.  I'm sure others may have opinions, just passing along what I've learned over the years. 

[Brant]

Charles,

Thanks. I had searched the site on the tops and thought the concensus was that Electron was best? Guess I should look again.

Chris

Electron makes a great top...fit, quality, etc. Stock "out of the box" don't have every little correct detail, but if you specify what you what, they will make it.

I have personally used two with great success.

[Building 3]

I will add ARO to the list.  They claim to be the original convertible top manufacturer for the Mustang. Here are the things I checked for with my top order: All of the suppliers have the Ford White top material and the black material. Zipper: Brass zipper, most open from the driver's side. You will need to add the leather pull "tang" to the zipper handle. It's just heavy duty boot shoe lace or baseball glove lacing leather. If you have the snap in your last bow you need to order the strap for it.  Most snaps are in the middle of the bow, if not, tell the suppler. Rear curtain: if you don't have state inspections can you order the plastic window without the imprints? (Hoping for the day when someone comes along with a stamp for the proper concours imprint) Tacking strip: NPD sells the correct one with the stainless steel end pieces and screws. Make sure you cut the tacking strip to the proper length. I think I remember that NPD sells it in 72" length. The Ford Assembly manual has the proper length. A common mistake I have seen at shows is that the installer made it too short. Lastly, in comparing all of the major top suppliers to my original top, when I bought the top for my second Mustang, I did not find anyone who made it with the correct edge binding. My original top has a different vinyl pattern on the side edge binding, the rear curtain edge binding, and the front weather strip/ roll-up. No matter which one you order, the installer is key to a good appearance.