How to Replace Convertible Top With Frame on 1994-2004 Ford Mustang

[@kirkjohnson6638]

That was definitely the smart way to go since you had a donor vehicle. Replacing just the vinyl top by yourself is a hellacious job if you aren't a highly skilled upholsterer. I managed it, but it took many many hours, resulted in a number of scratches to the fresh paint job, and didn't result in a perfect job as I have a couple small wrinkles on each side of the rear glass. That being said, I never could have done the job without the guidance I found from a couple YT videos from MECA Upholstery. So, a big thanks to MECA!

[@leesbassment6393]

I'm glad I found this video. I am swapping a top and frame from a 97 onto my 02 GT. The top frame on the GT is bent, while the 97 is fine, with a fairly new fabric top, and a siezed engine.

[@onall8950]

Glad I could help! I couldn't find much help online when I did mine so I made this video to make it easier on the next guy.

[@1siksn95]

Thankyou for putting out this video. With your information, I was able to do a complete 03-04 cobra convertible frame swap on my 94-98

[@onall8950]

Good to hear! Glad I could help.

[@justinedward81]

Thank you for you video. Just ordered a replacement top with heated glass rear window for my 99 svt cobra....damn lot too look forward to, but is more rewarding when do it yourself. Thank you again for this video. Is big help

[@notitia8149]

Great video dude going to pull a top at a junkyard tomorrow for my 01 mustang

[@gilper81]

Thanks this video help me save money ..followed the direction and changed my top out ..

[@josephpannone6125]

this helped so much, i have a flooded 04 and the top is currently stuck down, even manually with two people it will not move. I'm hoping if i can remove the frame and top as a unit i can see if the joints froze. Great video man

[@onall8950]

It will definitely help to find the seized joints. Good luck!

[@khrizbean3054]

Man I need a black top for my 04 v6 thanks for the video

[@jinkins.0778]

Lol all the dads in these comments just had their spider sense scream “don’t tap the paint with the screwdriver!”

[@cleven269]

I’m going to be doing this tomorrow

[@onall8950]

Good luck 👍

[@ChaosDrak]

Really helpful man Really appreciate it 1000 thank you

[@joshuapatrickwilson]

This helped a lot dude thanks

[@blaiseg2216]

Super helpful thank you!

[@bryanquezada8485]

My top is in amazing condition but cleaning has been a hassle with all the stains any tips?

[@onall8950]

I haven't found a product that amazes me but it's a hard material to clean so it makes sense. I currently use meguiars top cleaner. It works best when you use a softish bristle brush to agitate it, rinse and do it again.

[@azztek9370]

So my dad's mustang's roof frame is broken on the middle part above where the window closes in the center area. Would he need to buy an entire new roof frame? Or just the arms?

[@onall8950]

You should be able to replace only that arm. I have not taken one apart before but it appears to just be bolted together. I see no reason why you can't. You would just have to find that arm at a salvage yard.

[@azztek9370]

@@onall8950 ok thank you!

[@williambranco7710]

Do you have info on the half cage? I want 1

[@onall8950]

I believe mine is from Kirk Racing. It is a bolt in one which is not nearly as good as welding. I am having mine welded in this spring. I would highly recommend paying a little extra for that. Maximum Motorsport also sells several different variations of them depending on if you want the back seat to be usable and if you want a harness attachment. It's one of the best mods you can do for a convertible since it makes the chassis much stiffer and safer of course.

[@AgustinCortes]

Do any companies sell the entire top? I need to change mine but idk if it's worth yo just change the top cover, might as well change everything ?

[@onall8950]

I have never found one. They do pop up used on ebay here and there. The easiest way to do it is like me and find a donor car at a junk yard or a part out from a wreck. The main reason to replace the frame is so you can get the vinyl part for cheap not that the frame actually needs to be replaced. Only reason to need a new frame would be if it was bent or very rusty.

[@AgustinCortes]

@@onall8950 mine is a 2000 it's a bit rusty here and there

[@onall8950]

@@AgustinCortes If it's just surface rust I wouldn't worry. I would only worry if it starts to really stick when opening. Even then you can sand it down. If you're looking to replace the vinyl already than it could be a good time to replace the frame if you can find both together in good condition.

[@sergiocoqui39able]

good after noon my name is sergio and i was wondering if you still have the haydraulic cilynder top bolts mymine are missing

[@onall8950]

Sorry for the late reply. I don't have any extra and unfortunately I don't know where to source just those bolts

[@justinbreese6730]

Where would I purchase a new top with frame, I just purchased a onld 99 model and top needs replaced

[@onall8950]

As far I know, you can only get them off existing cars. So scrap yards or part outs are your best bet

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

I’m also really just an amateur at this I would love any advice you have on cleaning and body work

[@onall8950]

I have not made a video on detailing because there are many quality videos already that cover that. One of my favorite is this one from Chrisfix: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXe7l4Z4h5qEb9k&pbjreload=101 I would recommend his channel for several good detailing videos. Hope that helps!

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

@@onall8950 yeah it does I love his channel been a long time fan I mean more on the along the line of in the convertible part of the car not the engine bay because his mustang isn’t a convertible. Like in back by where the pump sits and stuff my car has a lot of rust and the roof leaked so mold and stuff grew in the foam it’s a nightmare

[@onall8950]

@@Chrisbuildsstuff247 That is very unfortunate. For the rust I would use a wire brush. For the foam it's best to remove whay you can and replace what needs to be there. It would help if I could see pictures. If you find me on Instagram @onall_8 and send me a few pictures I can try to help you more.

[@UganDanielL]

This seems like the roght place to ask how to adjust a sagging frame for my 04 mustang top. It's about an inch too low for the window to all the way up. I've found adjusters to lower the the frame, but non to raise it slightly. Any links or info would he greatly appreciated

[@onall8950]

Sorry, I haven't ever adjusted it up before. I hope you find an answer. If I find anything, I will let you know!

[@UganDanielL]

@@onall8950appreciate it anyway.

[@victorsantos9940]

I been doing a lot of extras improving knewers parts to mi Mustang from this pic your part yards i save alot off money the latest i but the cobra 🐍 side Mirrors for 15 dlls each the normally cost 150 dlls each to 500 dlls

[@470HELLEPHANT]

Does a 2004 mustang “converable top cover” “ fit a 1998 mustang GT convertable? Thankyou TY

[@onall8950]

Yes. The top and frame are interchangeable from any year 1994 - 2004.

[@470HELLEPHANT]

@@onall8950 thank you

[@guilhermedomingues3456]

Did you have to bleed the air off the lines for it to work again? I did it on a 370z and can’t get it to go up and down

[@onall8950]

The lines should never be opened. If you have a similar hydrolic system in your 370z then it shouldn't need to be opened to do a swap. If you did open it, than perhaps your fluid level is off. On mine you can check the level and add more fluid if nessessary at the pump. I don't believe there is an issue with bleeding air. Is the pump running? If so than it probably is low/has a leak. If it's not, than you have an electrical issue that you'll have to find. Good luck!

[@Lesleydiane]

Can someone tell me what bolts come off the inside fame that hook to the pumps arm

[@raymefford8335]

Great video man.. very informative. You know what your doing.... do you know what would make the passenger side bind up when putting top up on my 2000?

[@onall8950]

Sorry, I'm not sure. There's not much you can adjust on the frame. It could be one of the arms is slightly bent.

[@Mustangladyme]

Here's a video that shows sometimes a manufacturer does not install bungee straps and they should in the correct place. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGivgJltrb6NoMk

[@Mustangladyme]

Hi did you drop it in through the top on the side? Thanks

[@onall8950]

Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you're asking.

[@Mustangladyme]

@@onall8950 the top , how did you get it inside the car?

[@onall8950]

@@Mustangladyme Me and a friend carried it over from the back. It's best to put a blanket down just in case so you don't scratch the paint.

[@Mustangladyme]

@@onall8950 exactly. Lol Thank you

[@williamhobbs7412]

What size were the 12 point bolts a 10 is too small on my car

[@onall8950]

They were all 10mm on my car. If that is too small on your car than most likely they are 12mm.

[@JoeOfAllTrades]

do you have to remove the seat belt bracket?? im doing this now and im having a very hard time putting the new one.. taking it off was a breeze.. im having a problem lining it up

[@onall8950]

I believe I removed them to have more space to work. What part is not lining up?

[@JoeOfAllTrades]

@@onall8950 i got it to work.. bro this video is amazing.. im in a few mustang facebook groups and i will link them this video because it saved my life

[@onall8950]

@@JoeOfAllTrades Good to hear! I try to make videos of whatever I do so other people don't have to wing it like me haha. Let me know if they're anything else you would like a video of and good luck with your build!

[@JustCallMemustang]

@@JoeOfAllTrades could you link those please bro😭

[@JoeOfAllTrades]

@@JustCallMemustang link what?

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

Do you still have the seats for sale or any other parts I too have a project car that needs a lot of work I’m willing to buy off of you

[@onall8950]

The seats are available for sale. However, the shipping on them would be quite steep.

[@raymefford8335]

How long would you say the total swap took you?

[@onall8950]

I went slow to figure it out and then video each step and it took me two afternoons. So actually work, following the video, should take about 4 hrs.

[@onall8950]

Let me know how it goes.

[@dbosnow2203]

Can you make another video or show me how to adjust the part the folds it back , the screw that’s in the middle how do I use that adjust it

[@onall8950]

I'm sorry, you'll have to be more specific. Which part?

[@dbosnow2203]

@@onall8950 How do you adjust the top to make it tighter or lose? Like I noticed that there's a screw in the middle where the top folds/breaks , what exactly is that screw for?

[@onall8950]

@@dbosnow2203 If you mean the vinyl then that is a more complicated process and the reason I chose to do the whole frame instead. If you mean how tight the hinges are than I'm not sure why you would want to adjust them. Those screws should be locked down from the factory and can't really be adjusted to make it fold easier. Either the hinge needs some lubrication or you are trying to fight the hydrolic pressure.

[@dbosnow2203]

@@onall8950 lol I think we're talking about two different things, in the middle of the piece that folds back there's a screw/nut that looks like it can be used to adjust, my windows aren't perfectly aligned , I'm asking if I tighten or loosen that screw will it bring the top down or up more. If not then how do I adjust the top?

[@onall8950]

@@dbosnow2203 Ah, Ok. I'm not aware of a screw that is visible with everything together that will adjust the top. Unfortunately I am out of state so I can't go look at my car at the moment. There is a piece that is adjustable behind the interior quarter trim that will shift the frame around. But if it's just your windows that are a bit off, and the top looks good, you can adjust the windows. Here is a video that's not bad. A bit old but so are our cars lol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e163faujhZZlh7s

[@sergiocoqui39able]

how can i get in touch with you?

[@onall8950]

If you have a question about the process in the video I try to keep the discussion on here to maybe help someone help with a similar issue. If it ends up being more complicated or involved you can find me on Instagram under the same name and DM me.

[@Siestabob]

Do you know if a 97 will fit a 94? Great video. Thanks

[@onall8950]

It should. As far as I know, they are identical.

[@aLaCartePizza]

I read from 1995 August on everything will fit up to 2004. The top material is different. Could be just the material. Good luck

[@miguelledezma7361]

Hi, what are all the tools that’s are needed and sizes?

[@onall8950]

Good question. I will update the descriptions of my videos with a list of tools required. Check back soon. However, I believe that for this one, all that was needed was a basic socket set and perhaps a screwdriver.

[@victorsantos9940]

Great video ! Im trying to save some money and im looking for a nice top on this places pick your part yards i habe a 1999 gt If i need some help i let you know thanks !!!!! Good video. Is goin to help me alot

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

Also is the pump any good on the top you took off

[@onall8950]

Sorry, but the pump is no longer available.

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

Oh okay thanks for responding

[@ericavard2992]

@@Chrisbuildsstuff247 I have a pump from an 84 convertible.

[@Chrisbuildsstuff247]

@@ericavard2992 I was able to get one cheap from a junk yard in good condition also my cars is 2002

[@apandahouse5099]

Do you still have that back seat

[@onall8950]

I do. I planed on selling it but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[@jameseskridge5556]

What brand is that roll bar? Or is it custom?

[@onall8950]

It was installed before I bought the car. I don't believe it's custom but I have been unable to find a brand name on it. I will eventually have it welded in place since it currently is just bolted in. If I find a brand name on it I will let you know.

[@jameseskridge5556]

@@onall8950 Thanks for letting me know.

[@arkadas3797]

Do you have the Design for the frame?

[@onall8950]

What do you mean by design?

[@cleven269]

Most definitely a pain in the butt doing it by your self

[@onall8950]

Yeah, it helps to have a second person.

[@sidewayzdragon9404]

Your the fucking man

[@coreymitchell3900]

Thank you I'm rebuilding a 99 and the old top is dry rotted to hell and thanks to COVID I can't afford the 1300 bucks shops want to charge me for

[@onall8950]

I'm glad I could help you out a little during this frustrating time.

[@thebrazydiamond4791]

Can anybody that lives in Atlanta help me with this

[@Mustangladyme]

I know what you mean. I think I can do it but not sure. Lol I asked around and people misunderstand, they think I mean just the canvas. I said no its already on! It's gotta be easy.

[@BubblesAdventures17]

@@Mustangladyme I'm in Cleveland TN and need help finding a top and frame and then putting it on for a project car I bought today, convertible top is in ROUGH shape so I'm going to replace the whole thing :] wish me luck guys !!!!

[@Mustangladyme]

@@BubblesAdventures17 I'm pretty sure we can do it. The more I watch video's by Meca the top installer on KZbin and this video putting the top onto the frame I see how it works a little. Freaking heavy for sure. Good luck !!

[@JoeOfAllTrades]

im in atlanta if you still need help.. i replaced mine about a year ago

[@BubblesAdventures17]

Little update I didn't not get this done, finding another top proved to be rather difficult and when I would find a replacement the new one wasn't new so I'm either making a boat or a el Camino mustang we shall see

[@epierofkindoms]

can this work with a 2008 model

[@onall8950]

I would assume that they are similar in design but I do not know for sure. I would ask on a 2005 up mustang Facebook group and see if someone else has done it. Sorry I can't answer for sure.

[@frankallen3634]

Ok this is too much work, I'm gonna have it done. They can order it and all the rest of it because I do not have this kind of patience. Plus every single time I touch my car I end up with a bag of extra stuff.

[@onall8950]

It's not for everyone. I'm used to working on my car and the quoted cost to replace it was way more than I was willing to pay. Hopefully you find a good shop where you live!

[@natesmith7739]

So what you're saying is, it's gonna be a bitch to replace?

[@onall8950]

It could honestly be worse. Does take some time though and it really helps to have two people when you transfer it. It's about 6 out of 10 on the pain scale lol.

[@natesmith7739]

@@onall8950 I don't know exactly what's wrong with mine but if I to replace all the major parts should I a professional do it?

[@onall8950]

@@natesmith7739 I'm not sure if I understand exactly what you're asking but are you asking if there are major parts that need to be replaced should you have a professional do it? If so then I would say most of the time you're good. The hydrolic pump is a bit annoying to deal with but if it's just low that is an easy fix. What problems are you having? Is it just not going up or down?

[@natesmith7739]

@@onall8950 yeah it doesn't go up and down, and I don't know what else is wrong with it

[@onall8950]

@@natesmith7739 Does it make any sound when you press the button?

[@miguelledezma7361]

Hi, what are all the tools needed and sizes ?

[@miguelledezma7361]

What size did you use for those T50 bolts?