The Ford Barn

Old Redneck · 04-21-2020, 10:52 AM

The top was not tied down correct. So its on but not tied down correct yet. Its going to take some time to get it right. Any of you had this problem?

paul2748 · 04-21-2020, 08:19 PM

Is it the sides or back to front. Sides too wide? If so, top has stretched. Need a tie down strap or similar to get it back to correct, bring it in a little at a time and better if out in the sun. If back to front, it may mean the rear deck receptacles need adjustment. Make sure the receptacles and the top latches match - they were different over the three years.

miker98038 · 04-21-2020, 08:35 PM

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You might take some pictures from inside, and describe what doesn't fit. It's hard to tell what the problem is.

IIRC, not only were different latch handles used (front and side) but 2-3 different rear deck latches, and one was a mid year change. Some you can identify by "straight or dog leg" rear handles, some aren't so obvious.

Here's a link to the Casco catalog, the top parts (both hard and soft) are down around page 70.

https://www.classictbird.com/pdf/CASCO-webalog.pdf

I have an OEM 55 hardtop I added the "dealer kit" portholes to. I acquired a 57 soft top, and had to retrofit the rear deck levers/latches to match my 55 body. IIRC, the side and front latches worked after adjustment. They've got a larger handle, easier on my old arthritic hands.

I think the CTCI literature has better top adjustment instructions than the factory manual. Might be worth a look.

04-21-2020, 08:19 PM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,981	Re: Fitting the top a Nightmare for sure Is it the sides or back to front. Sides too wide? If so, top has stretched. Need a tie down strap or similar to get it back to correct, bring it in a little at a time and better if out in the sun. If back to front, it may mean the rear deck receptacles need adjustment. Make sure the receptacles and the top latches match - they were different over the three years. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

04-21-2020, 08:35 PM	#3
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,397	Re: Fitting the top a Nightmare for sure Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You might take some pictures from inside, and describe what doesn't fit. It's hard to tell what the problem is. IIRC, not only were different latch handles used (front and side) but 2-3 different rear deck latches, and one was a mid year change. Some you can identify by "straight or dog leg" rear handles, some aren't so obvious. Here's a link to the Casco catalog, the top parts (both hard and soft) are down around page 70. https://www.classictbird.com/pdf/CASCO-webalog.pdf I have an OEM 55 hardtop I added the "dealer kit" portholes to. I acquired a 57 soft top, and had to retrofit the rear deck levers/latches to match my 55 body. IIRC, the side and front latches worked after adjustment. They've got a larger handle, easier on my old arthritic hands. I think the CTCI literature has better top adjustment instructions than the factory manual. Might be worth a look.