SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: wkvasnicka on January 27, 2026, 10:00:39 AM

Title: 1968 Shelby convertible top
Post by: wkvasnicka on January 27, 2026, 10:00:39 AM
Is it necessary to unzip the split glass rear window before putting the top down?
Title: Re: 1968 Shelby convertible top
Post by: CharlesTurner on January 27, 2026, 10:42:13 AM
Quote from: wkvasnicka on Today at 10:00:39 AMIs it necessary to unzip the split glass rear window before putting the top down?

It's not necessary, but unzipping will release the pressure on the window seams and extend the life of the top.
Title: 1968 Shelby convertible top
Post by: Bill Collins on January 27, 2026, 11:19:33 AM
I strongly recommend unzipping the window. Although it will fold sufficiently to allow putting the top down with it in place, the severity of the fold eventually causes the silicone hinge strip to detach from the edges of the glass. I have seen this many times on convertibles that I have sold over the years.

This is especially so now that the material may be decades old. Bear in mind the Ford / Shelby did not engineer these cars to last fifty plus years. Unzipping the window allows it to rest in the top well at a gentle angle, which prolongs the bond of the strip to the glass.
Title: Re: 1968 Shelby convertible top
Post by: FL SAAC on January 27, 2026, 11:41:46 AM
Quote from: Bill Collins on Today at 11:19:33 AMI strongly recommend unzipping the window. Although it will fold sufficiently to allow putting the top down with it in place, the severity of the fold eventually causes the silicone hinge strip to detach from the edges of the glass. I have seen this many times on convertibles that I have sold over the years.

This is especially so now that the material may be decades old. Bear in mind the Ford / Shelby did not engineer these cars to last fifty plus years. Unzipping the window allows it to rest in the top well at a gentle angle, which prolongs the bond of the strip to the glass.

Best advice ever, especially on an old top
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