1968 Shelby convertible top

[wkvasnicka]

Is it necessary to unzip the split glass rear window before putting the top down?

[CharlesTurner]

Is 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.

[Bill Collins]

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.

[FL SAAC]

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.

Best advice ever, especially on an old top
Big + 1

[wkvasnicka]

Thanks for your replies.  Makes sense.  Charles, I now own the 1968 Shelby GT500KR, was once owned by my friend the late  Allen Stewart, that your restored for Wayne Campbell. Nice job!

[8T03S1425]

I read on one of the iterations of this forum that the pattern(s) of the 1968 Mustang convertible top fabric were altered from what they were back when the cars were originally produced. In addition to the change in dimensions to the top fabric components, the rear bow specification was changed. I believe the changes to the fabric components and the rear bow placement dimension were required to take some of the stress off the rear window seam, thereby lessening the need to detach the folding window from the fabric top.

I put this out there in a cryptic way, not naming names, hoping that those who wrote knowledgeably of this issue back then will confirm, refute, or explain:

  1.  That the specs were, or were not changed from the original design and rear bow spec.

And,

  2.  If the top fabric and rear bow height were changed by the top manufacturers, to lessens the stresses on the folding window, is there still a need to detach the folding window before the top is retracted?

And,

  3.  If the top fabric dimensions were changed, will a convertible top manufacturer provide a convertible top made to the original specs, for those who want the "as manufactured" look?

I printed the thread and filed it in a safe place, so I can get to it later but...

I know of a few convertible owners who won't retract the top on there cars because it creates wrinkles and they don't want a wrinkled top, so I don't doubt that others will separate the folding glass before retracting the top, whether or not it's needed as a precaution.

Happy Motoring

Steve

[tesgt350]

When should you Unzip it: 01) Before you Unlatch the Top.  02) Unlatch the Top and then Unzip it or, 03) Unlatch the Top, raise it about a Foot and then Unzip it?

[Bill Collins]

When should you Unzip it: 01) Before you Unlatch the Top.  02) Unlatch the Top and then Unzip it or, 03) Unlatch the Top, raise it about a Foot and then Unzip it?

My experience is that option 3 is the best practice. This method relieves the tension on the zipper, making it easier to detach. Moreover, it greatly facilitates reattaching and closing the zipper when putting the top up, which is more difficult than detaching it.