Adjusting Fitment of Fill Panel attached to Convertible Top

[kbuhagiar]

Hello Folks,

I am working on the fit and finish of all of the panels associated with the convertible top on my 62.

See pictures below - I would like to get the convertible top trim panel to fit flush with the body. Right now the panel sits about 1/4" too high on both sides.
I've scoured all of the manuals and the Internet but I can't find any reference to this adjustment.

Any tips, tricks or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[OUR5T8BIRD]

If you have the shop manual, " Group 11 - body " Page 11-54 & Part 11-4 - convertible top , page 11-55 . Hope this helps .

[YellowRose]

If you do not have a shop manual you need to get one. The instructions for troubleshooting and fixing Convertible tops is in the Technical Resource Library. It covers everything from 1960-1966 as I recall. Read through it... There is also a lot of information regarding the 1958-1959 Squarebird Convertible Tops which that troubleshooting booklet does not cover in it.

[jopizz]

It sounds like you may need to adjust the top erect limit switch. It looks like the contact tab is set too low which is causing the package tray not to go to the full down position before the trunk starts to close. Try loosening the bolts and moving it higher. That should allow the package tray to go flush with the body before the trunk lid begins to close.

John

61-63 limit switches.jpg
61-63 limit switch.jpg

[kbuhagiar]

It sounds like you may need to adjust the top erect limit switch. It looks like the contact tab is set too low which is causing the package tray not to go to the full down position before the trunk starts to close. Try loosening the bolts and moving it higher. That should allow the package tray to go flush with the body before the trunk lid begins to close.

John

Thanks to all for the replies.

For the record, I do indeed have ALL of the shop manuals for my 62, but I could not find any specific reference for my particular issue.

John, that was the first thing I thought of, especially since there is also enough space between the bottom of the rubber seal and the top of the body to allow a piece of thin cardboard to slide through on both sides. I did try to adjust the top erect limit switch, to no avail, the top would not erect any further. The only thing I can think of is perhaps there is something obstructing the top from erecting any further. My next step will be to look for any possible obstructions. Any other ideas in the meantime?

Thanks again.

[jopizz]

Try disconnecting the pistons and see if the tray goes all the way down. That will eliminate anything in the hydraulics or electrics that may be keeping it from going fully erect. If it still doesn't go flush to the body then you will have to look at where the package tray bolts to the top frame. There are lots of mechanical adjustments that can be made to the top frame that can also affect the package tray. Also what is the condition of the tray itself. Many times they have rusted through and been poorly repaired. That will definitely cause fitment problems.

John

[kbuhagiar]

Try disconnecting the pistons and see if the tray goes all the way down. That will eliminate anything in the hydraulics or electrics that may be keeping it from going fully erect. If it still doesn't go flush to the body then you will have to look at where the package tray bolts to the top frame. There are lots of mechanical adjustments that can be made to the top frame that can also affect the package tray. Also what is the condition of the tray itself. Many times they have rusted through and been poorly repaired. That will definitely cause fitment problems.

John

John, disconnecting the pistons sounds like a good idea, I'll give it a try.

The tray itself appears to be original, undamaged and in excellent condition, so I think I'm good there.

Thanks again.