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Convertible top shrinkage 2004

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  • bbktexas
    Newbie
    • Feb 10 2008
    • 11

    Convertible top shrinkage 2004

    We drove our 2004 Tbird in a torential rain. When we got home I put it back in the garage. I noticed a few days later that the top had shrunk to where you could see the top of the back window. The back window in still securely anchored on the botom. Any ideas on how to relax the top before l clean and treat the top with RagTop?
    Brad
    1960 Hdtp; 430 Option
    1987 Turbo Coupe
  • jopizz
    Super-Experienced


    • Nov 23 2009
    • 8655

    #2
    The easiest way is just to let it sit out in the sun. That should soften the top to the point where it expands. You can also use a heat gun to soften it but you have to be careful not to get too close.

    John
    John Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator

    Thunderbird Registry #36223
    jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695

    https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm

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    • bbktexas
      Newbie
      • Feb 10 2008
      • 11

      #3
      I parked it out in the Texas sun in August and it did not appear to soften it. All it did was burn my hand when I tried to pull it back into position. Would getting it wet again and releasing the front help to relax it or would that make it worse?
      Brad
      1960 Hdtp; 430 Option
      1987 Turbo Coupe

      Comment

      • simplyconnected
        Administrator
        • May 26 2009
        • 8886

        #4
        On the assembly line at Ford, we use steam to pull wrinkles out of Mustang convertible tops. The heat shrinks vinyl while the water in steam holds the heat at 212F degrees so it can't burn.

        I would not use cold water. - Dave
        Member, Sons of the American Revolution

        CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.

        "We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
        --Lee Iacocca

        From: Royal Oak, Michigan

        Comment

        • jopizz
          Super-Experienced


          • Nov 23 2009
          • 8655

          #5
          Is your top vinyl or canvas? Factory tops were canvas. You may not be able to do much about it if it's the factory canvas top. They have a certain life span and once they start to shrink you either have to live with it or replace it.

          John
          John Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator

          Thunderbird Registry #36223
          jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695

          https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm

          Comment

          • bbktexas
            Newbie
            • Feb 10 2008
            • 11

            #6
            I washed and cleaned it with RagTop and applied their protectant. It relaxed a little. I guess I will live with it until time to replace. It appears to be still holding water out.
            Thanks for the ideas. I may try steam after a year or so before the protectant needs to reapplied.

            Brad
            Brad
            1960 Hdtp; 430 Option
            1987 Turbo Coupe

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