Convertible top shrinkage 2004

[bbktexas]

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?

[jopizz]

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

[bbktexas]

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?

[simplyconnected]

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

[jopizz]

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

[bbktexas]

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