Just got this forwarded from my salesman... I guess people are breaking the latches on their convertible tops.
To:All Ford DealersSubject:Mustang Convertible Top Raise/Lower Instructions
http://cms2.fmcdealer.dealerconnecti.../en/spacer.gifThe convertible top latching mechanism on the 2005 Mustang is significantly different from what has been used in the past. Some convertible top latch handles have broken due to excessive force applied when closing the top.
Convertible owners may have difficulty in latching the top, or risk breaking the lever, if they are not aware of the unique operating characteristics of the new latch design. It is critical that you communicate to customers the proper way to raise and lower the convertible top. The correct instructions are below.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOWERING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP
1) Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and leave the engine running to avoid draining the battery. Engage the parking brake. (Note: The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle is traveling less than 1.8MPH (3km/h).)
2) Check the top stowage compartment behind the rear seat to make sure it is empty, then check the top outer surface to make sure it is dry and free of leaves and debris.
3) Unclamp the top from the windshield header by pulling each latch handle down, then rotating them toward the back of the vehicle until they are in the full open position and clear the header.
IMPORTANT!! The latch handles must be pulled downwards fully to allow the latch to fully rotate into the open position.
4) If the top has not been lowered for some time, gently push the front edge of the top up to make sure it is not sticking to the header. If it is sticking, this will usually free it.
5) The convertible top switch is located in the overhead console. Push and hold the switch until the windows are down and the top is fully lowered and stowed.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RAISING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP
1) Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and leave the engine running to avoid draining the battery. Engage the parking brake. (Note: The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle is traveling less than 1.8MPH (3km/h).)
2) Open the Driver and Passenger side latch handles by pulling them down, then rotating them toward the back of the vehicle until they are in the full open position.
3) Push and hold the convertible top switch until the windows lower completely (if up) and the top unfolds and moves forward toward the windshield header.
4) Continue to hold the convertible top switch to raise the top until it has reached the fully closed position, flush with the header.
5) The two pins under the forward top edge should align themselves in the matching header holes when latching the top. If they do not, use the center grip located above the rearview mirror to pull the top down and the pins into position. DO NOT apply excessive force on the latch handles to bring pins into position, as this may cause them to break.
6) Secure the Driver side latch first, followed by Passenger side. Pull down on the latch handles, then rotate them forward into the windshield header until they reach the full forward position. Flip to latch handles up to final position so that they are flush with the windshield header.
IMPORTANT!! The latch handles must be pulled downwards fully to allow the latch to fully rotate into the closed position
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Ordered 3/16 : Torch Red - GT Vert - Black Top
Delivered 4/15
Previous : White 69 Coupe, Grey 86 GT
Current: Red 03 F250 Diesel
Black - 03 KAW ZZR1200
I'm having a couple issues with my top that I am wondering if anyone else is seeing. First, when I am putting the top up the pins don't seem to line up well with the holes. I grab the handle to position it better but it seems to take too much effort? Second, the little metal plate on the drivers side release handle has come loose and popped off a little. I popped it back down but it still doesn't seem to be seated properly? I don't really want to waste a trip to the dealer for this but something doesn't seem right?
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05 Vert GT Premium
Satin Silver
Dark Charcoal with Black Top
5 Speed Stick
Shaker 1000
Bullet Wheels
IUP
Avtive Anti Theft
Soft Boot
I do have the pin line up problem as well. I also have a buldge that appears after rasing the top right above the drivers seat that seems to be a nasty crease. That is the only issue that really bothers me.
The only issue I had, is that I noticed shortly after I got the car, that the mount on the passenger side was loose. Turned out that Ford forgot to put 2 out of 3 bolts in place. Dealer ordered new bolts and installed...all is good.
2yrs old, yeah... they're still making convertibles with the stupid clamp closures. Just wait till that new collapsible hard top comes out. Then try to interpret _those_ instructions! :-D
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2005 GT Convertible Premium, 5-sp man, Torch Red, Charcoal top and leather int, upgraded interior, Flowmasters
I think you have to be sure any passenger assistants don't try to run the clamp before it's fully extended. This is really a cheap material ford chose to use for such an important function.
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2005 GT Convertible Premium, 5-sp man, Torch Red, Charcoal top and leather int, upgraded interior, Flowmasters
Your right the clamps feel like a sponge compared to the latches in my C6. As long as it dosnt blow off I'm ok but they could afford a little better product but then again it wasn't $60k
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2006 GT Vert Prem. Tungsten Gray, 18"s, Auto (It's really better), Roush suspension, BBK, Brenspeed SCT2, Polished Pypes, and some other stuff that I have already forgotten.
Letter from Ford - Convertibles 
