[sloMoses]

First post here, forum and site have looked great so far.

I don't have a Mustang yet, but I'm going to look at a 98 GT Vert (Triple Black). I'm worried about checking the top operation (I have to check the operation, but don't want to do anything wrong and possibly hurt the car).

Silverjay has told me that, at least on a slightly older model, the procedure (as I remember him saying it) is pretty much:

engage emergency brake;
undo driver and passenger latches;
raise roof slightly over each latch and close latches;
engage top-op switch to retract top.

Sound about right for a 98 GT?

Does one hold down the top-op switch during the operation, or is it just push switch and let go and the top does it's thing?

Finally, once the top is down, is that it? Or are there a couple of more steps needed before driving off to prevent damage from road bumps (like securing the downed top somehow)?

Hopefully I'll like this car I'm going to look at. I really want it for some reason.

Thanks for any help/advice.

[OzPony]

Your spot on. Just hold the button down untill the top is all the way down. Thats it.... Its very simple

[silverjay57]

Nope sounds like you listened pretty well!!!
The only other thing you may put on is a boot for the top when it is in the down position. Not sure if your car is coming with it, but it isn't required to drive it around....

Let us know what happens.

[sloMoses]

Cool. Thanks for the help guys.

Hopefully the car will be here from transport in about two weeks.

I'll post with my findings/observations.

[meatball]

Your procedures for operation are correct; suggest you remove rear seat (both upper and lower) when possible and clean thoroughly in that space; mine was waaaay dirty - leaves, mold, etc. Mine is ripping slightly at rt quarter window; gaskets on body in front of quarter windows bad as well; have replaced both - my top rattled badly before adjusting it a bit tighter. You really want to get a boot if don't have; found mine on eBay for $100. Pic in gallery of car w/top down and boot on. No ArmorAll on top!!!! Probably want to lower top half-way and clean the top mechanisms (metal framing/hinges)

Enjoy!

[mustangtk]

Also check how well the windows fit against the top seals with the top up and windows full up. Make sure the front door glass doesn't hit the top when closing the doors. The gap between the front and rear glass should be even the whole length of the glass at the B-pillar. Also check to see how good the door gaps are at the fenders and rear quarter panel. If any of these items are out of wack it can be expensive to fix. Also check all the seals to make sure they aren't torn or dry rotted. I work at a dealership and have worked on adjusting the top and windows to reduce water intrusion. If you take your Mustang thru a high pressure auto washer you will have water intrusion no matter how good everything is.

[sloMoses]

Awesome advice all. Thanks very much. I'll be sure to check out all of these issues.

Oh, and I got an early visitor the other day. Yep, the car got here from Indianapolis in nine days, not the 21 they said it might take.

Because I'm totally impulsive and insanely infatuated with the car, it will be very easy for me to check all of these great pointers you all have mentioned. This is because the 98 Triple Black Stang GT Vert is now sitting happily in my parking space at my condo. I bought it. It's mine. I am lovin' it.

Once I get some batteries for my digicam I'll put some pics in the welcome area to formally introduce myself as a Stang owner.

[silverjay57]

copgrats!!!