Originally posted by Supralover
I got an '87 GT Convertible the other day (as some of you may know).....well the top is sucking hardcore. It seems that one of the rods is getting stuck and it won't go all the way down flat. Sometimes it doesnt go all the way up (like only one side will go and the other gets stuck).... then when i get the top up and latch it, the driver's side latch doesn't seem secure. So when I get going about 45-50 the top feels like it may come unlatched on the drivers side. It's been worn down a great deal. Any advice? HELP ASAP!!!!
AIM: babyadidaz
Could be one or some or all of the following:
1. malfunctioning/failing hydraulic strut
2. improperly aligned top
3. binding joint (usually caused by misaligned top)
My '87 had the same symptoms, however the top didn't seem like it was going to lift off at speed. Unfortunately the top did rip off on I4 going about 90mph and it completely destroyed the top, hydraulics, lines, and the top structure. The front of the top bent back at the joints, making the car look like a targa equipped Mustang.
Very expensive to fix...I think in the end we shelled out about $2000 doing some of the work ourselves.
My advice is get that car as quickly as you can to a top shop. Have them diagnos any problems with the hydraulic system and thoroughly check out the top structure to look for alignment, broken "ribs", and binding joints.