Hello group! I posted a couple times in alt.autos.ford, someone advised me to check this group (didn't know it existed).
I have a 91 mustang gt 5.0 convertible 136k mi.
I have neglected this car for over a year (stuff breaks; oh well, whatever) I was planning on getting a new(er) car THEN and trading this in... BUT, I've gotten attached to it! It's friggn sweet, looks awesome, I know it's going to last me another 60k (nock on wood) I see them on the road all the time, good sign. Plus the fact my credit is shot, & would I would NEVER be approved for any loan(s)...
A piece of the convertible structure is broken. long story short: Over a year ago, I tried putting the top up, wouldn't lock (on the passenger side).. It took 3 of us + a sledge hammer to budge it (lock it down). CRACK! I broke & bent a part of the structure. I then realized afterwards what I did, could of easily been avoided. live and learn. Since then, I haven't really put the top down much (maybee 5x in the last year). When I do, I can put it back up and with the help of another person I can latch it. By help I mean; One pushes, I pull & lock. Not exactly ideal, but it kind of worked. There is so much stress on the passenger side that I have a HUGE crack in my windshield. It's maintained though, hasn't "grown" in 7 months or so.
Because the weather has been so nice lately I've been putting the top down almost daily, BUT, now I can't latch the right side what so ever. It's shot to s*it. I'm forced to drive with the top down, or with the left hand side latched, and my right hand holding the right part of the roof. Doh!
I did my homework; brought it to a upholstery place, called junk yards, check used-parts online, all the mustang sites, no luck! The upholstery place said they *could* fix it, but, could not locate the part I need, they can not weld it because it's not the right type of metal to be welded, or something. I don't remember the specifics.
Sorry for the long story, On with the question: Has anyone ever converted this type of car to a hard-top/permenant top? Is there a kit out there? How much $$$? I'm not really mechanically inclined when it comes to engines/cars and what not, electrical is my only strong suit. So, I'm not really sure where to go next.
I am located in Orlando, FL...
Btw: I've been to sites like stangparts.com looking for a replacement & my only option it seems is to purchase the whole entire metal structure for >$500... I figure after shipping, having someone install it, as well as a NEW top (current has holes) it's going to cost me at least $1200. So, I figure it would cost me the same to have a hard top installed (if possible). Rainy season is coming up quickly, have to get this done..
TIA! ~Paul