641/2-65 mustang top.

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preacherstanley

Junior Member
Is there a difference in the first mustang convertible top and the late 65? I have looked at videos on replacing and the top and the cables and tack rails on the ones I have don’t look like like the ones they all show. It has some 64 1/2 left over parts, spare tire hold down, brake switch on the master cylinder and others, but has an alternator. I have a top but don’t think is is right. Thanks
 
The FORD MASTER PARTS CATALOG shows no difference between the early model 64 1/2, 65 or 66. If there was a difference, it most likely would have been deleted from cataloging due to part discontinuance (cataloging updates).

Have you asked the vendor if there are any problems reported on their tops?

NOTE - The 64 1/2 was cataloged as a 1965.
 

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I think the first Mustangs just had a manual folding top. Somewhere in there, they came in with a power top so there is likely some differences in the frame but I couldn't tell you much more than that. Trim items such as a convertible top kit, should be usable on any 1964.5 through 1966 car and maybe on 1967/68 too but there is likely some minor difference like the way the side tension cables attach for the 1964.5 and early 1965 models. I've noticed that these cables with the studs are available from several Mustang parts sources. A later power top frame would likely be retrofitable. It just depends on what frame you have. A later frame would likely take the late type tension cables.
 
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I didn't read your post fully. Are you describing the actual cover or hardware?

As mentioned is it manual or power? Possibly converting to power with a kit?
 
Thanks for the information. The tack strips for the side are not like the ones pictured in catalogues. They are curved, the ones I have are flat, the cables don’t have springs but are connected with a screw. I did find tack strips that look like these but are for 64. I have had this car almost 50 years and it is original, never restored, it is a local car I got from the original owner. I bought a top from Mustang Unlimited about six years ago, just now putting it on but does not come close to fitting. Not sure what to check next.
 
Is it too small or too large? Most are made a bit large and excess can be trimmed during fitting. Do the pads fit like the originals?

In several cases through Ford's history, first year models like the 1928 Model A and the 1941 Ford cars end up being changed during production to make things go together better or for warranty problems. The 1964.5 as well as early the 1965 Mustangs are no exception to that. If the structure was set up for straight tack rails and the later ones are curved then straight ones will not be reproduced. Even some of the reproduction stuff isn't curved right and may be too short or may not have long enough slots to be able to do the important adjustments in the sail panel area of the top. If you can rework the originals then they would be a better fit but they may be mostly iron oxide particles by this time. If that's the case then a person may either have to fabricate there own parts or modify existing reproduction stuff. Reproduction stuff rarely fits like original unfortunately. Having originals at least can help with patterns for reproduction but that would certainly be a chore plus it's time consuming. Your stud type tension cables are consistent with the early Mustang but at least they are available in replacement parts. How well they fit is another matter.
 
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