Mustang Convertibles

Ret

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My first Mustang was a 1970 Mach I and loved the car. But marriage and three kids later forced a vehicle change. So, two years ago driving down the road I saw a 2008 mustang for sale, It looked similar to my Mach I. Anyway, that started a search for a 2008 on Ebay and Craig's List where I came across two convertibles. Since I was buying this for my 81st birthday I reasoned that a convertible would be easier for me to get in and out of; it is, although I don't really have trouble getting in and out when the top is up.

Watching this forum I've learned a lot about my car (thanks) for example, I didn't even know 2005 to 2009 had the same body style. I believe by buying a 2008, Ford had corrected many of the problems I read about as I haven't experienced them.

I follow your post and most don't apply to me as I'm happy with the power, speed and all the looks I get. My wife has gone from it's your car to wanting matching hats and jackets with mine. Big success there.

While I enjoy all your post, comments, etc about speed, performance, etc I don't see any convertible talk. My question, are there any other convertibles out there on this forum.
 

stkjock

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Was this supposed to be a private message or profile post to an individual?


I had an 06GT for about 7 years before upping the ante to the Shelby
 

Ret

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Sorry, I'm having trouble navigating this forum. I think I have successfully posted it to chit chat
 

stkjock

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Sorry, I'm having trouble navigating this forum. I think I have successfully posted it to chit chat
you did, but the way the post is worded makes it sound like it was directed at an individual and not the group.
 

JimC

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I am on my 4th convertible. First was a triple black 1965. Drove it during college and sold it for $500 more than I paid. It needed lots of work and right out of college I couldn't afford to restore it.

I got my second one 30 years later, triple black 2006 Pony convertible. I actually went in to get my wife a new car, but the rear end was making noise in my Explorer. The Mustang was out front and I ended up trading her Focus for a new one, and the Explorer for the Mustang.

Third one I ordered a 2013 MCA convertible in race red. Blew 3 engines trying to turbo it. Cooling fan wiring burnt up after I put it back to stock. My wife said, "this car is cursed, get rid of it". Ford made a great offer if I would trade for a SHO. Drove that almost 2 years, but missed the Mustang.

I was going to get a GT coupe, but when we walked inside a convertible was there. My wife said "we live in the south now, why change to a coupe?" So now a white 2017 convertible in the driveway

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Ret

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This is our second convertible and not much to say about the first one as it wasn't a Mustang. My wife is one of those people extremely hard to buy a gift for. But in our first forty five years of marriage from time to time she would comment there goes a VW bug like I had when I was 19. So, as luck would have it one day I'm driving and see a 1979 VW convertible for sale, so stopped and talk to the owner. He had three pretty much alike and all three were super supped up. Turned out he raced VW convertibles.

So, I bought it for her. She complained and complained until one day she passed six guys on Harleys and came home with a big smile. Unfortunately about a year later she had surgery on her foot and no longer could push the clutch in, etc. So, gave the car to our daughter. That was our experience with convertibles until I came across our Mustang convertible.

I'm hoping this post, now in the correct place will give additional comments and experiences unique with Mustang convertibles.

We live in the Northern part of Idaho, close to the Canadian Border. Top down and seeing all the beauty of the trees and lakes unobstructed is awesome.
 

RED09GT

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Nice, I lived in Cranbrook, BC when I was a kid and we spent a lot of time in the Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene areas, all along US route 95. Great area of the world to enjoy a convertible, not too hot in the summer and lots of time from March to late October for top down days.
 

LikeabossTM

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I have a vert. Built out of two write offs. I drive it all year round. Not much else to say, it's kind of my beater.

I probably wouldn't buy another, prefer a hardtop. Definitely wouldn't bother whippling this thing.
 

Mogwai

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In 1976, I bought my first 1969 convertible from a scrap yard for $500 without Engine or Trans. Between 1975-pressent I've own over 25 vehicles 8 are Mustang/Shelby's. In 1990 I made a decision to sell my hard tops and buy only convertibles. My latest addition is a 2013 Shelby Convertible love driving with the top down.


In 1990 I realized the Convertibles values are more $$$ than the hard tops but I had also purchase T-tops/hard tops when convertibles weren't available for those years. Example: 1978 Mustang T-Top T5 King Cobra, 1975 SV1 Bricklin, 1991 BMW 850ci and so on. Some of my Friends don't like convertibles because of the Noise when driving or possible water leaks during winter. But I also have a SLK-230 SC Mercedes Hard Top Convertible.

I believe it's up to the person whom will buy the convert for fun, attention, value or nostalgia. I see all of the times I've driven my vehicles with my kids and now with my Grandkids they will never forget that moment in that convertible.

Plus the numbers of convert vs hard tops are very low which in turn its value will always be worth buying if comparing the same year models. Example: A 2006 Shelby GT-H hard top vs a 2006 Shelby GT-H Convertible.

But you also have to remember to add in the equation of time vs value. The value initially declines but will plateau then starts to rise within time.
Parade_PreDriveway_002.jpg
041520 - F1a.jpg
 
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JimC

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The mention of water leaks reminded me that my wife and I have had other convertibles.When I met my wife she was driving a 1993 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. Nice car, but the top leaked, and in snow storms it would come in the car between the top and windshield.

She decided to get a TransAm convertible and asked the sales guy about leaks. He assured her that the top sealed much better, had a special set up over the windshield and it would not leak. She was on her way to work and decided to run through a spray car wash. The top leaked horrible, all over her. The dealer tried fixing it and finally sent it to a convertible top specialist to fix the leaking top.
 

Mogwai

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I've only had one vehicle which had water leak, My 1984 Anniv Turbo convertible. I decided to replace the original Ford Vinyl material with a Canvas top instead. Higher cost but worth it overall.
 

Ret

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We have been to Cranbrook many times performing with our band and the Kootenay Kiltie's out of Nelson. As well as a number of Scottish Games around BC. You have some pretty amazing scenery in your area as well.

This was my wife's convertible.

Jane VW.jpg
 

Ret

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Thanks to the Mustang Form I have read a number of reported issues with leaks up by the air vents, by the windshield wipers. Ford must have fixed that by time the 08's came out as I have never had a problem with that. But, I don't have any leaks in my canvas top and I use the spray wand at the car wash.

I don't know how long the top has been on the car but looks good except where the beads (?) above the door have cracked.

I've read about leaks in the trunk as well and so far I haven't had that problem either.
 

Mogwai

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I really like the bug and your wife too. BC too much snow for me.

Most leaks can be fix depending on what cause the leak. There are adjustments to the locking mechanism which can be made tighter when locking. I also had order a spare convert top from:
https://www.americanmuscle.com/opr-...d-glass-sailcloth-camel-0514-convertible.html
They are on sale at this time.
I haven't located a Canvas for a S197 yet but the one I have is not leaking or damage plus I now have a spare one.

I should also inform you trying to find the locking mechanism including the aluminum pieces are impossible. Ford is not the only major company but other car company are the same. Try to get the convert parts for my SLK is the 58!+.
 

Ret

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As to the comments about noise with the top down. I spent about $1500,00 on a new Navigation system, radio/stereo, back up camera and a phone system. With the top down and doing 45 to 55 I could hear fine during phone conversations and I was very surprised. But there's no doubt there is more noise.

Of all the cars I've owned Tahoe, P/U's, Bronco no one ever said would you take me for a ride, except my wife's VW and my Mustang.

My regret is I didn't buy it before I got to 81 years old. But, I've had it for two years now and still enjoying the ride, the looks and comments.
 

Mogwai

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Sorry, what I meant was the noise with the top and all windows up compare to a hardtop.
 

dark steed

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Nice, I lived in Cranbrook, BC when I was a kid and we spent a lot of time in the Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene areas, all along US route 95. Great area of the world to enjoy a convertible, not too hot in the summer and lots of time from March to late October for top down days.

I had an installation in Cranbrook several years ago. Beautiful area, but the veterinarian called the town “Cranhole”! Lol
He said all that beauty around and then that ugly town ruining it! (His words, not mine)


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RED09GT

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I had an installation in Cranbrook several years ago. Beautiful area, but the veterinarian called the town “Cranhole”! Lol
He said all that beauty around and then that ugly town ruining it! (His words, not mine)


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I 100% agree with his assessment. My dad made good money and we lived in a nice house and people were jealous 2 faced bitches there. It's a coked up forestry milltown.
 

07 Boss

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For the last 20 years or so all of my cars but my RacecaRs have been convertibles. My next car is going to be a Jaquar F-type convertible. I used to ride bikes but quite. Riding in a vert is the next best thing I guess. Top maintenance can be a pain in the ass and yes you may have some leaking issues here and there but I can't see myself in anything but unless I need a roof for safety/racing. These are my last 2 verts. Both turbocharged, the red one was aout 260 hp and the black one will be pushing over 320 hp in a couple of weeks.






One addition to verts which will make driving a little more pleasurable is a rear windscreen or restrictor. This helps with the turbulence created while driving with the top down. Not sure what is out there on the market right now but I bought this for my vert. Waiting on some paintwork before I install it but it adds a nice touch of customization to your ride. You can customize the artwork and illumination to whatever you want. This is what I had made for my GXP and a couple of pics of when I was going through the artwork approval process so can see what it's like installed. Pretty sure you can find something nice for a Mustang.



 

Dumpy

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My first mustang was a used 72 fastback, fast forward, now its a used 06, v6 convertible. Very enjoyable to drive, wife & daughters love it more than me! Done a number of thing to prevent water penetration & got it oil sprayed even though its a garage queen.

Just got it out of storage & looking forward to joy riding (essential reasons...) around Ontario.
 

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