Issues with Stitching on convertible top

[Lorne34]

Had an oil change done at 10k miles. While I was there I had them inspect and take pictures of the fabric top. The seam appears to be separating from the top along the drivers side door. Ford has agreed to replace the top. One of the pictures is of a normal portion of the stitching as a comparison, One of my concerns with the vert is how well the top will hold up.
Has anyone else experienced this? I am a bit hesitant to have the Ford dealership replace the top as I do not want to create other issues, but the condition of the stitching along that ridge is driving me a bit crazy.... The first picture is of a "normal" section.. the last 2 are the sections pulling away....

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[Johnnybee]

If you end up having the top replaced take pictures of all the panels around the car. My car came with a factory defect and the top was replaced prior to me getting the car and unfortunately the shop that did the top didn't have the brains to place pads on the car and put a 1" scratch in the top of the r/r fender down to the metal. The dealership fixed it of course, but I wouldn't want you to have the same experience and be told "how do we know it wasn't there before?"

 

[88lx50]

Dealers usually send out convertible top replacements to specialty shops. I would want it replaced. Hopefully they send it someplace reputable.

 

[Lorne34]

thanks for the input. This is a pretty big dealership. They have done service work for me before and have not damaged my vehicle, so hopefully everything will work out. I was just wondering if this type of defect was normal. The guy from the dealership inspected several on the lot and mentioned they had a similar look... but that does not necessarily mean it's "normal"

 

[Lorne34]

An update..had the top replaced and it looks better, but I think the problem is with the stitch design... When I dropped it off they had a 2013 GT Vert in the shop. I looked at the stitching and it's much more agressive (wider) and tighter/flat to the surface of the top if that makes sense..
Anyway, I have a new top now but I think it's going to seperate as the old one did.
Also- when they installed the top I drove it home and realized that one of the support links for the back window was disconnected... so now I have the dreaded rear windows linkage issue.. It's been in the shop for a week now...

 

[JCFoster]

It looked like something was pinching it when it folded up by the marks on it. Is it the head liner or the actual top? Mine is two years old and no sign of irregular wear on the head liner. The outside of mine has some fold marks, but no separation on the threaded area.

 

[Lorne34]

That is a good point.. I am going to monitor it closely to see. They did replace the whole top and it looks good now.. I am going to be storing it for the winter, so not sure how much I will be able to figure out until next season....

 

[CVCashmere]

Lorne

Treat your top to a waterproofing product or treatment to protect it...even if it is inside and covered. This will help preserve the fabric and thread. Use can use Raggtop, Formula 303, West Marine canvas treatment (my current one), etc.

Then, in the Spring, put a second coat on it to repel bird do, dirt, sand, fading, etc.

CVCashmere

 

[Lorne34]

Thanks CV! I actually had my detail shop put a treatment on it when I had the rest of the car ceramic coated and it worked well. When I had the top replaced I asked the dealership about reapplying and then were gracious enough to do it at no charge. Supposedly it's supposed to last several years. I will keep an eye on it and see how long the water beads up... when I see it lagging I will definitely be purchasing a top treatment kit...

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