Lowering Top

[njlime]

I apologize if this has been covered before, but can someone explain the plastic panels that need to be removed before the Mustang roof is lowered? I saw reference to these on a 2018 Mustang. I assume they still exist on the 2021/2022 verts? If so, how are they removed & installed? Do they just snap into place? Is there any concern that someone might steal them?
Thanks.

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[Brian_S550]

You’re half right. The plastic tonneau caps are for covering the exposed top mechanism gaps on either side of the rear seat when the top is down. You snap them into place by hand after lowering the top, and they would have to be removed before raising it again. They can easily be stolen I guess, but unless the thief is a fellow 2015-2022 Mustang convertible owner there isn’t much reason to.

 

[Dai Uy Ted]

Perhaps you're referring to panels ( some call them tonneaus) which fill the gaps, between the doors and the top, when the top is down. They should be removed when the top is raised, not lowered. People have complained that they chafe the lowered top when driving, so I only use them for show. They can be found on eBay for $70 - $100.

 

[njlime]

Thanks! That makes more sense. I saw an article from Ford Authority that suggests the additional step is when lowering the top.

https://fordauthority.com/2019/08/2019-ford-mustang-convertible-roof-procedure-drives-us-crazy/

 

[Dai Uy Ted]

Wow. What a Looney Tunes article! Author must have had a quota to fill.

 

[2BigPups]

I apologize if this has been covered before, but can someone explain the plastic panels that need to be removed before the Mustang roof is lowered? I saw reference to these on a 2018 Mustang. I assume they still exist on the 2021/2022 verts? If so, how are they removed & installed? Do they just snap into place? Is there any concern that someone might steal them?
Thanks.

Ford deleted the tonneau caps for 2021 and newer. Too many warranty claims for damaged convertible tops. However, the caps are still referenced in the 2021 owners manual.

 

[MIDLYFE]

Ford will have to improve in this department on the next gen vert. And there better be one.

 

[njlime]

Ford deleted the tonneau caps for 2021 and newer. Too many warranty claims for damaged convertible tops. However, the caps are still referenced in the 2021 owners manual.

Thanks for clearing this up. So is there any type of tonneau cover to use when the top is down?

 

[gtcs20148]

Ford deleted the tonneau caps for 2021 and newer. Too many warranty claims for damaged convertible tops. However, the caps are still referenced in the 2021 owners manual.

My 2021 had the tonneau caps. It was built in October.

 

[2BigPups]

My 2021 had the tonneau caps. It was built in October.

From the 2021 Order Guide...
● Deleted
— Tonneau Caps (Convertible Only)

If your 2021 had the tanneau caps, it was a dealer provided option. NOT a Ford option.

 

[2BigPups]

Thanks for clearing this up. So is there any type of tonneau cover to use when the top is down?

Use a 2015 - 2020 tonneau cover, will work as advertised.

 

[Johnnybee]

LOL, presumably Ford reads the forums too and probably ascertained that most of the purchasers thought they were a waste of time, so they deleted them, and kept the saved costs as profit. I personally only use them when we are going for a long drive, too much hassle for a quick trip around the neighbourhood or to the office.

 

[BimmerDriver]

Very helpful, thanks guys! I found a set on ebay for $40 ($65 after shipping & taxes).

 

[larf37]

I bought my car spring of 2018. I have never used the caps.

 

[Reagan2791]

I bought my car spring of 2018. I have never used the caps.

I just got my 2017 used and didn’t know about the complaints with chafing. I’ve used the caps every time I’ve dropped the top so far. There were actually 2 sets in the trunk. Don’t know why. I do like the aesthetic appeal when they’re on, though.

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