Many people who are experienced auto restorers shy away from this task, leaving it to the professionals. It can be done at home, but it takes skills that you probably haven't exercised often enough to become proficient. The result may be wrinkled canvas, or worse.
But, others have done it and say it isn't that difficult. Here are some resources which explain this task in detail:
"Mustang Restoration Handbook," Chapter 12, "Convertible Top & Vinyl Top," by Don Taylor and Tom Wilson, HP Books, The Berkeley Publishing Group (div. of Penguin Putnam Inc.), 375 Hudson St. NY 10014, (c) 1987, www.penguinputnam.com.
"1964-66 Convertible Top Repair Manual, Mustang-Falcon-Comet-Ford-Mercury," Ford Motor Company, reprinted (#MP 14) by Jim Osborn Reproductions, 101 RidgeCrest Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30245, (770) 962-7556, fax (770) 962-5881
"1965 Comet, Falcon, Fairlane and Mustang Shop Manual," Part 18-3, "convertible Top," available at Mustang parts stores.
Materials are available in pieces or in kit form from most major Mustang parts dealers.
The 1964-66 Mustangs use a soft plastic rear curtain. To convert to a glass rear window, you must install the larger 1967-68 well liner. However, some people have reported less than satisfactory experiences with these windows, which are split horizontally so that they fold. The material that holds the two pieces together may wear out quickly, according to some reports, and there is no commercially available replacement (other than a new window).
The Robbins Auto Top Co., a manufacturer of premium tops for a wide range of makes and models (including vintage Mustangs), has been recommended several times on the Vintage Mustang Forum as a maker of split rear windows that last longer than most.
They also provide installation videos to commercial installers. Don't know if these are available to individual restorers, but check out their website at http://www.robbinsautotopco.com for more information as well as some tips on how to measure your car for a new top.
For more information about convertible tops, see also these message exchanges on the Vintage Mustang discussion board:
submitted by a65ragtop
Return to the Vintage Mustang FAQ