My 98 mustang convertible has a bent folding frame
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Joined: January 23, 2022
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My 98 mustang convertible has a bent folding frame
As you can see the left folding frame is bent, long story short I was told it caved in and the vehicle sat for a long period of time. Im curious to know how much it would be to fix it at a local mechanic. I found a potential replacement part —> https://www.fordonlyparts.com/1994-2004-ford-mustang-convertible-top-left-folding-frame-rail-side-f8zz-7653105-aa/ but I am unsure how to do it myself.
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From: Insane
Yes that part will work, but no matter what happens, whether it's fixing this frame or putting a replacement frame, it's got to come out. You are also going to have to remove the canvas from the frame to do this. Therefore, it's easier to send you to them MeToobs for some information. With that, here's some videos for you to have fun with:
Frame removal/install:
Canvas removal/install:
Please note that these are examples and not endorsements. You might also want to do your own searches and maybe find better videos for you. I'd also recommend acquiring the SN95 shop manual for your model year so as to see how Ford recommends doing it, with torque specs and techniques that these videos may not show but may be important. Further, it might be the better part of valor to just source a 'new' frame to just bolt on than try to fix this already tweaked-and-who-knows-what-else-is-wrong-with-it top. And I'd say you might consider a new canvas and/or plastic window if you're doing this, as you'll be taking the old one off anyway, so... yeah.
As far as the cost, you'll just need to drive about and get some quotes. Maybe ask around in your area for both mechanics and upholstery shops. I'd lean to the upholstery shops than a mechanic as the canvas is upholstery more than it's not. Either way, this looks to be about a day's worth of work, maybe less, so go with about 5-6 hours? Then labor rates may apply. Say 120 an hour, 720 for 6 hours is then your target. Of course, I'm waaay over here, and this I would do myself, so I can't get better than that guesstimate. Surely 500-800 is a good enough ballpark though. Not including frame/canvas parts, that'll be extra.
I hope that helps, and good luck!
Welcome to the forums! 
Frame removal/install:
Canvas removal/install:
Please note that these are examples and not endorsements. You might also want to do your own searches and maybe find better videos for you. I'd also recommend acquiring the SN95 shop manual for your model year so as to see how Ford recommends doing it, with torque specs and techniques that these videos may not show but may be important. Further, it might be the better part of valor to just source a 'new' frame to just bolt on than try to fix this already tweaked-and-who-knows-what-else-is-wrong-with-it top. And I'd say you might consider a new canvas and/or plastic window if you're doing this, as you'll be taking the old one off anyway, so... yeah.
As far as the cost, you'll just need to drive about and get some quotes. Maybe ask around in your area for both mechanics and upholstery shops. I'd lean to the upholstery shops than a mechanic as the canvas is upholstery more than it's not. Either way, this looks to be about a day's worth of work, maybe less, so go with about 5-6 hours? Then labor rates may apply. Say 120 an hour, 720 for 6 hours is then your target. Of course, I'm waaay over here, and this I would do myself, so I can't get better than that guesstimate. Surely 500-800 is a good enough ballpark though. Not including frame/canvas parts, that'll be extra.
I hope that helps, and good luck!
Welcome to the forums!
Last edited by houtex; Jan 24, 2022 at 01:50 PM.
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