Mustang Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder 1999-2004 Installation
Bill shows you how to install a Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder on your 1999-2004 Convertible Mustang.
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If your convertible top isn't going up and down as easy as it used to, it may be a good idea to pick up a new hydraulic cylinder from CJ's!
These cylinders wear out quite often as there is a considerable amount of force applied when opening and closing the convertible top. OEM parts are often extremely expensive or no longer available, so make sure to pick up this direct-fit replacement cylinder for your 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 or 2004 Convertible Mustang top.
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Пікірлер: 148
Good video except a few things are left out, such as on your new piston be sure to pull the rod out far enough to reach the top screw hole BEFORE you put the lines on. The pressure will not allow you to extend it with the lines screwed in place. Also when adding fluid make sure to have your finger over the fill hole while the top is being raised and lowered, if not fluid will shoot out the hole. I found both of these out the hard way. Everything else is spot on and the job is for the most part easy. They work great and I love having my convertible working again.
@gsd1543
3 жыл бұрын
Hi What type of fluid do I need to top up. Will any hydraulic fluid work as I am in uk and finding specific fluid for mustangs is difficult
@brucejordan2281
3 жыл бұрын
@@gsd1543 IT WAS MERCON DEXRON III ATF. I GOT MINE FROM O'RIELLY AUTO PARTS.
@michelleduncan6750
Жыл бұрын
I agree the last bolt was a bitch to put back in. We had to figure it out the hard way!!! I’m spent !!!!
I replaced them successfully, and now there is no noise when the top is raised or lowered. Pretty cool. The project was easy but it did take a couple hours. The most time consuming part was tracking down all the tools I needed.
Thank you, this was a long overdue video for vert owners
@danielmagana563
6 жыл бұрын
I don’t think it’s necessary to shorten “convertible” owners to “vert” owners. Although it does make being a vert owner seem cool as hell.
I can believe I did it with the help of this video. I put a pair of hydraulic cylinder in my 2004 Ford Mustang GT all by myself. I'm not a mechanic by no means. Thank you CJ Pony
@bradsneed7329
3 жыл бұрын
How do you "use the top motor" to extend the cylinder piston to line it up with the bolt hole? He kind of just glossed over that. Thanks.
I didn't think I was having trouble with my top but I was reinstalling the back window and I noticed a bracket laying in the bottom of the pan. Fixed the window and found your video. The bracket was from the cylinder attaching points. My cylinder had been extending all the way to the bottom of the pan, jamming itself then raising the roof. No wonder it took so long to raise the roof. Your video showed the bracket position and I happened to have a locking nut, since I couldn't find the old one. Long story short, its fixed. Thanks for the video.
Excellent video! Used it today to replace my cylinders on my '99. It works now, but a bit slow. Next will be the pump. I did struggle a bit putting the rubber plug back in. I used a very small flat head screw driver to slowly wedge it in.
You make it look easy so I'm gonna give it a shot. Worst thing that can happen is I can't do it and have to get someone else anyway so may as well try! Thanks for the vid!
@nothanksfools
3 жыл бұрын
I know it's been 2 years but did you do it?
@PsykoSmiley
3 жыл бұрын
@@nothanksfools Haha, yes I did! It was pretty easy. Only thing was they say be careful not to overtighten the nuts so I didn't. This year when I put it down for the first time it didn't want to go back up. When I checked it fluid had leaked out around the nuts on the cylinders. So I'd say after the first season open it up again and give them a good twist. Hardest thing about it is the dang rubber plug on the motor! It's hard to get it back in after you put fluid in. I ended up putting some paper towel in it and then using a metal rod to push it in. Paper towel kept the rod from pushing through the rubber. If you're getting ready to try I hope yours goes as easy as mine!
Bill, I end3d up with the exact model you are showing all the convertible work on, and THANK YOU! YOU are a God send!!
@cjponyparts
4 жыл бұрын
No problem!
Can I hire this guy, Bill is amazing. I need to get this done for my 2002 (yes you read right!) Cobra convertible here in Australia. Not many people down here in Australia know too much about these magnificent cars. Great video
@markdamstra
2 жыл бұрын
just bought an 01 gt. top worked fine after i bought it but noticed spritzing in the side. will do both cylinders but not sure if i want to do motor an lines. havent been under there yet.
Dude thank you!Watched your vid and did it with no problem. Hardest part was getting that dang plug back in but used to that from refilling. Now hopefully i won't have to refill! Much appreciated!
@PaulWilliamsCallPaul
5 жыл бұрын
I have a very narrow-barreled phillips screw driver that I use. If you notice, that plug is hollowed out and there's a hole in the end. My phillips slides right into that hole and pushes the entire plug right back in. Takes literally about 5 seconds!
@samurai1833
3 жыл бұрын
@@PaulWilliamsCallPaul worked like a charm!
@PsykoSmiley
3 жыл бұрын
@@PaulWilliamsCallPaul Just saw this, I did kind of the same. put a piece of paper towel in the hole so it wouldn't push through and then used a metal rod I had, worked perfect!
@traceylockhart1847
10 ай бұрын
How do I order the cylindas
@PsykoSmiley
10 ай бұрын
@@traceylockhart1847 Look in the desription for the video, they have a link to them. I searched around a bit but CJs seemed to be the best price
Extremely helpful video. On my 1994, I had to replace my top hydraulic cylinders since the plastic snapped on the top part of the cylinder (seen at 4:16). The difference with the 1994 is that the entire top part of the cylinder is plastic (not the hydraulic arm), I see here it is metal (minus the plastic bushing). Luckily the replacement is metal.
@BigBoss-sh2jx
11 ай бұрын
I literally just had the exact thing happen and now I need to order new ones. I’m so irritated 😂
Is it possible just to remove the cylinders and have a manual top?
Thank you so much. I own a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible and discovered a leak on the driver's side. Now the top won't move and the lines have air. I am going to remove the side panels to inspect the origin of the leak.
Great video! The OE instructions want you to remove the whole hydraulic unit as an assembly and this is MUCH easier. (From an RSE auto tech in Canada)
Good video. Missing, pulling out the bottom seat is very difficult, reinstallation took all of my 200 lbs. butt to snap it back into place. You will also need a 3/4 socket to remove the backrest, not listed. The most difficult part of the project was the reinstallation of the rubber plug into motor tank cylinder. Removal is not too much easier. Remember, per instructions you have to repeat the process at least 3 times. Suggest you buy an additional plug if you rip the existing one. You will need a second person to help at certain phases of installation.
So how do you know if it's the motor or the hydraulics that need replaced for this convertible?
Very informative. Now I know I can replace the motor on my mustang gt. Thank you!!!
knocked it out today, were ready for summer nights !!
A COUPLE OF THINGS. 1. THE CLIP THAT HOLDS THE SEAT. IT WAS A PAIN BECAUSE THE VIDEO DIDNT SHOW THE CLIP IN A WAY TO KNOW WHAT YOU HAD TO DO TO RELEASE IT. IT WAS REAL EASY. JUST PUSH IN ON THE FRONT OF THE CLIP. ACTUALLY THERE IS TWO OF THEM. ONE ON EACH SIDE. 2. AN EXTRA SET OF HAND WAS VERY HELPFUL. 3. THE WORST THING WAS THAT ONE OF THE NEW CYLINDERS WAS MISSING AN O RING. I CALLED AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THEY HAD NO SPECS ON IT SO I WENT TO THE AUTO STORE AND LUCKILY FOUND ONE THAT APPEARS TO WORK. THEY SAID THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME, BUT IT WAS THE TIME FACTOR THAT WAS A PAIN. 4. I ALSO CHANGED THE PUMP SINCE I HAD EVERYTHING APART. OVERALL IT WENT REAL WELL.
@subaruamazon
26 күн бұрын
have to do my 01 gt. I see it spritzing from the crack so I ordered the hydraulic rams. hope to lines are good. motor works because it is spritzing.
Can you use Mercon V?
can you disconnect the hydraulic arms and just manually lower and raise the top.
Where is the back seatbelt & bracket??? Which side of the bracket does the cylinder go on?
I got the job done, the hardest part is getting the rubber plug in and out while Your trying to get all the air out of the system.
@tkimbrow3024
2 жыл бұрын
This! I can’t find an easy way to do it!
@danfarrell8958
2 жыл бұрын
@@tkimbrow3024 If you're talking about getting the rubber plug in or out, I found something like a BLUNT phillips screwdriver and push it into the hole at the back of the plug to push the plug back in slowly, make sure it is well lubricated with ATF. the BLUNT shaft with stretch the plug enough to get it back in the hole. Getting it out is a pain, I did it by grabbing it with my fingertips and wiggled it back and forth till it came out. My BLUNT shaft was a bamboo shiskabob skewer.
@tkimbrow3024
2 жыл бұрын
@@danfarrell8958 Yes, that’s what I was talking about. Thank you sir.
First off. Great videos. I’ve bought several things from you guys just cause you also put up videos. I just replaced the cylinders. My passenger side takes a second before it starts going up. Any advice on how to fix it?
I need an 05-10 version
Lose the music!!
I have a 2006 and need to replace the hoses. Fluid coming from where the fitting actually meets the hose. Can this be done without removing the actualy cylinders?
anyone have any info on doing this but for an 07 mustang? i’m guessing any 05-14 would be about the same
great detailed video. i just bought a 99 base V6 this past June. top worked fine at first now when i try it i hear the motor whirring then drowns out and top wont go down. im wondering if the motor is on its way out?
muchas gracias por el tutorial
How do you know they’ve gone bad?
i bought an 01 last april top worked for a while then stopped working. I saw the driver's side spritzing throught he crack. I will replace both. should i buy lines as well?
It's not that easy to put that rubber part in that hydraulic pump
For once I'd like to see things like the seat bottom clips up close after you get it out so I can see what I'm looking for and where it is when the seat is still installed. I hope you redid the pipe tape after the video before installing. It should start at the first thread so it doesn't just get pushed back. The cylinders are double ended so the fluid level in the pump/reservoir assembly should remain constant as it basically moves from one side of the piston to the other.
I thought that the fill plug to the motor had to be unplugged when bleeding the air out of the lines during the process?
@guymitchell7612
7 жыл бұрын
youre totally right
Helps me understand, as my convertible top was slower...next week my mechanic fixing this...
I can hear the motor going on mine but it won’t raise or lower the top is that the motor or could it just be the hydraulic
What about for 05 mustang's and up?
OK I just replaced the rams on my 2003 Mustang, I now need to know WHERE DO YOU GET A REPLACEMENT PLUG??? And HOW in hell do you get it in? I tried using a Torx screwdriver and promptly ripped A hole in it, so I now need another plug. Too bad the rest of the job was easy. HELP & HELP!!!!!
I put in the cylinders, now my top is bent on one side and won’t close
Question I have two new ones and it came with o rings but it also has o rings installed? Do you need to install both
What size torx is that at top of ram???
The lines are color coated yellow and red. Should they be on the same position top or bottom on both side? Or on a loop?
Suppose to be two oring? Mine came with two in the bag and looks like it has one already in each cylinder
I’ve gotten new hydraulic cylinders and even changed to new fluid and my convertible still won’t budge. I test out the little pump and it makes a clicking sound but still nothing. Does anyone know why? Help?
@JoeOfAllTrades
3 жыл бұрын
did you figure it out?
Thanks i now have a spring project 🙏🏾
Doze it matter if I installed the hydraulic cylinder with the top in the close position?
So if you can obviously hear the motor working but nothing is happening is this the problem? I just bought my first 2004 mustang gt convertible and it’s making a bunch of noise but isn’t moving.
@cjponyparts
4 жыл бұрын
If the motor is working check to make sure there is fluid. If the motor is running and the system had fluid it is usually the cylinders. Keep in mind the switch can cause issues as well. The motor works off polarity so the ground switches to go up vs down.
@blindcarnage1482
4 жыл бұрын
CJ Pony Parts it was low on fluid. It goes up and down now but it isn’t closing properly I have to pull it pretty hard to get it to latch and it’s not closing all the way. Have a big gap. And isn’t siting properly around the windows.
@JoeOfAllTrades
3 жыл бұрын
@@blindcarnage1482 did you fix the gap issue? if so what was it?
@blindcarnage1482
3 жыл бұрын
@@JoeOfAllTrades the frame to the top was bad I had to replace it. Worked great after that.
@JoeOfAllTrades
3 жыл бұрын
@@blindcarnage1482 how much did that run you?
wondering why tape is used on these fittings...but Not on the fittings connecting the pump??
How to adjust the scissor of a convertible 2000 mustang .
Where is the fuse location on the convertible top
Are the cylinders to be bled BEFORE or AFTER installation and top reattachment... this vid y'all did after, but on the the 71 stang, y'all did before... which is best or proper
Is the process easier to do with the top up or down
I have a 01 mustang GT convertible and the back passager tire is making noise and is wobbly. Do you have any videos on this issue?
@cjponyparts
Жыл бұрын
I would check your lugnuts first. Could also be bent axle.
dumb question, can I try just refilling the fluid to see if the problem is just age? I am not experienced with mechanics and replacing the cylinder maybe too much for me right now. my problem is after I moved to Tx (my version of hell) the top would go down just fine but didnt want to come back up with out manual help.
@hectorterrazas8415
6 жыл бұрын
Melissa Purnell Probably just needs more oil. ( Texas your version of hell huh) hahaha I've been there and know what you mean . Good luck...on both ends !
Has anyone found a retrofit kit to remove the hydraulic system and add electric arms as tailgates on new vehicle have? I would pay a good amount of money to get away from this hydraulic system. Thanks in advance!
Why is it that you never return calls on your customer service line?
Bill, I have a 2002 mustang convertable. Filled resovour and lines. Now leaking from top of cylinder(rod) seems like from fittings as well. Do I need to just replace both cylinders and lines?
have you ever seen the lines / hoses become plugged with crud or debris?
@cjponyparts
Жыл бұрын
Very rarely since its a closed system. Usually if that happens there was a leak somewhere.
@upjeeper
Жыл бұрын
@@cjponyparts thanks. if i've already replaced the hydraulic arms and bled the system but my top still is about 3 inches from the top, what's the next step? my pump does make some noise...
I might have to fill it up when top up.when i put the top up one side goes faster than the other and starts like a twist action?
I ordered a cylinder for the convertible . The top wont go up. I got the old one that was licking out and added the lines to the new one. I cant mount it because the cylinder in a 1/2 inch or less to short. What can I do?
DOES ANY ONE KNOW HOW MUCH GETTING THIS REPLACED A SHOP COST ON AVERAGE?
Okay now 05-09
my lines are leaking on the right side of my convertible top.... it made a mess underneath my seats. where are the best places online or in store to buy them?
Hi, Does anyone know why the cylinders are different between the 94-98 and 99-04 models? Everything looks identical mechanically. Thanks!
When I removed the rubber plug it was dry rotted a piece broke of inside ,, I filled the fluid it works fine you think the that piece will hurt it also what size rubber plug I would need to replace Its a 1997 mustang
@hectorterrazas8415
6 жыл бұрын
Ben Gordon. That little rubber peace is going to plug everything up you're probably gonna have to replace the engine and maybe even the electrical system . hahaha Just messing with you it'll just float to the top and bob around the tank like a cork. it'll be alright buddy !
@bengordon7635
6 жыл бұрын
hahahahaha !!!!!!! yea its been working fine I will make sure to keep it full ...thanks ben
Need to know where the switch for 1996 convertible mustang
thank you
Top goes up unevenly how do I fix it??
@precioussmith57
4 жыл бұрын
Same here
Have you done a Mitsubishi Spyder 2007 convertible cylinders?
Great video for my 94 GT. BTW did someone have any explaining to do on the long blonde hair on the cylinder ;)
@cjponyparts
6 жыл бұрын
Hmmm good question :) - Bill
Great, informative video. Thanks. I am going to be replacing everything on a 01 Mustang (pump/motor, cylinders and lines). What bleeding procedure would you recommend? The same as mentioned in this video? Thanks!
@markdamstra
2 жыл бұрын
did you ever do the project? I just bought a 01 gt convertible in april. the top worked fine for a few times then failed to raise. I peered into the drivers side betweenthe interior and exterior where the side of the top goes up ad observed some spritzing of fluid. I have to pull it apart to see. I am thinking i will replace the two hydraulic cynlinders and the tubing. How tough is that?
@bsterling9
2 жыл бұрын
@@markdamstra yes I completed this job last year. It’s fairly straight forward especially if you follow these instructional videos closely. I would certainly recommend replacing ALL components at the same time (motor, lift cylinders and hydraulic lines). Good luck!
@markdamstra
2 жыл бұрын
@@bsterling9 sterling thx so much for ur help. I would say the toughest parts are removing the interior panels. Was the top of the seat tough to remove? how did u get to the upper nut of the hydrolic pumps off? ? that looks tricky. did u have help? How do u know to put top up or down and when? finaly, those plastic tabs. did they break on you? I bought a replacement kit of like 400 pieces and none seem to work. lol. I am a little apprehensive. I did my alternator on my camry. I replaced the hood latch on the mustang. were u apprehensive about tackline this project. thx so much for ur input.
By any chance are u in CALIFORNIA
cj in the center of the car in the front does the emergency brake have anything to do with the lift of the top going up, and down for the convertible? I was told it does I dont know. I would like to know. I took it to some electrical for cars, and he disconnected it, and now I dont have a emergency brake.
@michaelgonzales1008
6 жыл бұрын
You have to pull the ebrake for it to start working.
Anyone know what convertible fluid too use for a 2000 mustang ? Because I looked everywhere and no one seems to know the answer
@cjponyparts
4 жыл бұрын
Stylezz normal ATF
@foxbodynate1548
4 жыл бұрын
CJ Pony Parts Thankyou
You are awesome. Thank you so much!
What kind of fluid you use to fill up the cylinder
@paulvalencia24
3 жыл бұрын
ErickUnid Automatic transmission fluid
hello - any tip on how to plug the plug back in the motor? we spent nearly an hour putting it back in and it was really painful..thanks!
@paulvalencia24
3 жыл бұрын
Martin Šípoš I used a Torx screwdriver, inserted into the plug, to push it in. As you push it in, it stretches the rubber plug. The key is to use constant pressure and it will stretch the plug enough to go in. I know others have recommended an Allen wrench to do it, also.
@consdilhindustani
3 жыл бұрын
@@paulvalencia24 that's what I do as well, makes it so much easier.
@malibuice650
3 жыл бұрын
I just twist and push it in. Be gentle, it's like a Chinese finger trap.
Bill, can you please tell me what size O rings go into the cylinders? I changed the cables and now have leaks. I wasn't aware that three were O rings needing to be in them. thanks for any guidance! Rick
@cjponyparts
5 жыл бұрын
I honestly don't know the size, I would get a caliper and measure.
@coachhunter1
5 жыл бұрын
@@cjponyparts thanks. Good idea.
Great video but the music that they play in these video are loud and so bad
Thank u 4 the info
Video is excellent but can the abnockious music
How long will it take for the next service to begin again?
@joebenton656
6 жыл бұрын
Very very good
Why is it that nobody will replace the top on these cars? I have a 2005. I can find the top for about $600, but nobody, including the Ford dealer or body shops will touch it. I'm afraid it's more of a job than I can handle as a do-it-yourself job. I don't want to spend the money on the top and then mess it.
@jrherita
7 жыл бұрын
Find places that specialize on convertible tops. I had my Cobra's top done ~ 8 years ago by an aftermarket place and it's been awesome ever since..
@donaldsmith6717
6 жыл бұрын
Just make it a "winter' project. I don't drive mine n the winter and its in the garage. If you have that luxury, just wait till winter and then take it a day at a time Remember to heat the garage when you are fitting the top or it will never seem to fit. Heating the garage makes the top material expand just enough to put in all of the screws and trim.
@consdilhindustani
3 жыл бұрын
I had no choice but to do mine myself, the fact I had the defrost glass window was the worst, but nobody can tell I did it myself. I figured anything would be better than the glass being held to the cloth with Flex Shot. The kits are fairly easy, best $350 I ever spent. I'm so glad I finally replaced it, my girl looks SO much better! 😊
what oil is used?
@malibuice650
3 жыл бұрын
Automatic transmission fluid. Dexron 3.
Still comes up crooked at the end. Is this inherent in these vehicles?
@michaelgonzales1008
6 жыл бұрын
Have you found a salution?same problem here,bout to pull it up and fill the cylinder again.
Hmmmmmmmm looks like that what I need to replace on my Audi A4
Turn the music down…or off.
I could do without the obnoxious noise/music.
Yeah good luck taking that plug in and out to add more fluid…absolute joke of a design
@JustCallMemustang
Жыл бұрын
It seriously is I’ve had to do it multiple times but one thing I will say is that chamber holds a lot of pressure and that little plug does not move one bit
@OuroborosStoryHour
Жыл бұрын
Just twist like you're turning in a screw.
Would I be able to replace the cylinders while the top is up?