Convertible Cylinder Stop Bracket

[Vicfreg 771]

I noted this bracket in several books/documents/drawings that I have.  My '70 doesn't appear to have a spot for this bracket, nor was there one installed when I got my car.  Any ideas?

 

 

[Kris 90]

It mounts using these two holes. I can take a better picture of mine tomorrow with it installed. This is the only picture I could find that I have that shows the mounting holes. I don’t believe they are reproduced.. 

[aslanefe 333]

If it means something, my 70 vert does not have those 2 holes marked on Kris' picture.

[Vicfreg 771]

My '70 Vert does not have those holes either.

[Kris 90]

This is the part that attaches to those holes. It’s a latch mechanism that keeps the top down. 

[Vicfreg 771]

Hi Kris.  Thanks for the pic!

it’s very interesting that the 1970 convertibles don’t seem to have this piece. If you get a chance to take pictures of a different angle I’d appreciate it, I think I actually might have one of those brackets in my junk parts bin…..

[aslanefe 333]

On 10/12/2021 at 9:19 PM, Vicfreg said:

Hi Kris.  Thanks for the pic!

it’s very interesting that the 1970 convertibles don’t seem to have this piece. If you get a chance to take pictures of a different angle I’d appreciate it, I think I actually might have one of those brackets in my junk parts bin…..

Vic, my 70 vert is power top so I do not see a reason why you would need a latch to keep the top down as the hydraulic cylinders keep it pulled down anyway. My guess is that the latch must be used on manual top cars only. Is your top power or manual?

 

On 10/12/2021 at 9:02 PM, Kris said:

This is the part that attaches to those holes. It’s a latch mechanism that keeps the top down. 
 

How about you Kris, do you have power or manual top?

[Kris 90]

My car has a manual top. 

[Vicfreg 771]

Mine is power, and has no holes.  I also checked with a friend who has 3 1969 Cougar Convertibles with power tops, and no holes or brackets there either.   

Kris, I would say that you have a pretty rare part there.

[Kris 90]

I’m guessing it’s a manual top only part then. It’s funny that’s it’s in the drawing along with the power cylinders. Not sure if your convertible had them but my car also had 1” bell shaped seat risers in it under the seat tracks. They are factory but we’re completely unnecessary. I took them out so my seat would sit lower and I wouldn’t hit my head on the top frame.  

[Kris 90]

Here’s another picture of that bracket. 

[Rsanter 152]

Used on manual top cars only.

i have seen those for 65-66 cars and they are a bit different but this is the first time I have ever seen then for a 69-70

 

 

[69RavenConv 286]

Old thread but for the record my 69 (manual top) has those latches.

I agree the latches are for manual tops only as they are not only unnecessary on a power top but trying to raise a power top with a mechanical latch in place would be, um, problematic.  I can see a lot of unhappy customers returning to their Ford dealership for repairs back in the day.

Curious why they were deleted in 1970, unless they just figured it wasn't necessary to secure the top in the down position.