Ford Fair Lane & Sunliner, 1955-56
Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts

Ford Fair Lane/Sunliner Convertible Top Key Features:
  • Quality: Made to original specs, 100% fit guarantee.
  • Original Configuration: Two piece top, top section and window section integrate upon installation. Molding over rear window and chrome tips supplied. Extra fabric for header bow seal included.
  • All seams are doubly electronically welded and sewn for added reinforcement. Convertible top fabrics are mildew & mold resistant, and UV treated for color fastness. Plastic windows are DOT rated heavy 40-gauge thick vinyl.
  • Original Fabrics: Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl in black, Ford white and Ford blue (a pale blue now discontinued); Haartz Stayfast Canvas in black.
  • Windows: We offer tops with original plastic window with "horseshoe" zipper.
  • Installation: Professional installation is suggested. A handy and meticulous person may consider DIY installation. This comprises use of a stapling gun and contact cement (as outlined in the manual summary in the link below.) There is no sewing involved. To locate a professional installer please enter "automobile upholstery shops near me" in your browser search bar.
  • Shop with confidence: 3 year manufacturer warranty.
  • Hydraulic Components: Hydraulic cylinders, motor pumps and hose sets all available and in stock.
  • Preview our Convertible Top Installation Guide

 

Convertible Tops and Packages

Convertible Tops and Packages

A.) Ford Fairlane/Sunliner Convertible Top
Original horseshoe zippered plastic rear window.
Select Fabric & Color;
Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl OR Haartz Stayfast Canvas


 
Fabric & Color:

As low as:
$623.00
B.) Package Special:
Ford Fairlane/Sunliner Convertible Top
Original horseshoe zippered plastic rear window.
Select Fabric & Color;
Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl OR Haartz Stayfast Canvas

PLUS
Pair of tacking strips for header and rear top bows.
Can trimmer contact cement with brush
Set of top pads
Installation manual (see below at 'installation supplies.')




 
Fabric & Color:

As low as:
$723.00
C.) Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Convertible Main Top Section
Use with existing rear window section.
For: 1955-56 Ford Fair Lane & Sunliner Convertible Top
Color
View Color
$389.00
D.) Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Plastic Window Section
with original Horseshoe zipper
Use with existing main top.
For: 1955-56 Ford Fair Lane & Sunliner Convertible Top
Color
View Color
$259.00
Ford Fair Lane & Sunliner convertible tops and parts in this category fit model years: 1955 and 1956


Installation Supplies

Installation Supplies

Convertible Top Rear Well Liner, 2 Snaps Installed.
   Details...

$175.00
New Edition!!!
Convertible Top Guys' "How To Remove and Install Classic Two-Part Tops."

This 40-page, extensively illustrated how-to manual walks you through removing and installing any two-part convertible top. The manual applies to almost all American convertibles made before the year 2004, and some foreign cars, too, like Celicas and Saabs. This 8 1/2 x 11 book is designed as both a tutorial for first-time installers and as a step-by-step manual for these convertible tops. Generally, all that is needed and not contained is the "bow height" which is the setting of the rear top frame bow for your convertible. This is available from any top distributor ot can be measured with the old top on the car (as illustrated.)

What skills are required ? (1) The ability to drive staples into bow frame tacking strips (2) The ability to orient fabric sections to the frame and apply with contact cement. (3) A systematic and careful personality ! (There is never any sewing required.)

Note: Very early cars (forties) had wood bows and installers will have to adjust processes for stapling to these bows instead of tacking strips in steel bows as described in manual.

   Details...

$30.95
75" PADS WITH QUARTER SECTIONS. TAN (FOR USE WITH TAN UNDERSIDE TOPS)
$179.00
Standard Black Top Pad Set, includes Quarter Pads,
   Details...

$109.00
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 13/16" Wide x 52" Long, Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$10.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 3/4" Wide x 52" Long, expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$9.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 5/8" Wide. Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$9.49
Fiberboard Tack Strip: 1/4" Thick x 7/16" Wide. Long, Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$8.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip: 1/4" Thick x 9/16" Wide x 52" Long, expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$10.49
Front and Rear Top Frame Bow Tack Strips
(Tacking strips for most top frames. Some may vary, especially pre-60s cars.)

Dimensions: 5/8" X 3/16" and 1/2" X 1/4" (in 6 foot lengths.)
Note: These usually apply. In certain convertible top frames (especially pre-sixties) the cross sections of the header and rear top bows vary. You can measure the top bow channel cross sections and let us know if yours vary from the usual plastic ones. In that case include your tack strip selection in checkout message.
   Details...

$23.95
Top Pads with Quarters,Black or Tan Stayfast Canvas
   Details...

Color
View Color
$279.00
Vinyl Tacking strip, measures 5/8" WIDE X 3/16" THICK X 6 Foot long section
   Details...

$12.95
Vinyl Tacking strip, measures 1/4" THICK  X 1/2" WIDE X 6 Foot long section
   Details...

$12.95
Plastic pry tool, great for prying fasteners and seals, pushing seals into retainers, loosening fabric etc
$12.95
Vinyl Tacking Strips: Measures 5/8" X 3/16" Sold by the foot.
   Details...

$2.25
Vinyl Tacking Strips: Measures 1/2" X 1/4" Sold by the foot.
   Details...

$2.25
The Arrow T50ACD electric staple gun drives wire staples with force. It will securely drive 1/4" and 3/8" staples into modern convertible top tack strips, eliminating the need for an air gun for convertible top installation. This stapler comes with the a supply of 1/4" and 3/8" staples.

This stapler also has a brad driving capability, so you can use this stapler again and again for a variety of jobs.

The Arrow T50ACD packs a well-balanced powerful, durable design. Comes complete with 10-foot, heavy-duty cord, a supply of T50 series staples, and a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

The Arrow T50ACD stapler has a spiral driven mechanism for consistent powerful driving power. Additional features include safety trigger lock, comfortable non-slip cushion grip, fastener reload, all-steel working parts, and 14-amp motor.
   Details...

$59.95
Universal Domestic, Side Tension Hold Down Cables, Pair (with springs)

American made in the USA (beware of inferior made imports)
   Details...

$31.00
Staples and Glue Kit: 500 each of 1/4" & 3/8" Stainless Steel Staples (22 gauge). Plus an 8oz Can of Trimmer Contact Cement with Brush.

The staples in this package are narrow crown
stainless steel staples and will fit
popular air guns. If you wish to use an electric
staple gun then you will need to order our
heavy duty electric gun and its (different) staples.

Please see the "tools and accessories" link
on our home page for electric gun packages.

   Details...

$24.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless Staples, 1/4", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples 3/8", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 3/8", 1000 Count

 

$13.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 1/4", 1000 Count
$13.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 4-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$14.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 8-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$20.95
Plastic pry tool set, 7-piece kit

Great for prying fasteners and seals, pushing seals into retainers, loosening fabric etc.

$34.95


Hydraulics

Hydraulics

1954-55 Lincoln Capri, 1955-56 Ford Fairlane/Sunliner

Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinders
PAIR left and right hand side.

All convertible top cylinders are not the same. Our top cylinders are made from solid aluminum castings which are stronger than die-cast and our two-piece rod allows us to use a heavier, stronger steel. You won't find a better made convertible top cylinder on the market. All cylinders are made and assembled here in the U.S.A. and come with a 7 year warranty.
$339.95
12 Volt, Hydraulic Motor Pump

1950-1961 Ford,Mercury
1957-1963 Chrysler,Dodge,Plymouth
$359.95
1955-56 Ford/Mercury Convertible Top Hydraulic Motor Pump, 6v. Original had 3 wires this has been converted to 2. Includes wiring adaptor
$449.95
1955-56 Fairlane Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder, Each
$149.95
1955-56 Fairlane Convertible Top Hydraulic Hose Set
$139.00
FLAT GROMMET FEET FOR EARLY MOTOR PUMP, 4 PIECES
$14.95
"O" Ring Motor Pump Service Kit For Any American Makes

Our O-Ring kit contains the following items:(1) Drive Pin, (1) 1/8" Chrome Ball, (2) 1/4" Chrome Ball, (2) Pump Port O-Ring, (2) Reservoir O-Ring, (1) Reservoir bolt O-Ring, (1) Reservoir plug, (1)Reservoir Plug O-Ring (metal plug only).

$24.95
Hydraulic System Guide: A well illustrated 10 page, 8 1/2 x 11 guide to the operation, diagnosis, and bleeding of the motor pump and to the motor/pump and cylinder removal and reassembly. Diagnosis includes electrical testing procedures.
$9.95
Set of 4 New Pointed Pump Grommets
$7.95
Top Cylinder Mounting Bolt, One.
With Pin and Bushings
1 5/8" Long, 3/8" Diameter.
$11.95
Top Cylinder Mounting Bolt, One
With Pin and Bushings.
1 1/8" Long, 3/8" in Diameter.
$11.95
Top Cylinder White Nylon Bushing, Each
$2.95
Motor pump reservoir plug, black rubber
$2.39


Boots

Boots

Convertible Top Boot, Attaches as Original - In Original Sierra Vinyl.
Includes 35 Snaps & Snap Installation Tool

Fits 1955-1956 Mercury and 1955-1956 Ford Fairl Lane and Sunliner

View Color
$309.95
Convertible Top Boot Bag
$49.95


Cleaning & Protectant

Cleaning & Protectant

A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant

About RAGGTOPP products
$39.95
A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant Together

About RAGGTOPP products
$38.95
Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit

Contains:

  • Bottle Window Cleaner
  • Bottle Window Protectant
  • Sponge, Applicator Pad
  • Microfiber Towel

About RAGGTOPP products
$32.95
Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush

About Natural Horsehair Brush
$14.95


Top Switch, Relays, Etc.

Top Switch, Relays, Etc.

Top Switch
Activates Raising/Lowering.
Heavy Duty: Rated for 50 amps.
Mount in any under dash hole.
$34.95


Tops with Blank Curtain

Tops with Blank Curtain

ADD A GLASS TO ANY BLANK CURTAIN
No need for a frame, this glass is built-in!
Available in two sizes 6" x 25" OR 8" x 25"
Choose from Straight or Horseshoe Zipper
Will fold with top without zipping out.

SEE EXAMPLES OF BUILT IN REAR WINDOWS
$389.00


Custom Carpet

Custom Carpet

1955-56 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible, Custom Fit Loop Pile Carpet
View Color
$299.95
 
1955-56 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible, Trunk Mat, Fleece/Burtex
View Color
$99.95


Important Information

Original Factory Color(s): Black, White and Ford Blue

Fabrics:
The Ford Fairlane and Sunliner original convertible top fabric was pinpoint vinyl. Original colors were, most often: black and Ford white.

Haartz stayfast canvas is chosen by some restorers because of its extraordinary durability. You can read about the fabrics at the Help link at the top of this page.

Classic Two Part Tops:
This is a classic two part top. The main top and the rear window section (with its attached fabric trim) are joined together during the installation. The job is described in our 'two part top restoration guide.' The guide is summarized at the link at the bottom of this page. It is listed as an "accessory." The guide, together with careful notes made during the removal process has guided many do-it-yourself restorers.

Top Pads:
Pads run along the framework underneath the top and build out the top itself. New pads are likely to be required but can last through two tops.

Tack Strips:
Tack strips are embedded in the front bow and also the rear top bow (the one over the rear window.) They receive the staples that hold the top to these bows. Tack strips, and pads are included in our package restoration special and are listed, separately, with "accessories."

There is an elaborate tacking bow assembly along the rear base line of the car. No replacements are available. However we can assist with the restoration of existing rear base tack forms. You can inquire on this at techsupport@mtmfg.com.

Boots:
A boot, optionally, holds the lowered top. Boots are usually chosen to match the interior or to complement the interior or paint color. Boots are listed with accessories. Please specify your boot color choice in the checkout message box.

Hydraulics:

We now stock hydraulic cylinders, motor-pumps, and hoses for your convertible tops. All are made to OEM specifications. Each can be ordered separately; however, when ordering hydraulic cylinders we recommend replacing both. The chances are that both hydraulic cylinders were manufactured at the same time: if one is on its way out the other may follow. If the top is raised and one hydraulic cylinder is working harder than the other the result over time can lead to a slightly bent convertible top frame. The replacement of both hydraulic cylinders will ensure that the top raises and lowers symmetrically.

Systems for this car take Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and have a 1 year warranty when used with this fluid. Brake fluid should not be used as it voids the warranty. We also offer an installation manual when ordered.

The 12 volt motor-pumps include a mounting bracket with rubber grommets to reduce vibration.

Do-it-yourselfers:   Read a summary of convertible top installation.
CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRICS
Almost all manufacturers use Haartz fabrics. They may specify "heaviest weight" or "original replacement" in ways that seem reassuring. But they do not really tell the whole story. Please bear in mind that two things dominate, by far, the quality issue: (a) the manufacturing quality control in the factory that makes the top and (b) the care and thoroughness of the installation. There is a trade-off in weight: heavier is better for resisting tear through, but lighter is better for flexibility and abrasion from within that may arise from movement. Almost all our tops are a flexible medium density (36 oz.) fabric. Heavier is not better in most cases. Where it is, because of the top design, we will say so and the top will be made of the heavier vinyl.
Warranties outlined here are only applicable for products installed by a professional trim shop or professional upholstery shop. For Convertible Tops, and related products, the manufacturer will void the warranty for any product that is not professionally installed; manufacturer defects are covered by the warranty in such cases. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage due to improper installation.


Parts in this category (Ford Fair Lane & Sunliner) fit cars for years: 1955 and 1956.