My T-bird is making creaking/movement noises when the hardtop is on it

The noises you are experiencing are common. Ford came up with a "deck care kit" (part number 4W6Z-76202W30-AA) that basically is a thin layer of plastic that sits on the body where the top rests. This reduces noise and paint abrasion on the body. It's not terribly attractive, I must say, but it does help your issues. The 2002 model did not come with this part installed from the factory; later models did come with the part pre-installed. See if this helps you any. Good luck.

all cars flex and twist. convertibles more because they're not as stiff because a connected roof stiffens the car, even though the chasis is reinforced,it still flexes.it moves but hardtop on sitting on top doesn't, making the noise,them rubbing against each other, and worse, causing the paint to wear off if left on too long.most removable hardtops have this problem. i got stainless steel strips that are made for the problem at thunderbird concepts for like $130.they look great, like they shoulda been there all along and top only rest on the stainless steel so it can't mess up the paint anymore.looks really good.

there is a thin seal that can be purchased at ford that goes betwene the hard top and the car that will stop the squeking