Topic: Convert top power cylinders

[68 S Code]

As posted in a previous thread I'm starting the restoration of the convertible top frame.  This topic is about the power top cylinders. They've been sitting disconnected from the system for 25 years. They didn't leak back then but I don't know what toll the last 2 decades had on any seals. I hate to install them, fill the system w PS fluid only to find my rear floors covered in fluid. Anyone out there know anyone who has a test stand? I've been told that I can hook up the pump lines to the cylinders (I have a spare pump), fill with fluid and use a battery to power up the pump. Supposedly can be done on the garage floor. I have reservations as I know the pump is grounded to the car body, there is a resistance jumper wire from the stater solenoid to a relay on the apron, plus a switch and some resistance from the top assembly on the cylinder pistons. If I do the home garage floor test will I burn up a pump and will I ruin potentially good cylinders. I would consider new cylinders but those which seem readily available don't seem to look like the originals. They seem to be generic one size fits all.

[Bob Gaines]

Also do not reuse old brittle plastic fluid lines. Use new lines if you don't want fluid all over incase of a break. Bob

[68 S Code]

Bob, Well I have an interesting issue with the lines. I stripped out a 67 vert which had a pump and lines behind the rear seat but it wasn't a power top car. Looked like a mix-up on the line because cylinders and switch etc were never installed. So I figured since it was all new never used I would use them. Since never had fluid in lines would you still feel I should replace?

[T Lea]

Old plastic, old seals=leaks

[68 S Code]

Tim are you referring to old seals in cylinders or in the never used pump?

[T Lea]

The cylinders but the pump could have issues as well

[68 S Code]

Does anyone rebuild cylinders or anyone make new ones that look like the originals. If yes contact info would be much appreciated.
Working with oz390 getting frame redone and would like to get cylinders worked on.

[Bob Gaines]

Bob, Well I have an interesting issue with the lines. I stripped out a 67 vert which had a pump and lines behind the rear seat but it wasn't a power top car. Looked like a mix-up on the line because cylinders and switch etc were never installed. So I figured since it was all new never used I would use them. Since never had fluid in lines would you still feel I should replace?

I would if it were my car. I know with my luck they would break. You can being pennywise and dollar foolish on some of these items. Bob

[68 S Code]

Anyone you would recommend for an original looking cylinder or does anyone rebuild them?

[CharlesTurner]

I've bought these before, they look pretty good.  Not 100% exact, but hard to tell once installed.

http://www.convertibleparts.com/hydrauli.htm

[68 S Code]

Thanks for the link caspian.

[Oz390]

Don't think anyone rebuilds the cylinders. From what I ahve been told to uncrimp and recrimp is a difficult job, almost requiring cutting the old crimped material off to get a good end for re-crimping, which makes the cylinders shorter and affects how they work...

[68 S Code]

Oz it looks like only one real option, buy new or take a risk with the originals.

[68 S Code]

Well I took a look at the old cylinders and the rods on both seem to move up and down easily. How do you install new ones into the big steel brackets. The originals are held in w/ big flat head pins on either side. Do these come out or are they pressed in? Are new pins like this available or do you end up using bolts with the replacements?

[Oz390]

Should be a plate on the inboard side of the bracket that comes off with 2 bolts.  Access through two round holes in the sheetmetal.  The pins for the brackets ae integral to the frame bracket.