Convertible Top Cylinders and Lines Replacement
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- čas přidán 27. 04. 2022
- In this video I put the rebuilt motor and pump assembly back on my 68 Cutlass convertible. Next, it’s a total replacement of the power top pieces to include hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic lines. While it didn’t start out this way it ended that way. It really wasn’t that bad to replace the necessary parts. So, if you want to see what’s involved please watch the video. You can buy the cylinders from "autoparts_premium" on eBay.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Just bought new lines for my 67 GS400 due to wear/breakage. Wasn’t going to replace the cylinders but now thinking twice about it. Thanks.
my 69 Olds 442 uses the exact same everything as my friends 65 Mustang - amazing both auto makers outsourced this and it all matches up - I bought my 2 pistons on ebay for about $110 each - as far as I can tell they are all the same
you got the good cylinders
Thank you Dan for this great video!!! I'm in the process of converting my manual Convertible top (Chevelle) to a power top. I bought the whole conversion Kit from Hydro-electric and they gave me a bunch of parts and not one diagram to install. I'm going in blind on this and your video explained a lot of the process. I just hope I don't have a problem with my line coming apart like yours did.
I just baught a 1968 buick skylark convertible I will definitely follow your steps thank you sir
Good luck!
Thank you that was great and realistic how it would be for me also great steps and advice to do it all not just one side
Hey Dan - GREAT video! Thanks for the much needed education!
You bet!
First, thank you for being so open about the process and showing the issues you encountered. That is such a helpful thing to see!! Overall, your video really was very good. It was easy to see what you were doing most of the time and your commentary helped shed some light on your procedure. A few questions:
1. in bleeding the system, you took out the plug from the motor and filled it w/ jack oil. You then tested the system. I'm assuming you left the plug off and then ran the system? Refilled it to the bottom of the fill hole, ran the system, rinse, repeat until you didn't see any air in the lines?
2. where did you get the hydraulic lines from and what did they run you?
3. I think you said you rebuilt the motor? If so, did you record that process and where did you get parts to do the rebuild? If you bought a new motor, could you share where you purchased it and for how much?
Thanks again for the very informative video!!
Hi Michael, thank for your feedback. To answer your questions:
1. Yes leave the plug out while bleeding the system, reinstall the plug when your all done. I didn’t worry about air bubbles in the system like you would brakes. All I cared about was the top went up and down smoothly. When that happened which I think was two cycles of up and down. I was done.
2. I bought the lines from "hydroelectric2009" on eBay for $89. I really liked the vendor in spite of the fact the one lines had an issue but he replaced it for free.
3. I did rebuild the pump and checked the motor, the video for that should be linked at the end of this video. I bought the parts for that video from "convertible-service-parts" on eBay for like $23.
Happy that I could provide some insight, and good luck with your top.
@@f119045 Just wanted to thank you for getting back to me and for doing so in such a timely manner!! Looking forward to applying your tips, tricks and knowledge in my rebuild. Not sure if you did your seats yet, but good luck w/ those - stretching fabric can be.....fun(?).
@@f119045 Hello again, Dan. So it's been about a year since we last talked about this project. Getting ready to finally start mine and was wondering how your parts are holding up? I recall the replacement cylinders were built differently than the original (replacement: pressed on top and two pieces including the cap on the bottom vs original: pressed on top but solid, one piece bottom portion). Any issues with your replacement lines? Thanks, Michael.
thanks,,,,,, Now I know what to look for.....on my 71..
excellent! thank you.
Dude, what is that gnarly thing on your right hand !
It was a wart, after the third doctors visit, I think the doctor had had enough and super froze that area and gave me a big blood blister. The area is fine now with no evidence left from the trauma.
@@f119045 couldn’t help but notice it from your video which just thought I’d let you know I have a 69 GTO convertible that i’ve been carrying around since 1983 and worked on it when I had money and didn’t when I didn’t have no money which was most of the time but anyway thank you for your video.
wow what a mess! always be sure your fittings are set right and tight ,but you did it..
Hello Dan. Thank you for this video. It was extremely helpful. I have a 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible and will need to do the same by replacing the motor, cylinders and hoses. My car is completely torn apart. How is the electric harness for the top ran from the switch? Is there a mid junction relay or direct from the dash switch?
There is a relay between the switch and the motor. I believe its located in the engine compartment.
Dan do you have a video on how to replace the side panels to get to the cylinders? Also how can u tell if the pump is ok. I’d rather not replace that if I don’t have to
Sorry I don't have any video but you should be able to see all the screws and remove the window handle and then panel comes off. If the pump turns on and spins most likely it can be saved.
thanks for the video!!
You bet!
Do I have to get the exact hose for the car ? I have 68 lemans , and the top lines broke , what would you recommend boss
I would imagine they are the same lines. I think you should be safe but you could always ask the seller before ordering to make sure.
@@f119045 thanks found them , used the same cylinder amd connected ever thing but top doesn't go down and no liquid coming out on the too half , and no sound from the switch, switch looks connected and top goes up , so figured that was ok , so do you think it's the cylinder ?! Or wiring I noticed my connect near cylinder has alot of gunk on it , can I cut that out and connect wires directly ? For possible fix ?
Im bleeding the pump on a 68 camaro and have been leaving the plug in during bleeding and it has blown the plug out of the pump twice. Would leaving the plug in during bleeding cause this?
Its definitely possible that is what caused the plug to pop out.
I was watching you install those lines on the cylinders, wondering why you didn’t install O-rings on them or even say anything about
I do talk about an O-ring problem around 16:15 and installed a new O-ring then. I really don't mention them to much because they were installed by the factory on the cylinders and I did show installing them on the pump in another video. If you have any other questions let me know.
Do you know the bolt sizea for mounting the cylinders? Mine are all missing
I am not sure of the size becasue of the unique shape of the bolt. But you can find them on ebay under "68-72 Gm A-Body Convertible Top Cylinder Pivot Mounting Bracket Bolt"
Where did u buy those cylinders from?
I bought my cylinders from "autoparts_premium" on eBay.
Dan, or anybody out there, is it feasible to disconnect the ram cylinders to make my top Manual?? or, will it be to awkward to pull it up? Too heavy? Thinking of skipping the hydraulics all together. Car is a 1968 GTO, so, GM. Thx, G
These convertible mechanisms are heavy not to even mention the canvas tops. I recommend getting the hydraulics working again, I don’t recommend a manual approach.
I'm converting my manual top to a power top. There are heavy springs to help lift and lower the top. I must remove these. There's a process to removing them so they don't go flying. The top MUST BE half way down to release tension. I'm not sure why you want to go the other route. I find it a PIA to raise my top by hand.
It's been 2 years, are those Chinese parts still working?
Yes all is still working with no issues!
After watching this makes me realize I don't need a pump for my 1964 chevelle convertible malibu 😅
LOL but just think of all the fun you’ll be missing.
the manual says to use transmission fluid ....
I know but somehow I prefer standard hydraulic oil.
Where's the seal tape the threads
Your right I should have but so far no issues.
website for pistons
I bought my cylinders from "autoparts_premium" on eBay.
@@f119045 did you get pistons for the 1970 impala because I didn’t see any for the 68 - 72 cutlass for sale through autoparts_premium not sure if the top cylinders are the same through those models.
@@Problem53 They are listed now as "Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder for Buick Skylark Special Chevy Chevelle Olds" from autoparts_premium. They are only listed as a 442 convertible part but its the same body as the Cutlass S.
@@f119045 thank you
@@Problem53 Your welcome and good luck with your project.