power top to manual?

[bugsville]

Hi All,

recently acquired a 1968 Catalina convertible with some issues with the power top. Until i can get it sorted, I would like to disconnect the power and make it manual for the time being. What is involved in this? Just disconnecting the motor? Any info is appreciated!

thanks!
Bill

[Larry]

If you just disconnect the motor (pump), you will still have hydraulic fluid inside that will make it a real bear to move (trying to cycle the fluid).

You will need to carefully (it can get messy) bleed out the hydraulic fluid and then leave the lines open so there is no liquid or air lock happening. That can be messy for a while too as excess fluid will spritz out as it cycles up and down. And, on top of that, it is probably a brake or brake-like fluid that can be very corrosive to surrounding metals.

Now, speaking of being a bear to move.... Even with all liquid lock eliminated, that is a heck of a big, heavy top to be moving manually. Plus, there will be no resistance in the down direction while putting it up or down. You don't want to crash it onto someone's head (or yours!), or get fingers caught where they don't belong. Get a friend to help or eat lots of Wheaties.

There are many places that sell top pumps and parts that aren't really very expensive when you consider the duty they perform.

[bugsville]

Thanks for the good info. I have been having to 'help' the top up and down - sometimes the switch is responsive and the motor hums, sometimes it is not and sometimes the motor will hiss almost as if fluid is spurting, but I haven't gotten into checking any of those components out yet (Been focusing on engine/transmission) - I may try and disconnect it and see if I can purge the system with some compressed air(?)

- it may be winter, but I am in Florida and the weather is perfect to have the top down!

thanks!