Leaking hydraulics for convertable power top

SGS Welding · Guru

Leaking hydraulics for convertable power top

Lefty · Uber Guru

you have to pull it out of the car to do it properly

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

You are best to take the entire hydraulics out as 1 system. That includes the 2 cylinders, lines and pump. Then lay it out on a bench before trying to separate the individual components.
This way you won't get hydraulic fluid all over everything in the car. Also be careful and try not to get hydraulic fluid on your paint - it may not be too common but I've heard of people using brake fluid in convertible systems and we all know what brake fluid does to paint.
It should all come out straight forward as the cylinders are just bolted in on special pivots that thread out at top and bottom of each cylinder. The pump itself may be just in on rubber feet (plugs ) and not bolted down.
Be sure not to loose any of the fittings or bolts as they are unique.

Lefty · Uber Guru

if you need lit on how to re-fill and to test the system let m e know, it should be the same as mine
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SGS Welding · Guru

Wow Lefty that tells me everything!! thanks!

Just one more question, I am located in southwestern Ontario where is my best option to purchase parts?

Also with your expierince what would be your best guess as to whats leaking?

Are they known for cylinders? or lines?

Thanks again Greg

Lefty · Uber Guru

my guess would be seal on top of cyl.
not repairable as far as i know
search online for replacement

Lefty · Uber Guru

this place should have what you need
store.convertibleparts.com/

Lefty · Uber Guru

this looks like a cool tool to have

http://store.convertibleparts.com/f-m.html

deleted · Guru

.....I rebuilt a 66 GTO pump last winter and got everything from Convertible Service in california. Their online store is the one Lefty posted : store.convertibleparts.com . Good place to deal with.

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I would see if the leak is in the cylinder itself, or only in the line. I ran into the same problem about 10 years ago with my convertible on the passenger side, and fortunately the leak was in the line. I bought a new set of lines and problem fixed. Filling the pump is a real pain, had to use a small funnel and a flexible straw to get to the filler hole.

NOS · Poncho Master!

hi Greg; NOS Reproductions can supply you with a new cylinder. Cylinders are a sealed unit and are not repairable. PM me on Monday and I will get you a cost

dale@nosreproductions.com a poncho supporter

1-800-667-6200

come on guy,s $180.00 Can$ On our web site pn 204TC-46. And we are a dealer for Hydro-e-Lectric

Dale @ NOS a poncho supporter

-- Edited by NOS on Monday 2nd of June 2014 08:18:19 PM

marshalldude · Guru

bought my cylinders and line kit from our sponsor NOS great guys knowlegable and fast shipping only slow part is putting picture of my car in members ride section lol

BOSSY · Addicted!

Hydro-electric in Florida will have everything you need and reasonable priced. Google them.

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

My first thought when it comes to convertible hydraulics was also Hydro-electric.

Lefty · Uber Guru

take some pictures as you do it..
think i will order that filling system, i know when i did mine (pump replacement)
i did not know how to do it and i want to fill it

canpontiac57 · Veteran Member

Put the top all the way up, or half way up. You have to remove back seat and side panels. Older GM's had brake fluid in the system from factory, you don't want to get that on the paint. If you change out cylinders, refill with ATF. If the cylinder is leaking, you should replace both at same time, not just one. Otherwise cylinders might not go up/down at the same rate and you'll wind up with a problem.

Hydraulic pump/motor is under a cover behind the seat. It sits on 4 rubber grommets that push through the trunk pan. Put a little bit of lube on them and then work them out of their holes.

Unbolt the top of the cylinder ram from the convertible top bracket. There will be a nylon bushing in there, be careful not to lose. Then unbolt the cylinder from the bottom. Pull whole assembly out, fix what needs fixing and re-install. You can re-fill the reservoir before it goes back in the car. It's a self bleeding system, just need to work the top up and down a few times. If you need to add a little more fluid to the reservoir once it's installed back in the car, I use an oiling can with a flexible end. If you already own an oiling can, it's much cheaper than buying some re-filling kit.

Cylinders and pumps and pre-made hydraulic hoses are avaliable online. Check e-bay or similar.

It's not too bad a job once you get into it.

Lefty · Uber Guru

yes, take it out of the car before playing with it
my old pump had more fluid on the motor side then in the reservoir
dont know how it worked full of fluid but it did although slowly