I have just about run out of other things to fix on my 61, and have begun to turn my attention to the power top. I think it would be nice to get it operational, since this was a very rare option on 61-62's. The power unit does not run and is disconnected from the top and from the compartment lid. However, all the switches, wires, cylinders, solinoids, etc. appear to be present. Some are disconnected, as is the ground wire from the motor. One item I have not located is the pair of 30 amp in line fuses between the control switch and the top compartment safety switch. Are these under the dash? Can anyone tell me if there is a chronic problem with these units, or one particular part that I ought to check first? This one apparently failed and was disconnected with no apparent attempt to repair it. Any trouble shooting or repair tips would be appreciated.
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Re: C1 power folding top
Ed-----
I know little or nothing regarding these early power tops used on C1s (or much else about C1s, for that matter). However, there is a fellow that usually advertises in Hemmings that sells parts for "old car" power tops. I'd bet that he might be the man to call with the questions that you have. I get the impression that he might be an "old timer".In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C1 power folding top
Hello Ed:
I inquired of the DB a while back in anticipation of restoring a 62 PT with a friend, which I have yet to do. I saved the contact information suggested by several including Vinnie Peters who had his 62 PT done by George, ( for some reason I didn't save his entire name, hope he is a first name sorta guy ) 610-566-9501.
jerComment
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Re: C1 power folding top
Ed, The person Jerry mentioned last name is George King (I don't have his number either). I'm pretty familar with the '56 power top units. However they did not fuse between the deck top and the deck safty switch. Units originally use brake fluid as the hydraulic medium. If this "stuff" is still in your system I'd advise cleaning it out completely and using Automatic Tans fluid as a replacement. Replacment cylinders are available. Can be told from originals but are very hard to see when installed. Every switch contact should be check for clean contact and no resistance. One contact that decides it doesn't want to work results in a section of your top sequencing system not operating. The two solenoid valve assemby's in the trunk hopefully are working (brake fluid does nasty things to the small passages in these assembly's). They can be refurbished. If your 61 has 2 X 4 BBLs you'll know what I mean when I say that an operation power top requires "tweaking and patience" to keep in working condition. Feel free to take any questions to me off NDB. RegardsComment
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Re: C1 power folding top
Hi Jim, Thanks, as always, for the advise. THe ST-12 shows two 30A. in line(?) fuses between the dash switch and the lid compartment safety switch. The ST-12 is not really model specific, could these be on later cars only? I can't find them in any event, but then again I haven't dived into it head first yet either.
The 2X4's are running fine, with no maintenance. The only real problem is that they run rich until the manifold heats up good. The previous owner neglected to install a heat riser, and this takes about 5 min to occur. Once engine is at normal temp, there is no cloud of vapor at WOT or black spots under the exhaust pipes at idle.Comment
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Re: C1 power folding top
Ed: Thought I would share a quick story with you. I have a 62 power top car that, when purchased, the major pieces had been removed; pump, cylinders, wiring, etc. The switches and original trunk division panel were still there along with the firewall circuit braker and dashboard toggle switch. I just missed an original complete unit in California, but the owner had traded it for a 58 grill to a Boeing test pilot. The new owner reluctantly took it as trade to keep as a backup unit to his "several power top solid axle cars". I spoke with the new owner who, after some arm twisting, agreed to sell me the complete unit. I also found out the individual was not an NCRS member and had four power top solid axle cars. I do not want to even insinuate he was anything but exceedingly nice and informative. His back ground was hydralic engineering and chief test pilot at Boeing. His commments regarding the power tops were almost comical. I suppose compared to the hydraulics of military jets, these things are pretty dumb. When he said he rebuilt every unit he had and they all ran perfect, I asked a lot of questions. His advice was simple, first don't be afraid of these things - they are really basic pumps, valves, cylinders and switches. Cleanliness is paramont, so when you start the rebuild, wash them out with soap and water - he suggested soaking the valves in liquid ivory and warm water. He said he only used silicon hydralic fluid in his units. He also said he never put a unit into a car until it performed perfectly on the workbench. I hung up the phone realizing, once again, that we have a tendency to over complicate things in our hobby. When I received the box, everything was there and in pretty good shape. I haven't had the opportunity to do so, but I was invited to stop by and see his collection of four power top solid axle and four big block midyear vettes.Comment
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