I have a 65 Chevelle convertible that keeps blowing fuses when I operate the top, plus I need to replace one of the cylinders. Since I'm going to be repairing this as I have the time money, can the cylinders be disconnected from the frame and the top be put up and down manually until I get the top fixed?

Thanks

Yes.
Doing it alone from the side can twist it more than you (or it) might want or need to, so get some help from a second person. Alternatively, if you are flexible and strong enough you can stand in the middle of the back seat and do it from there. Neither option is great but sometimes we do what we must.

When my 72 vert was having top problems I got in the back seat in the center as said above with everything still hooked up and raised and lowered mine. It is quite heavy so be careful and go very slow .With the cylinders disconnected it should be easier I would think.

.With the cylinders disconnected it should be easier I would think.
:noway: That top frame is a heavy SOB. IF you disconnect the cylinders, you MUST be very careful where you lift the top frame at, or you may be missing a few fingers. Quite a few pinch points in the top mechanism.

Manual tops are counterweighted by a spring mechanism that assists in raising/lowering the top.

I used to keep an open-ended wrench (9/16"?) handy in case of the combination of rain and the switch being finicky again. I once almost had to disconnect the cylinders because of a rain storm, but was just barely able to limp the switch along.

It can be done. I did it a few times before I got a new top motor. The best way is to work it up from the driver's seat to about 1/3 of the way, and then get it the back seat and ease it down in steps. Do not force anything -- it's real easy to twist those frame joints when you're putting that kind of leverage on it.

Thanks for your input everyone. I'll start another thread requesting a wiring schematic for the power top.