[eruvik]

Hello folks,

I have several questions about replacing the convertible top hydraulics. In particular, about refilling the system. I've seen several different methods described - including, I think, one here in the tech forum (which I can't find again). That one described running a line from a quart of atf directly into the pump and running the top up and down a few times. One question about that: can the motor remain in place when doing that?

I've also seen a method which specified that the motor had to be higher than the pistons when filling it with fluid. If the answer to the first question is yes, it seems like the line method would be easier. Any opinions or thoughts on these different methods?

The fluid in the lines now is pink, so I'm assuming it's atf. Is there any way to be sure of that? The reason I ask is that the pump still seems to be operating fine, so I'm only replacing the lines and pistons now (the old ones are leaking) - so there will presumably still be some old fluid in the system. Or should I ensure that the pump is drained too? Did they ever use brake fluid in a '66?

Finally - what's the best way to minimize a mess when taking the old system apart? Is there a good way of draining it before disconnecting the hoses?

Thanks for any help.

 

[1966_L78]

Hello folks,

I have several questions about replacing the convertible top hydraulics. In particular, about refilling the system. I've seen several different methods described - including, I think, one here in the tech forum (which I can't find again). That one described running a line from a quart of atf directly into the pump and running the top up and down a few times. One question about that: can the motor remain in place when doing that?

I've also seen a method which specified that the motor had to be higher than the pistons when filling it with fluid. If the answer to the first question is yes, it seems like the line method would be easier. Any opinions or thoughts on these different methods?

The fluid in the lines now is pink, so I'm assuming it's atf. Is there any way to be sure of that? The reason I ask is that the pump still seems to be operating fine, so I'm only replacing the lines and pistons now (the old ones are leaking) - so there will presumably still be some old fluid in the system. Or should I ensure that the pump is drained too? Did they ever use brake fluid in a '66?

Finally - what's the best way to minimize a mess when taking the old system apart? Is there a good way of draining it before disconnecting the hoses?

Thanks for any help.

Motor can remain in place when filling... Basically, you insert a hose/fitting into the pump "fill" hole (remove the rubber plug), and run a line into a container of ATF, usually placed on the floor of the trunk (not sure if the container needs to be lower than the pump?)... One of the convertible companies sells a kit that is nothing more than an actual tupperwhere bowl with a hole drilled in the lid, with a piece of clear vinyl tubing. Fill the bowl with ATF, snap on the lid with the end of the tubing in the fluid, place it on the trunk floor, then insert the other end of the tubing into the pump "fill" hole. I recall they also have a piece of metal tube inside the pump end of the vinyl tubing, but just to make it a snug fit in the pump... Then cycle the pump up and down...

I forget, but I think you want to end with the top down, and then remove the tube and put the plug back...

I know when I did mine, I think the top was up when I was done, after I replaced the plug, I guess the system was too full, and when I ran it again, it blew the seal out of the pump... What a mess! But other than a big mess, it was an easy fix...

I am not sure about compatability issues, because my system was completely dry, but I think I just used straight ATF...

 

[Bob Tiley]

Use Dexron ATF and end up with the top down (cylinders retracted fully). Just make sure the hose is snug in the reservoir to allow the suction to build up.
I ran mine up and down too many times and the motor overheated. It stopped working until it cooled off. I would suggest up and down about 10 times and if it still needs more to get the air out then take a break for a few hours