Where to source Hydraulics for Stepdown convertible top.

[Deleted User]

I also need to buy the hydraulic cylinders, pump, and electric switches and relays necessary for my top. For years I was gong to do it the stock way like it should be done. Now that I am actually at the point where I have to do it I have given up on my lofty dreams and decided to go the easy route. Now I need to find out just what the "easy route" is for sure. From what I can gather so far you must buy a 6 Volt Hydraulic pump that will run both directions. When the pump is running in one direction the top goes up and when it runs in the other direction the top goes down. Then all you need to do is have a way to reverse the polarity to the motor on the pump. You could use a double pole double throw momentary switch mounted under the dash to reverse the polarity to the motor but then you would need to run wires back to the motor that are heavy enough to carry the motor current. Or it looks like they also do it with a relay back by the motor and then you can run lighter gauge wires to the relay from a switch under the dash. Can you guys give me some ideas on how you have seen it done and where to get the pumps, rams, relays, switches, and hydraulic lines. I see Hydroelectric has the pump with a relay:http://www.hydroe.com/product_detail.html?id=5006&parts=Hudson Eight All - Top Motor Pump - 6 Volt
I see convertible-specialists is another place that has the 6volt pump :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-1955-Lincoln-Capri-new-6-volt-convertible-top-hydraulic-pump-motor-/220287807344?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=

Another thing is a way to get the hydraulic fluid to the cylinders. Since the cylinders move a little as the top goes up and down I guess that means you have to use flexible hoses, like brake lines, where the hydraulic lines connect to the cylinders. Could you do it safely by making a loop in the steel tubing so it could flex as the hydraulic cylinder moves a little? Thanks again for your input. Rob

RL Chilton

Rob-

Technically yes, you could put a loop in your hard line directly off of your cylinder so it could "move" a little with the movement of the cylinder. I think the repetitive use would eventually weaken and then break your hard line.

Originally, there is a short rubber line that attaches to your cylinder and then mounts to the hard line 5 or 6" away to allow for that movement at the bottom of the cylinder.

Would it work? Yes.

Is it a good way to go? I don't think so in the long run.

nick s

If you want to do it correct, Hydroelectric has everything to fix the control valve and pump or they are willing to do it. They even have repopped the control valves complete. the pump as you showed will work on a non power window car. maybe you could work a trade for some of your plastic switch parts.

[Deleted User]

Nick, I'm thinking of doing it with the reversible pump to get it done faster and be ready to drive to San Mateo. I spent 7 months working on nothing but steering wheel casting. I got to thinking I better get busy on this top if I expect to get it done and still have time to drive the car, and get it sorted out, before the drive to San Mateo. It only has about 1600 miles on it since I got it on the road and mechanical problems seem to keep cropping up. I know I would enjoy doing the hydraulics the stock way and hopefully someday I will. Thats an interesting point you made about the reversible pump only working on a non power window car. I hadn't realized that before.

PAULARGETYPE

ROB I USED THE REVERSIBLE PUMP IT WORKS GREAT AND WAS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GO I MADE UP MY OWN HOSES YOUR ONLY RUNNING FROM THE PUMP TO THE CYL'S I DITCHED ALL THE TUBEING UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE ROCKER MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE POWER WINDOWS I'M GUESSING YOUR PACEMAKER DOESN'T HAVE THEM TOO I BOUGHT THE TOP CYL'S FROM HYDRO EL. IN FL.

HUDSONLY
PAULARGETYPE

SuperDave

Another vote for Hydroelectric in florida. They are great to deal with. I got a very rare defective (intermittent) window cylinder from them, they sent a replacement upon notification and picked up the shipping costs as well. I now have four of thier window cylinders and will use thier top cylinders when the time comes!

[Deleted User]

Tim, I would prefer to do it like you did and rebuild the original pump but I've decided to go with the new pump, mainly to save time.

Paul, I'm going to do it the same way you did. You are right, my pacemaker doesn't have power windows.

Dave, I did decide to go with Hydroelectric. Last night I ordered the Pump and Relay. The pump for $269, 2 Cylinders for $272, plus $25 shipping for a total of $572. I paid with paypal. I got an email from them this morning saying they have the parts in stock and they will ship in the next 24-48 hours. Rob

[Deleted User]

I will try to keep the pictures coming Tim. I've got a sample of the gray top material being sent so I can see if it matches good enough to the interior gray vinyl. If it does then I will call Bob Rosol and order the top. He will have it drop shipped from the manufacturer.
I hope I get to see your cars sometime. Rob