1966 Wildcat can the top be manually raised?

I was wondering if there is a way to manually raise the top if it's down and some sort of mechanical failure renders the normal means inoperable.

jeremy

 

Release the top of the cylinder and have somebody help move the top- it's heavy, but will go up and down when disconnected from the cylinders.

 

We can help you diagnose the electro-mechanical top issue which you may want to try first.

 

The top hasn't been down in years but the motor turns when I push the button. I was just wondering if it had a built in backup in case you ever had the top down and had a dead battery or mechanical problem and wanted the top up.

jeremy

 

If the motor is turning, pull the back seat. Check to see if any fluid is leaking. Top off the fluid reservoir and bleed the lines. Lube all joints.

 

I pulled the seat and had a look around. I don't see any leaks.





Is the fluid level checked with the pump in place? By pulling that little rubber stopper? I believe the pump has been replaced, so would it be filled with ATF?



There is definitely air in the lines. Is there a preferred method for bleeding the system?

jeremy

 

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?236649-Power-top&highlight=bleeding+convertible+top+lines

 

Thanks for the link. I will enlist a helper this weekend and follow that bleeding procedure.

It's my understanding that some years brake fluid was used and others ATF. Is it true that mixing them is catastrophic?

jeremy

 

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...pump&highlight=ATF+fluid+convertible+bleeding

 

For years I thought the car had no rear seat belts but discovered otherwise when I pulled the rear seat.

I hope they clean up okay.

jeremy