1970 skylark top

Discussion in 'The ragtop shop' started by NYFDX, Jul 28, 2021.

  1. NYFDX

    NYFDX Member

    Greetings,

    I have a 70 skylark Conv, top goes down fine but I have some difficulty when trying to raise it. When I engage the up side of switch pump runs for 2-3 seconds before the top actually starts moving, then it hesitates about halfway through its up travel arc.

    I did replace the pump several years ago and bleed it IAW the service manual but am looking for some other thoughts on what the issue might be. Seems to have worsened some over the last few months.
    Thanks
     
  2. 69 GS 400

    69 GS 400 Well-Known Member

    See if it has enough fluid. The cylinders could be leaking and the way the metal is formed under the seat acts like a pan so you probably wouldn't see any fluid unless you take out the seat and have a look at the cylinders.
     
    Smartin likes this.
  3. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    When mine did that (down ok, up would stall and trip the breaker) it was the top motor. Yours may have failed again.
    Patrick
     
  4. NYFDX

    NYFDX Member

    Thanks gents
    Motor has Fluid, maybe I’ll pull the seat and try to look at the cylinders

    Can’t believe the motor would burn out again but I’ll look into getting another one
     
  5. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...if it's motor again, you may have electrical issues. Check pump ground first, then connections. IIRC, top circuit is not a robust design. Some here have added relays to take load off switch and route current directly to pump. For info search forum by "top relay"...
     
  6. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Double check fluid level and bleed before assuming bad motor.
     
  7. NYFDX

    NYFDX Member

    Question on how the bleed: I have the Fisher manual; do I start with an empty reservoir before I start to bleed it, i.e. get the fluid out and start from scratch following the manual?
     
  8. 69 GS 400

    69 GS 400 Well-Known Member

    Seeing the pump was changed a few years ago, l would leave the fluid in there as draining it would add more air. I would keep adding until you can cycle the air out by running the cylinders. When I changed my pump, I had the lines disconnected and held them as high as I could and prefilled them with a funnel I riged up. I believe Hydroelctric in Florida ? sell a pump set up to eliminate the air if you still have problems bleeding ,Maybe The Parts Place also. Another member said he used one and it worked great.
     

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