I have just bought a ragtop '69 Wildcat. It has been sitting in the garage for 12 years and has not been moved. It hasn't even been started! What should my concern be about this top before I attempt to move the top down? Also, I am going to have to clean it - it is full of mold since it has been sitting in the wet garage here in the moist Seattle climate. What should I use to clean it safely?o No:
Reverend, I didn't notice this post before but please don't drop that top. Check to see if you even have fluid in the lines. If you see blue crystals, the top won't budge. Also, check the rams (the part that actually moves the top, the hydraulic cylinders) for rust. If they are rusty, the rust will rip the seals and make a leak. To clean the rams, use whatever you'd use to clean a chromed steel part. Don't make any burrs. Bumper cleaner or somesuch should work if really necessary. Don't be tempted to use emery cloth, seems like a real bad idea. Common sense should be enough. Start with something mild like WD-40 (which was designed as a cleaner, dontcha know) and go from there. I'd spend a lot of elbow grease on the rams before I went to something drastic like a rust remover...actually, I would replace the rams if they were so bad they needed rust remover, personally. Convertible tops that see regular use typically don't have many problems...I've done nothing more than clean and lubricate hinges and the rams with 3 in 1 oil for the last 14 years with no problems, and the hydrualic system is the original one in my car. The ones with issues seem to be the ones that haven't seen use for years. Good luck:TU:
Very good advice, Chris, I will add one more step: put a drop or two of tranny fluid at the base of the shaft so it can soak the seal of the cylinder and lubricate the shaft as it retracts into the cylinder.
Thanks Sounds like good advice. I am not getting around to the top for a bit, but when I do I will have your notes close at hand.:grin:
Doesn't look like it has rot anywhere. Still seems pretty supple and strong. especially since it had some mildew growing on it. Gives an indication of the moisture level. The mildew came off pretty easy with a rag and soap though. Just surficial. Nothing serious that way.
