72 Lesabre convert problems

Well we have some problems in the Lesabre world. I alos posted this in the bench hoping it would get some more views their. As I dig into the Lesabre convertible top further I have found that both cables for either side and the motor is fried. The whole set up looks like a glorified power seat motor and cables, and is 100% different than an A body. It is mechanical, not hydraulic. Any idea where to find this stuff? Will Impala stuff work or is it completely different? Sugestions? Thanks for any help. Tony

 

That is known as a scissors top. do a search on scissors and you'll find lots of info. Yuk is the resident expert.

 

Any full size GM convertible from 1971 - 1976 uses the same roof. Impala stuff will work and they seem to have the strongest aftermarket support. You can have a chat with these guys http://www.hydroe.com/.

It's a complex roof but it does have some advantages. It never leaks hydraulic fluid, for the same reason it doesn't leak kool-aid. It doesn't have any to leak. It folds behind the rear seat, not beside it. This means a full size rear seat which is rare in a convertible. When properly adjusted they work quite well.

Here are the things to look out for. The side cables must be attached or the middle bows don't work right and bend their joints. The screw that attaches to the first header likes to unscrew itself and the rear spring attachment point sometimes unclips itself. The side arms press against the roof at the bottom corner of the rear side window. If the metal presses on the reinforced seam it's ok, if it presses against the top it rips. You'll see 75% of the tops on these cars have a small tear at this place. I'm going to run a dremel over this area and smooth the metal before I have my next roof installed.

It helps to put the car in Park or Neutral and rev the engine a bit. This spins the alternator to provide more energy to raise and lower the roof.

Synchronise the drive cables once per year. With the roof raised and latched you unscrew each drive cable from the actuator. The roof will settle just a bit and you screw it back on. Do both sides. You don't need to disassemble anything to get at the ends. It takes 2 minutes at the most.

 

I am pretty good with the a body stuff, but this is all new. I appreciate the info. Hopefully everything else is in good shape. Thanks Tony

 

tony, if you dont yet have a GM service manual that covers you top...PM me your mailing address and i will send you a CDRom of the scissortop portion from my 1974 (all 71-76 are pretty much the same) GM service manual.