Convertible Top Pump Fluid?? 1963 Valiant

Rusted, dry, stiff and bent top iron hinge and pivots will cause pump to labor. Low fluid level will cause poor top action as well by not equally moving both pistons causing binding or top irons.

One thing you can do is disconnect top of hydraulic piston from top irons, and operate the top by hand. This will quickly show any pivot, slip joints, and hinge points that are stiff needing some cleaning and lubrication with some type that won’t attract dirt such as Teflon, or silicone.

Also if you find the fluid level is low, you need to find the leak and repair it, than top off with fluid and bleed air out of system. Bleeding is easily accomplished with top up, both hydraulic cylinders detached from top irons, and running pump up & down adding fluid as needed as air is displaced. Once both pistons go up and down at the same time, reconnect to top irons.