64 dart power top for convertibles

rdb said
Two questions for the experts!!

Can a non functioning power top be raised by hand or do the hydraulics, etc, prevent this, that is if it's non fucntioning, for electrical or hydraulic reasons, it ain't coming up no way! so as much as it would be cool to have power top, am I better off in 2014 without one

When I had my 65 Dart with power top on the road, the power top work flawlessly every time up or down. Later on I bought a 65 Signet 'vert with a non-working power top and I was able to raise/lower it by hand, well two hands and a little extra effort.

rdb said
Can a non power top be retrofit to be power one, w/ new stuff or refurbed old stuff. What kind of job/expernse is this to have done? It occured to me that the top frame could be totally different.

Bob B

I think part of the top mechanism where the lifts attach is constructed differently than on a non-PT, which is spring assisted to raise/lower it. IMHO, I believe it would be easier to replace the top bows with the correct ones for a PT.

FWIW, I'm parting out/getting ready to cut up my 65 'vert to concentrate on my 65 wagon (too many projects and too much rusty quarters on the 'vert. So the complete PT set-up is available: top bows, lifts, motor, wiring, floor hardware, etc. IU see you in the Bethsda area which is about an hour or so from me should you be interested in the set-up.