convertible top questions

[ducter]

Been working on my sister's 63 valiant, it's a convertible but power has been disconnected and is now a manual top. Wanting to get it working for her, what will I be getting into? Never messed with one and about all I know is the knob on the dash does nothing.

Anyone familiar with these, what's involved with them etc I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

 

[65 Dartman]

IIRC power comes to the center post of the switch from the ammeter. The outer posts do the up and down to the motor. When I get home I'll double check that to make sure. Can scan the PT part of the wiring diagram and send it to you.

 

[ducter]

IIRC power comes to the center post of the switch from the ammeter. The outer posts do the up and down to the motor. When I get home I'll double check that to make sure. Can scan the PT part of the wiring diagram and send it to you.

Great thanks a lot. That would be very helpful, at least I could make sure wiring is correct.

 

[Jim Lusk]

The stock switch on a 67-69 convertible has a circuit breaker attached to the side, but the power does come from the ammeter to that post. I like the relay arrangements that can be found in LeBaron convertibles as it takes a load off the switch. It is likely that either the pump/motor is bad or the cylinders. Check with the different convertible top companies online for the cylinders. The pumps have not changed in fifty years (certainly not through the 90s).

 

[66Dvert]

If you need a pump, you can use a later year 93 ish foxbody mustang pump. mine I found in the salvage yard for about 25.00 and it had recently been replaced it has all the same plugs that our cars do. the cylinders are cheapest at convertible top specialists in inverness florida 119.00 each Vs 149.00 everywhere else. hoses are around 100.00 a set. (none of the later years cars that I have looked at in the yards are long enough to fit:banghead

 

[65 Dartman]

The stock switch on a 67-69 convertible has a circuit breaker attached to the side, but the power does come from the ammeter to that post.

The circuit breaker on the 63-66 models is located behind the driver's side kick panel.