Convertible top pistons

[steve from staten island]

Ive been trying to bleed them the way i read but still one rises before the other and i still see that the lines are not solid (no air) with fluid. Any advise as what im doing wrong---Thanks

 

[Fran Blacker]

Let me know if they help or not. I'll look tomorrow if there is anything else, not to much info.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

How exactly did you bleed them?

I believe I bled mine by removing the plug on top the pump with the top up, fill with fluid, re-plug, move top up & down several times, repeat.

I think the OEM used "Type A" trans fluid, which I couldn't find.....think I used Dex/Merc trans fluid, but I can't remember for sure. Mine got dramatically better after bleeding, but still isn't "perfect" & still has a few bubbles, so you're probably in the same spot as I am.

My plan is to bleed it again in the Spring & maybe oil the hinges a little.

You might also double check for a leak. I had to replace one of my pistons. I didn't know it was leaking until I pulled the back seat & interior.

 

[Darthomas]

What he said.....
Only thing I ever did differently was to fill the reservoir and lay it back down sideways before running the top up and down a few times.
Must leave the cap loose enough to let air bleed out.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Agree with all above. Darthomas' about leaving the filler plug loose, like that. I'd have a pan under pump. After I sent pic's of manual I wonder if you changed one cylinder on the top? Maybe the older one isn't up to snuff, leaking inside?

 

[Fran Blacker]

Anything binding or needs a drop or two of oil? Any of the lines pinched.

 

[steve from staten island]

Got it working well and looks like lines are solid full of fluid. It seems it take awhile for fluid to push all air out and need to constantly fill/check. Then i noticed it. One piston is leaking fluid past the seal, not that bad but its leaking and im not about to take any chances. Will replace them both... More money LOL

 

[Fran Blacker]

Money spending never stops. Fix one thing another thing breaks.

 

[Fran Blacker]

I gave you some lousy advice. I would NOT oil top frame. Oil attracts dust/dirt, what was I thinking. Dry lube is the way to go. If something is rusty, I guess it would be better to take it apart, if possible clean and paint and reassemble.

 

[steve from staten island]

No problem. I used a very small amount of WD40 and wiped it down afterwards
Do have a question. How did you run the hoses to the pistons.in the back were the top would fold or behind the back seat?
Did you have the piston fittings toward the front of the car or facing toward rear of car. Thanks you've been a great help as others were also.

 

[Fran Blacker]

To be honest I haven't seen mine in 20+ years. I dyed my interior panels then, had whole interior out. In one of my posts there's picture, it looks the fittings go to the back. I was also able to find a diagram online by searching 1966 Satellite convertible top hydraulic pump or cylinder diagram. Let know how you make out. If you need a picture maybe I can take one. It's in a tough spot for pictures.

 

[Glenwood]

Here is a couple of pics from my 64

 

[coloradodave]

And my 63...

 

[steve from staten island]

Thanks for the pictures. I need to reroute my hoses for sure. The one piston is leaking for sure. I could probably get away with it for awhile but at this stage of the game replacing them when the interior is out makes more sense for me.