convertible lift cylinders

[brotow]

I'm getting my 70 challenger convertible top ready.  One piston leaks from the seal at the top. I know these are available, I rather go the cheap way if I can. Is there a rebuild kit?  Also another option I have is a pump and pistons from a 90's lebaron. The extended length as what I can tell is 17 1/4"  and retracted length is 11 3/4" on the original challenger pistons,  the 90's lebaron  are also 17 1/4" extended, but 10 1/2" retracted. From what I can tell retracted would be when the top is lowered. Would the lebaron pistons work if they were let allowed not to fully retract by letting go of the power top switch ?

[CudamanTom]

In my search that past summer for convert cylinders.
I couldn't find rebuild kits. And all cylinders I did find were $130 each new.
The Lebaron cylinders I've never messed with.
I would think the shorter retract position wouldn't be a problem. The top will rest in it's relaxed state once down and switch off.
The only question I would think is the mounting nubs to hold the cylinder in place (the right location on the cylinder and right size) and the holes at the end of the rods that connects to the top frame.
If those checked out I would assume they would work.

Just my thoughts.

[brotow]

The lebaron cylinders look exactly the same.  I will try them when I install the top. Do you know jf there a detail drawing of the ends of the top that bolts onto the car somewhere? The replacement cylinders are currently $139 each.

[1 Wild R/T]

If you happen to come across a K car convertible, Aries, Reliant or 600 their cylinders are virtually 100% identical to E body cylinders.. I still have a spare set for my vert cause they were so common in wrecking yards 10-15 years ago, I bought 7 pump, line & cylinder sets & never paid more than $75.00.... The whole system bolts right in & ever the wires plug right in...

[CudamanTom]

The lebaron cylinders look exactly the same.  I will try them when I install the top. Do you know jf there a detail drawing of the ends of the top that bolts onto the car somewhere? The replacement cylinders are currently $139 each.

I'm not sure of the answer to your question.

Please let us know how things turn out on your trial run with them.

[CudamanTom]

If you happen to come across a K car convertible, Aries, Reliant or 600 their cylinders are virtually 100% identical to E body cylinders.. I still have a spare set for my vert cause they were so common in wrecking yards 10-15 years ago, I bought 7 pump, line & cylinder sets & never paid more than $75.00.... The whole system bolts right in & ever the wires plug right in...

That's great to know stuff right there. Thanks for sharing that. 

[ShelbyDogg]

Don't use and original cylinder if you have the chance to buy a newer one. I had my old cylinders on the floor, lines and pump hooked up and was cycling the cylinders, when the top split down the side and the top blew off. I'm glad this wasn't installed when it happened. I bought 2 brand new cylinders and used a junk yard pump with the single motor winding and the reversing relay.  Look into that type since the original had 2 windings. One for up and one for down.  Newer verts have the newer motors in them.