Replacing convertible top lift hoses

[70RTdroptop]

Hi, everyone - haven't posted in a while here, but I get on the site when I can. Anyway, one of the hydraulic lines broke right next to the fitting on the top motor/pump . What the heck, they're over 40 years old and pretty brittle, right? So, I need pointers on replacing both sets of lines. I'm thinking that I might as well replace the actuator cylinders while I'm at it, and probably the pump as well. The power top actually works pretty well, considering how old all the components are.  So, how tough a job is it getting to, and replacing, the  hydraulic lines and actuators? What do I need to do to get it done before the good weather hits?
Thanks for the help!

[CudamanTom]

I installed mine last summer.

Very easy. Remove the rear seat and the two side panels.
If the cylinders aren't leaking I wouldn't mess with them. At $139 each, that's a bit much for just replacing them. Same goes for the pump. But they are all easy to replace if you desire.

I have pics on my thread on post #135 which shows everything removed and pump, cylinders and lines installed and servicing the pump.
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97175.msg990630#msg990630

Hopefully it will help.

Tom

[70RTdroptop]

Thanks for the quick reply, Tom! You were able to  answer all of my questions, and the link you supplied was fantastic! Pics were really helpful.
Appreciate the help. Thanks again, Tom!
Bob

[CudamanTom]

Thanks for the quick reply, Tom! You were able to  answer all of my questions, and the link you supplied was fantastic! Pics were really helpful.
Appreciate the help. Thanks again, Tom!
Bob

Very nice Bob and thank you. 

If you don't mind, post some pics of what you are doing. We all like to see pics and it helps others out in the same or similar situation. 

[ShelbyDogg]

I would change both cylinders. The new ones have a metal top, originals are plastic. When I was testing my cylinders and pump on the floor. The top of one cylinder popped off with the top of the cylinder splitting down the side. Isn't it worth $280 to not have a top cylinder explode inside your seat area? My cylinders weren't even lifting the top when one popped.

If you hit the junk yards, they are full of convertibles. I used the lines, pump and relay off of a newer convertible. Our old pumps have an up and down windings. The new ones have a single reversing winding with a relay to control it. That is what I used to save my top lift switch from having to carry all of the current.

[70RTdroptop]

Well, I received my replacement hoses from Classic Industries ( good price on them , by the way ). After I got the seats out, the panels off, and the mouse nests cleaned out, I got a good look at the cylinders. They're both leaking, not bad, but they sure won't fix themselves. So, I need to bust into the piggy bank for some funds to get new cylinders. Which leads me to my next question : what's the proper procedure in removing the old cylinders, and installing the new ones?
Thanks,
Bob

[CudamanTom]

Loosen up that outer bracket holding the cylinder in place. The cylinder should come loose. Remove the hoses and it should come out with no problems.

[70RTdroptop]

Thanks, Tom! What about the install, though? Doesn't the cylinder need to be pressured up to move the rod into position, or can that be done by a little elbow grease? Not quite sure how all that works, and what I need to be prepared to do.
Bob

[CudamanTom]

Bob,
I would suggest connecting the rod end to the top frame first. And with the hoses disconnected, pull or push the cylinder to get it the main frame mounting holes. Tighten the bracket, connect the hoses and run the system several times to bleed out the air. Then top off the pump and you should be good to go.
 

Tom

[70RTdroptop]

Okay, Tom, it looks like all my questions have been answered. Thank you guys for all the time you've spent getting me squared away!
Bob

[CudamanTom]

Okay, Tom, it looks like all my questions have been answered. Thank you guys for all the time you've spent getting me squared away!
Bob

Glad to hear Bob. That's what we like to hear. 

Some day, you will be of help to me. It works both ways here.