Author Topic: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?  (Read 11433 times)

Offline CudaHead

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1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« on: December 30, 2015 - 02:06:43 PM »
Anyone have experience converting a 70 Convertible from Manual to Power top?
Any insight would be appreciated.

CudaHad




Offline 340challconvert

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2015 - 02:26:32 PM »
A company called Hydro E-Lectric sells many needed parts including cylinders and power top motors.  There is a company called M&H Electric Fabricators that makes reproduction wiring, distributed by Year One.  You would also need the bracket to be welded in that holds the top motor; maybe AMD makes this.
I added the links for these companies.
http://www.hydroe.com/http://www.wiringharness.com/
A factory manual with a wiring diagram is available on line if you do not the manual.
You would also need a new left side dash panel with four switch openings to add the power top switch if you want a factory look.  The factory switch is hard to find, but I think the panel is reproduced depending on your dash (regular or ralley)
Good luck with the mods
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015 - 02:30:29 PM by 340challconvert »
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Offline crocha617

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2015 - 02:36:07 PM »
The bracket should already be in place. They all came with the motor bracket in place. You need cylinders, lines, motor, harness, switch panel, relay. Most of the stuff is available via ebay/year one. The switch panel/switch will be the toughest item.

Offline CudaHead

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2015 - 03:05:05 PM »
Thanks for the responses.  Looks like I can find the parts.
I'm collecting the manuals now. This should be fun.

CudaHad

Offline AARTA340

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2015 - 03:08:10 PM »
A quote from Alan---Ebay is your friend. Found this switch. Have seen others that are repops for around 2 bills.  :2thumbs:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-71-Barracuda-Challenger-CUDA-Convertible-Top-Control-Switch-with-Bezel-/191758601492?hash=item2ca5b40d14:g:oYIAAOSwYGFUwZAd&vxp=mtr

Offline CudaHead

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2015 - 03:21:36 PM »
Yeah, EBay gets my money on a regular basis.
Thanks

CudaHad

Offline 340challconvert

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2015 - 05:37:34 PM »
A quote from Alan---Ebay is your friend. Found this switch. Have seen others that are repops for around 2 bills.  :2thumbs:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-71-Barracuda-Challenger-CUDA-Convertible-Top-Control-Switch-with-Bezel-/191758601492?hash=item2ca5b40d14:g:oYIAAOSwYGFUwZAd&vxp=mtr


Wow-good find, especially with the top up/down switch!
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Offline Falbz

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2015 - 06:15:58 PM »
Check out Members restoration section - think cudamantom was his SN and he has a lot of detailed pics of this conversion. 
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015 - 06:30:14 PM by Falbz »

Offline 340challconvert

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2015 - 07:54:53 PM »
Additional pic of the convertible bracing
I am currently restoring my A66 convertible and am documenting the disassembly.  Just removed the back seat!  Good picture of the pump bracket location and placement
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015 - 08:17:30 PM by 340challconvert »
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Offline anlauto

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2015 - 08:12:48 PM »
Not sure what your point is :clueless:

He has a "convertible" with a manual top and he wants to make it into a power top.....It has nothing to do with a "hardtop"  :o
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline 340challconvert

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2015 - 08:15:10 PM »
Not sure what your point is :clueless:

He has a "convertible" with a manual top and he wants to make it into a power top.....It has nothing to do with a "hardtop"  :o
I stand corrected. Not sure what I was thinking!
1970 Challenger A66 Registry

Offline CudamanTom

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #11 on: January 01, 2016 - 12:58:21 PM »
Check out Members restoration section - think cudamantom was his SN and he has a lot of detailed pics of this conversion.


Thanks for the plug Falbz.  :wave:

Here is the link to my build. I think this link will take you to the page of convertible stuff on page 10.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97175.135

I received my cuda with both manual and power latches/locks but no power (hydraulic/wiring/switch parts).

As mentioned, the switch panel can be hard to find and expensive. BUT, (if you are on a budget) you can use a non-convertible switch panel and bore out the hole for the convertible switch and get the sticker that indicates the "Top Lift". It's pictured on page 4 of my thread.

I looked for a long time on find used good parts but only found the pump and lines, which works just fine. I went with new cylinders. I would suggest going with "new" on all the hydraulic parts (pump, lines & cylinders) if you can.

There are power top latches/locks out there. I already had mine from the previous owner.

Hydroe, Ebay, Moparts and this forum are your friends for convertible parts.  :bigsmile:

If you have any questions, I will gladly help out where needed.

Tom
1971 Cuda Vert 440-833 - (clone)
1971 Cuda 440-727 - (clone)


Because I like it fast!!!

Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #12 on: January 01, 2016 - 01:38:28 PM »
If you have a Rallye Dash, performancecar graphics sells the TOP LIFT switch panel:

http://www.performancecargraphics.com/Dash_Stuff/Woodgrain/E-body_Rallye_Wood_Plates.htm
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
06 300c SRT8
04 2500 QCLB 4x4 HO

Offline CudaHead

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #13 on: January 01, 2016 - 09:41:06 PM »
Pictures really help. Thanks guys.

CudaHad

Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: 1970 Convertible Manual to Power conversion?
« Reply #14 on: January 02, 2016 - 01:41:47 PM »



There are power top latches/locks out there. I already had mine from the previous owner.


There are?  You mean latches that can be activated by a switch?

Pretty sure all the latches are the same regardless.
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
06 300c SRT8
04 2500 QCLB 4x4 HO