"A" body style convertible tops incorporate a one-piece rear belt rail trimstick assembly which mounts directly to the folding top male hinges. For trim repair and replacement purposes, the one-piece trimstick can be disconnected from the male hinges and raised above the rear belt rail. The trimstick, with due care in handling and removal, maintains its full shape and retains its stiffness for retacking or stapling operation.
Convertible top cover assemblies incorporate a spring loaded hold-down cable along the sides. The cables are retained in a pocket sewn to the top cover and are secured at the front and rear ends by screws. Under tension, the cables are designed to form a tight fit of the top cover to the side rails to minimize air leakage along the side roof rails.
Convertible style back curtains utilize an integral solid - tempered back window glass.
Note: The purpose of spacer sticks is to hold the rear bow in
a stationary (car installed) position during back curtain and/or side stay
pad removal and installation.
A. Wood - 1/2/x 1 x 14-1/2
B. Steel - 1/32 x 1/2 x 2-1/2
C. Steel - 1/32 x 1-1/2 x 7
D. 2 Screw No. 6 x 1/2"
E. Bolt 1/4 - 20 UNC - 2A x 1"
F. Wingnut 1/4 x 20 UNC -2B
G. 2 Washers 1/4" I.D.
A. Using a suitably sharp pencil, ACCURATELY mark location of complete rear trimstick.
(UPPER AND LOWER edges and ends) on outer surface of top cover and on
back curtain. Re-check, and mark right and left inner vertical edge
of top cover on back curtain at trimstick. Make center mark on curtain
at "V" notch on trimstick (See Fig. 12-1).
Then reverse back curtains by positioning new curtain over removed
one as described above. Recheck location of reference marks.
NOTE: If any difference is noted, the average between the two is the correct reference to use. Mark corrected references clearly. Trim off excess material beyond the 1/2 inch allowance along the bottom and transfer center mark from bottom center of removed curtain to new one.
IMPORTANT: Transfer of reference marks must be done in a highly
exacting manner for best results and minimum rework.
A. Transfer location marks for trimstick (UPPER AND LOWER trimstick edges, as well as ends, Fig. 12-1).
B. Then reverse position of covers by positioning new cover over removed one, as described above. Re-check location of reference marks.
NOTE: If any difference is noted, the average between the two is the correct reference to use. Mark corrected references clearly.
IMPORTANT: Transfer of reference marks must be done in a highly
exacting manner for best results and minimum rework.
IMPORTANT: Make certain trimstick is flush to quarter pinchweld
finishing molding during all tacking operations. This will require
assistance of a helper or a support.
A. Position front roof rail slightly above windshield header.
A length of welding rod or equivalent wire can be used to facilitate cable
insertion by pulling cable through listing pocket. Install attaching
screw at rear of cable. Then, apply forward pull on cable and install
front attaching screw (Fig. 12-2).
NOTE: Top cover may require some lateral stretching along rear
bow to achieve proper fit of quarter flaps to rear rails, and to remove
fullness from top cover valance over rear window.
IMPORTANT: Tacks must be installed in a straight line in center
of rear bow. Tacks outboard of deck seams should not exceed 6 inches.
Also, tacking distance outboard of deck seams on each side should be uniform.
Pierce hole into top material and tacking strip at each outboard end of
rear bow for wire-on binding clip escutcheons.
With top two to four inches off header, move one end of trimstick inward for clearance. Then pry it upward between hinge and body to clear rear roof rail. Raise removed end of trimstick upward and forward, Then continue by removing balance of trimstick above body belt line (Fig. 12-8, 12-9 and 12-10).
IMPORTANT: Avoid contact with or damage to top lift cylinder
piston rod.
A. Place new top cover on a suitable clean surface, such as on clean
roof of a car to provide proper contour and fullness, with inner surface
of cover down.
B. Position removed top cover over new one. Carefully align back window opening upper corners and rear quarter upper corners of both covers. Secure both covers together at these locations. Carefully Jay out trim material of sail area of both covers.
C. Transfer location marks for trimstick (upper and lower trimstick edges, as well as ends) as shown in Fig. 12-1.
D. Then reverse position of covers by positioning new cover over removed one, as described above. Re-check location of reference marks,
NOTE: If any difference is noted, the average between the two is the correct reference to use. Mark corrected references clearly.
IMPORTANT: Transfer of reference marks must be done in a highly
exacting manner for best results and minimum rework.
A. Raise front roof rail slightly above windshield header. A length
of welding rod or equivalent wire can be used to facilitate cable insertion
by pulling cable through listing pocket. Install attaching screw
at rear of cable. Then, apply forward pull on cable and install front
attaching screw (Fig. 12-2).
NOTE: Top cover may require some lateral stretching along
rear bow to achieve proper fit of quarter flaps to rear rails, and to remove
fullness from top cover valance over rear window.
IMPORTANT: Tacks must be installed in a straight line in
center of rear bow. Tacks ourboard of deck seams should not exceed
6 inches. Also, tacking distance outboard of deck seams on each side
should be uniform. Pierce hole into top material and tacking strip
at each outboard end of rear bow for wire-on binding clip escutcheons (Fig.
12-1).
Note location and spacing of staples before removal. Then,
remove escutcheons and wire-on binding. Detach quarter flaps and
remove staples from top cover at rear roof bow.
IMPORTANT: The purpose of spacer sticks is to hold the rear
bow in a stationary (car installed) position curing back curtain and/or
side stay pad removal and installation.
Material Per Stick
A. Wood - 1/2 x I x 14-1/2
B. Steel - 1/32 x 1/2 x 2-1/2
C. Steel - 1/32 x I- 1 /2 x 7
D.2 Screw No. 6 x 1/2'
E. Bolt 114 - 20 UNC - 2A x I
F. Wingnut 114 x 20 UNC - 2B
G. 2 Washers 1/4" I.D.
A. With top two to four inches off header, move one end of trimstick inward for clearance. Then pry it upward between hinge and body to clear rear roof rail (Fig. 12-8)
B. Raise removed end of trimstick upward and forward. Then continue by removing balance of trimstick above body beitline (Fig. 12-9 and 12-10).
IMPORTANT: Avoid contact with or damage to top lift cylinder
piston rod.
A. Place new back curtain on clean covered bench with inner surface down and position removed back curtain correspondingly over new one.
B. Carefully align upper window over lower one. While holding both wi ' ndows together securely, carefully lay out trim material of both curtains and transfer following reference marks along bottom location of trimstick (upper and lower edges), as well as ends, and the inner vertical edges of top cover. Allow 1/2 inch of back curtain material to extend below trimstick -(Fig. 12-13 and 12-14).
C. Then reverse back curtains by positioning new curtain over removed one, as described above. Re-check location of reference marks.
NOTE: If any difference is noted, the average between the two is the correct reference to use. Mark corrected references clearly.
D. Along bottom, trim off excess material beyond the 1/2 inch allowance. Transfer center mark from bottom center of removed curtain to new one.
IMPORTANT: Transfer of reference marks must be done in a highly
exacting manner for best results and minimum rework.
IMPORTANT: Make certain one-piece trimstick is flush to quarter
pinchweld finishing molding during tacking operations. This will
require assistance of a helper or a support. Trim excess back curtain
material at rear bow. Also remove spacer sticks (Fig.
12-4).
A. Apply nitrile cement or neoprene-type weatherstrip adhesive to cementing
surfaces of side roof rear rails and to quarter flaps.
B. Position and center top cover reference marks over rear bow.
Align quarter flaps and seams with previously scribed marks and edges of
side roof rear rails to remove all fullness from top cover. A forward
draw on the cover outer sides will aid in this operation.
C. With quarter flap seams aligned with each rear rail, cement quarter
flaps securely in place.
NOTE: Top cover may require some lateral stretching along rear
bow to achieve proper fit of quarter flaps to rear rails, and to remove
fullness from top cover valance over rear window.
The high pressure hydroelectric unit used in the convertible bodies, consists of a 12 volt reversible type motor, a rotor-type pump, two hydraulic lift cylinders, and an upper and lower hydraulic hose assembly. The unit is installed in the body directly behind rear seat back support (Fig. 12-17).
Figure 12-18 illustrates and identifies the individual parts of the motor and pump assembly.
NOTE: When servicing the motor assembly or pump end plate assembly, it is extremely important that the small motor shaft 'IO" ring seal is properly installed over the motor armature shaft and into the pump end plate assembly prior to installing the pump rotors or the motor shaft drive ball.
Removal
NOTE: Venting reservoir is necessary in this "sealed-in" unit
to equalize air pressure in reservoir to that of the atmosphere.
This operation prevents the possibility of hydraulic fluid being forced
under pressure from disconnected lines and causing damage to trim or body
finish
When the control switch is actuated to the "up" position, the battery feed wire is connected to the red motor lead and the motor and pump assembly operate to force the hydraulic fluid through the hoses to the lower end of the double-acting cylinders. The fIuid forces the piston rods in the cylinders upward, thus raising the top. The fIuid in the top of the cylinders returns to the pump for recirculation to the bottom of the cylinders. When the control switch knob is actuated to the "down" position, the feed wire is connected to the dark green motor lead and the motor and pump assembly operate in a reversed direction to force the dydraulic fIuid through the hoses to the to of the cylinders. The fIuid forces the piston rods in the cylinders downward, thus lowering the top. The fluid in the bottom of the cylinders returns to the pump for recirculation to the top of the cylinders.
The rotor type pump assembly is designed to deliver a maximum pressure in the range of 340 psi to 380 psi. The operation of the pump assembly when raising the top is as follows:
1. Raising the top. When the red motor lead is energized the motor drive shaft turns the rotors clockwise as indicated by the large arrow in Figure 12-20. The action of the pump totors forces the fIuid under pressure to the bottom of each cylinder forcing the piston upward. This action causes the fluid above the piston in each cylinder to be forced into the pump, which recirculates the fIuid to the bottom of the cylinders. The additional fIuid required to fill the cylinder due to piston rod displacement is draw from the reservoir.
2. Lowering the Top. When the green motor lead is energized the motor drive shaft turns the rotor counterclockwise as indicated by the large arrow in Figure 12-21. The action of the pump rotors forces the fluid under pressure to the top of each cylinder. This action causes the fIuid below the piston in each cylinder to be forced into the pump which recirculates the fIuid to the top of each cylinder. The surplus hydraulic fIuid due to piston rod displacement flows into the reservoir.
The fIuid control valve consists of a rocker arm installed in the pump cover plate, and two steel balls. Figure 12-22 shows the top surface of the pump cover plate. The dotted lines indicate the cavities on the bottom side of the cover plate. The cavities are designed to permit fIuid flow between pump rotors and the reservoir. Figures 12-23 and 12-24 illustrate the operation of the fIuid control valve.
If there is a failure in the hydro-lectric system and the cause is not evident, the mechanical operation of the top should first be checked. If the folding top assembly appears to have a binding action, disconnect the top lift cylinder piston rods from the top linkage and then manually raise and lower the top. The top should travel through its up and down cycle without any evidence of bind- ing action. If a binding action is noted when the top is being locked at the header check the alignment of the door windows and rear quarter windows with relation to the side roof rail weatherstrips. Make all necessary adjustments for correct top alignment. See "Folding Top Adjustments". If a failure continues to exist after a check formechanical failure has been completed, the hydro-lectric system should then be checked for electrical or hydraulic failures.
If a failure in the hydro-lectric system continues to exist after the mechanical operation has been checked, the electrical system should then be checked. A failure in the electrical system may be caused by a low battery, breaks in wiring, faulty connections, mechanical failure of an electrical component, or wires or components shorting to one another or to body metal. Before beginning checking procedures, check battery according to recommended procedure.
Check for Current at Folding Top Control Switch
1. Disconnect green motor lead wire from switch to motor feed wire in rear cumpartment.
2. Connect light tester to switch terminal block.
3. Ground light tester ground lead to body metal.
4. If light tester does not light, there is an open or short circuit
between power source and switch.
If there is current at the feed wire terminal of the terminal block,
operation of switch can be checked as
follows:
If switch is found to be operating properly, the switch to motor lead
wires can be checked as follows (See Figure 12-25).
If a light tester indicates current at the motor lead terminals
of the switch-to-motor wires, but motor unit does not operate from switch,
a final check of the motor unit can be made as follows:
Failures in the hydraulic system can be caused by lack of hydraulic fluid, leaks in hydraulic system, obstructions or kinks in hydraulic hoses or faulty operation of a cylinder or pump.
Checking Hydraulic Fluid lever in Reservoir
NOTE: To insure proper operation of the lift cylinders during "up" and "down" cycles for cylinders, the top lift cylinder rods should be these conditions: cleaned and lubricated at least twice a year. To a. If movement of cylinder is uncoordinated or perform these operations, raise top to "up" sluggish when the motor is. actuated, check position and wipe exposed portion of each top hydraulic hoses from motor and pump to lift cylinder piston rod with a cloth dampened cylinder for kinds. with Type A transmission fluid or equivalent to remove any oxidation and/or accumulated grime.
IMPORTANT. Exercise care so that transmission fluid does not
come in contact with any painted or trimmed parts of the body.
NOTE: A difference in pressure readings may exist between
the pressure port for top of cylinders and pressure port for bottom of
cylinders. This condition is acceptable if both readings are within the
limit of 340 psi and 380 psi.
This procedure virtually eliminates discharge or spillage of hydraulic ftuid and possible trim damage while filling and bleeding system.
FABRICATION OF RUBBER FILLER PLUG ADAPTER
NOTE: Figure 12-29 illustrates
fabricated filler plug adapter.
IMPORTANT. When installing new or overhauled motor and pump
assembly as a bench operation, fill reservoir with proper ftuid.
This priming operation is necessary prior to performing the following steps
in order to avoid drawing excessive amount of air into hydraulic system.
NOTE: Container should be placed in rear compartment area
below level of ftuid in the reservoir. In addition, sufficient ftuid must
be available in container to avoid drawing air into hydraulic system (Fig.
12-30).
NOTE: Fluid level should be within I /4 inch of lower edge
of fi]ler plug with top in down position.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER-FILL
The folding top linkage consists of three sections of side roof rails. a front roof rail, hinges. connecting links and bows. The top linkage is attached to the body at the rear quarter area by a stationary. side-mounted male hinge. The front roor rail locks at the windshield header by hook type locks which are integral with the locking handles.
The following information outlines and illustrates procedures which may be used to correct misaligned folding top linkage. To correct some top variations. only a single adjustment is required; other top variations require a combination of adjustments. In conjunction with adjustments of the folding top. it may be necessary to adjust the door. door glass. rear quarter glass. or side roof rail weatherstrips.
ADJUSTMENT OF FRONT ROOF RAIL GUIDE
If the front roof rail guide does not properly engage with the striker
when the top is raised. the guide may be adjusted laterally as follows.
NOTE: The sunshade support and striker assembly is not adjustable.
If additional fore and art adjustment is required. it must be obtained
by adjusting the front roof rail.
If the top. when raised. is too far forward or does not move forward enough to allow the guide pin to enter the striker. proceed as follows:
Unlatch top and raise it above windshield header. Remove side roof rail
weatherstrip front attaching screws.
Loosen side roof rail lock attaching screws and adjust front roof rail
rore or art as required (Fig.12-32).
Tighten lock attaching screws and install weatherstrip screws.
Removal and Installation
Lower top to hair -lowered position. remove lock attaching screws; and
remove lock assembly rrom front roor rail (Fig.
12-32).
To install. reverse removal procedure and adjust front roor rail as
required.
FRONT ROOF RAIL LOCK ADJUSTMENT
If lacking action of top is unsatisfactory. the hook on the lock
assembly may be adjusted as follows:
ADJUSTMENT OF TOP CONTROL
LINK
If side roof rails are too high or too low over side windows, proceed as follows:
IMPORTANT. When making top control link adjustments, be sure
side roof rail hinge adjusting screw (Fig. 12-33
View "B") is backed off.
