Cheech347 Has Convertible Top Problems

[YellowRose]

Frank owns a 1960 Convertible and has a problem with his top. He sent me an email this morning. Here is what he had to say.

"I'm in need of a mechanic to help with my convertible top. The trunk will not open, I hear the screw downs in the trunk turning but the trunk will not lift.
Any advise on a mechanic in the Pittsburgh, PA. area? I've checked numerous places around the City and cannot locate a mechanic that has the knowledge on solenoids, relays and hydraulics. Thanks in advance for your help. Frank"

Unfortunately, I do not know of any mechanics in that area. Perhaps someone on here does, and can either post or PM him the information. Thanks!

[OUR5T8BIRD]

Frank owns a 1960 Convertible and has a problem with his top. He sent me an email this morning. Here is what he had to say.

"I'm in need of a mechanic to help with my convertible top. The trunk will not open, I hear the screw downs in the trunk turning but the trunk will not lift.
Any advise on a mechanic in the Pittsburgh, PA. area? I've checked numerous places around the City and cannot locate a mechanic that has the knowledge on solenoids, relays and hydraulics. Thanks in advance for your help. Frank"

Unfortunately, I do not know of any mechanics in that area. Perhaps someone on here does, and can either post or PM him the information. Thanks!

If the screw downs are turning but lid will not lift you are probably hearing a constant thud sound , If this is the case, your hydraulic pump / motor is not coming on. You could try to lift the right side deck lid slightly to make sure you are clearing the deck closed limit switch and if still no lift, Your pump motor is shot . Hope this helps .

[jopizz]

OUR5T8BIRD is right on the money. If the deck lid doesn't go up high enough the pump motor won't start working. As he suggests try lifting up on the right corner of the trunk lid (passenger side) and put a rag or something soft that won't harm the paint under it to keep it from dropping back down. Then hit the switch and see if the trunk lid begins to raise. If it does then your limit switch needs to be adjusted. If it still doesn't raise then it's most likely the relay or pump motor.

John

[partsetal]

The deck open relay that operates the pump and the deck solenoid valve that controls hydraulic pressure to the deck cylinders could be at fault if nothing happens after you raise the corner manually.

[sidewalkman]

I think he's looking for advise on a mechanic in his area rather than what could be at fault. I think he wants to get someone else to fix it.

[jopizz]

I think he's looking for advise on a mechanic in his area rather than what could be at fault. I think he wants to get someone else to fix it.

Finding someone that knows Thunderbird convertible tops AND is in his area is asking alot. He may have to try and fix it himself if he wants it to work. Of course if he doesn't mind driving six hours I'd be glad to look at it for him.

John

[YellowRose]

Cheech347 Has Convertible Top Problems

I have checked the system and there is only ONE known Forum Tbird owner in Pittsburg. He has not been on the forum for the last several years. But I have emailed him to see if he knows anyone. Hopefully, he will get my email. If he does and he knows anyone, I will let you know.

[YellowRose]

Cheech347 Has Convertible Top Problems

The only owner I knew of that lives in Pittsburg no longer owns his Tbird and does not know anyone...

[simplyconnected]

...Of course if he doesn't mind driving six hours I'd be glad to look at it for him...

I remember when I-80 was free. Now it costs in excess of $60 in toll, then more to cross the Delaware River. Terrible.

[JohnG]

These guys:


Import Motorcar Service

7847 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 364-2222

claim to work on antique and classic cars. Who knows what that means. But if you were to call them up and they seemed hesitant or skeptical, you might respond with "perhaps you can suggest someone who would be a good fit for this kind of job?" and they might haul some scrap of paper off the wall with an old timer who never heard of the Internet but remembers a convertible 1960 like the first time he worked on one. You never know.

[Joe Johnston]

Although I am not familiar with the Squarebirds conv top systems, but speaking from experience working on my 63SR, I can say the shop manuals are an absolute must.

A lot of info is in the T R Library here in the forum and the owner should either study it or print it to give to whomever works on the car. Without the manuals or solid information an online diagnosis of a problem is just a dart game.

He may be just low on hyd fluid - but we don't know and Frank needs a good diagnostic to fix his top.

[Guest]

Good Morning Ray,
Thanks for helping me with the convertible top information. I'm researching another issue, a leaking power steering control unit.
When it rains it pours.
Have a good weekend and thanks again,
Frank