i want to change to a power top
can this be done with out alot of trouble , any info would be great ? thanks jasmhuber@earthlink.net

You'll need a new frame (or at least parts of it), lift cylinders ($250 from Ricks), pump ($200 from Ricks), lines ($160 from Ricks), wiring (Ricks, I'm not sure how much) and a switch.

Here is a post that discusses the differences between a manual and power top:

http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000872

I think you could use a power top frame, and make it manual, but I don't think it would work the other way.

I was thinking that you would have to be creative at cutting, welding and fabricating to make it work....Not a "bolt on" thing.

I changed a 68 rs convt. over from manual to power years ago. It was all just bolt in & hooking up the wiring. There wasn't any mod. to the frame. The cylinders just bolted to holes already there. Te "Fisher Body Manual" was very hepful.

Did you replace the entire frame, parts or ???

You can slap the pump and hydraulic rams on a manual top, it just won't unfold or fold back up properly. You will have to help the front section fold open and closed. The manual top frame and linkage is designed to operate by pulling up on the front section, there is no way to get the front section to unfold or fold back up on it's own. The power top frame is designed to open and close by being pushed up or pulled down from below and it has different linkage that opens and closes the front section by itself.

All I know is my 68 came without a power top. I added the motor, cylinders & all. Up & down action worked great for almost 20 years until the car was stolen. Know I have a 67 rs with a power top. This one came with a power top from the factory. smile.gif