Just wondering if anyone has changed there manual top to a power top? If so, how big of a job was it? want to start rounding up the needed parts while restoration is being done.

It can/has been done.
If you contact - http://www.convertibleparts.com/index.html - (sounds like I work for them lately...) they can advise and furnish the parts you need.

Be aware the power top frames are different than the manual top frames. Manuals are designed to be pulled up from the front, while power tops are designed to be pushed up from below. You can probably get it to work with a manual frame, but you might have to help it up and down.

Quite frankly, why would you want to do the conversion. It would be expensive, add weight and not add real value to the car. IMHO.

The center section is different on the power frame. You can not just add the rams and hoses the center section will buckle. Once they are cracked they can not fixed the stress is to great. I am speaking from expirence. Check with the aforementioned parts guy and do it right.

Agreed - it is not just 'add the rams, pump and switch...

If you contact a reputable convertible top service company, such as the link I provided, they will replace the necessary top parts, tune the top mechanism, install the necessary parts and wiring for the power system and warranty the work for 3 years.
I have converted several cars (one Camaro) with their help for people that really wanted power tops and they are all still operating fine.
The Camaro already had power windows :confused: but, no power top - it was well optioned so must have been missed on order is the only reason I could ever fiqure out.

It's your car - have fun with it :thumbsup:

John

Hello,, Can anyone tell me how you can tell the difference between a power top frame and a manual frame,, My car originally came with a power top, I bought a used frame from a guy a few years ago, and it was already out of the car and did not come with the lift cylinders, I do not have the other original frame to compare them with, so how can I tell if the one I bought is in reality a power top frame.???????... please someone let me know.... Thank's

Do a search in this forum. There was a post in the past year with pic showing the differences.

Hey Jim, thank's for the reply,, I am very new to this web sight, I just tried to do a search and came up with nothing I was looking for.. How do I do a specific search that far back???????... Thanks for the speedy reply too...