i just pulled mine and have to reset it up... what fluid does it use to pump the power top hydraulics up and down...

i was going to guess hydraulic fluid.... but i think that might be to much for that little motor :/

anyone got the answer?

I use Dexron II type automatic fluid to service them.
The factory used 'Type A' fluid - a light hydraulic trans oil.
There are some specially formulated fluids available from a couple of the convertible top stores - but, I've never used them. I believe they are just clear versions of ATF from what I've seen.

If try a search I think you can find several past posts about how to refill and bleed the air out of the system.

I start by pre-filling the pump with fluid and then use a hose inserted in the Filler Port (upper plug) of the pump and the other end goes into the can of Dexron fluid, making sure to keep tube in below the fluid level so it doesn't suck air. Keep the can below the pump level in the bottom of the trunk.
As I have someone cycle the top the pump pushes the air out and sucks the needed fluid in. Run the pump a few seconds after it comes to position so it fills the pump. When you can hear the motor speed reduce and the motor loads down - this will tell you it's full (or near).
Run the top up and down a couple times to be sure all the air is out and then recheck fluid level at plug. It should be just below the plug level when full.

Oh - this can be a VERY messy :eek: job...
Be sure to have lots of rags and a helper if possible to keep and eye on where things are leaking...
Make sure you put a piece of cardboard and some rags between the seat back and the pump - remove the seat if possible - to prevent oil from getting in the padding...

Hope this helps;
John

hey thanks alot for the information but i just ran into a new problem my hydraulic lifts are siezed. anyone got a place to find those? or what car used the same hydraulic lifts as the camaro? D and R wants 140 each I believe... thats painful! anyone got a place closer to 80 each? or let me know which car these same pumps were on.

my pump is good to go baby :) just i decided to check my lifts and they are fairly rough looking on closer inspection.

thanks.

:D If you do find a place "closer to $80" each let me know... :thumbsup:

I recently replaced a pair on a 69 and they ran @150. ea from - http://store.convertibleparts.com/index.html - plus tax and S/H.
I would give them a call about servicing yours if you can - they are very helpfull.
Maybe there is a supplier that has them 'cheaper' but, I would make sure they are offering the same quality cylinders as 'convertibleparts' carries - or you will be doing this often...

Also try a search for "convertible lift cylinders*" or "convertible cylinders*" or ??? (using the "*" after each search to give you the most replies) and see if you can't find a past post by ??? (can't remember) about how he rebuilt his cylinders and the seal numbers he found to work...

John

ricks first generation has them for $249 a pair. make sure you replace both. i was told to do it but i tried it anyway and i ended up replacing the other one as well.

NPD lists them in their catalog for $109 each.

It seems like a big cash outlay, but if you buy good ones you'll only do it once. It is really uncool to go through all this and have the top stop working because a cheap cylinder blew a seal. If you haven't replaced the lines, I highly recommend that too.

Don't waste money on used units that are 30 plus years old; they won't be in any better shape than yours.

Again, it seems like a lot to spend to replace the pump, lines, and cylinders, but it will work the way it's supposed to and be trouble free for a long time. That pump doesn't hold a lot of fluid, but a little leak (from cylinder seals, line fittings, etc.) will blow high pressure, nice red Dexron all over. If you have the side panels in, it'll go all over the quarter window and panels, before it drips/runs underneath and gets into the carpet.

Nothing worse than hitting that top switch, starting to lower/raise, and hearing the pump pitch change and see a red fountain/puddle back there. Not that it's ever happened to me....;)

I installed cylinders, lines, and pump from Rick's on my 68 back in 1996 or so, and they have worked without a leak or drip since.