How do you lower top when there is no battery?

[rutsski]

I am working on my 73 Delta 88 interior. Problem is that the top is up and I would like to get it down. No engine, no battery no power! Any tips?

[bjtstarfire]

Not sure if this is an option for you or not but use one of your every day drivers car battery and a few leads to apply power directly to the top motor connectors. Make sure its unlatched. I don't think you can lower the top with out power unless you disconnect the hydro lines from the cylinders or motor. I even think there is a cable on each side that also need to be removed.

Good luck.

[aliensatemybuick]

With older cars (B and C bodies up to 1970), there are two bolts you could remove near the back of the rear interior side panels (where the hydrolic pump arms attach to the top frame), which would allow you to put the top up/down manually. With the "scissor top" mechanism that I think you car has, I am not sure there is a similar option. A battery directly to the top motor may be an option, just be careful doing that.

[68conv455]

If you unclip it and put pressure on the top in the opening direction, it will slowly move. I've opened and closed my 68's top several times with this method. There must be a very slow bypass in the pump that allows the hydraulic fluid to move from and to the cylinders. This will take time so you will need patience and be able to apply force for some time. I've operated my top with power multiple times after this and there was no effect that I can tell. Maby someone else can chime in and tell you if this is acceptable. I'm OK with it and would do it again.

[aliensatemybuick]

But as I was saying, the 73 Delta conv. would have a scissor top mechanism, which is completely electro-mechanical and has no hydraulic component. I must admit I don't know what provision if any exists for putting it down manually.

[ChrisM]

I have a '73 Delta 88 convertible and I can only move the top manually as there is some issue with the electric motor. In my case, I just unscrewed the cables that attach to the gears on both sides of the car. this can be accessed without getting behind the seat or anything as they are in clear view above the back seat in the corners. Once the cable are disconnected, you should be able to move it manually. Keep in mind thought that it will be HEAVY. I read once that this is the heaviest convertible top ever made. I don't know if that is true, but it sure as hell feels that way!
Hope that works for you.

Chris

[Kennybill]

use two reversiable drills, one on each cable going to the "transmissions" run them pretty even, u can put it up or down

[Nailhead 88]

What i did on a 66 Caddy was took the bolt out of each cylinder unhooked the latches and pushed the top rearward from the center worked every time. From the center being the key, unless you have help on both sides

[TommyDelta88]

Unscrewing the cables like ChrisM mentioned would be the way to go. Or the drill but make sure you and someone else have the same settings and same speed at the same time. Now I know what to do if (shhh) it happens to me. Good luck.

[Kennybill]

you don't won't to just remove the cables and "push." Bad things can happen to the "transmissions" on each side. They work on gears. With the drills u can go slow and do it by yourself, try to stay even or go a little then even the sides up. Piece of cake but if u push on it "big trouble" can happen. good luck