for the first time in 30 years, my top did not respond to the switch. the next day, the system worked fine.

does the top motor circuit have a relay? Where is it? one source says it is under the master cylinder but I don't see it. I see they are available online through the usual good Olds sources. I would be happy to replace it just to prevent future problems.

it seems the electrical circuit is simply switch, relay, and top motor. Fuse? If yes then these are the only devices to troubleshoot?

history: second owner, sold originally in Texas then lived in Florida and DC now in Chicago but never exposed to salt or snow

Thanks everybody

Charlie Brown

 

It might only be oxidation at the connections, clean them up to get better contact.

 

Thank you, good advice I appreciate it. I assume you mean all connections. Is there a relay?I haven't been able to find it. From some reading on the Internet, maybe it has a rubber cover?

Thank you so much super nice 88

 

There is no relay on a 67. That switch holds all the power, and fails because of it eventually.

I think it's out from an accessory point with a separate 40 amp fuse to the switch to the two contacts on the motor and it's grounded on the way back. Power goes through the floorboard harness under the driver's feet to the back. Do you have a CSM and a body manual?

 

Start off with the up/down switch and see if that helps then go on from there. Unless someone else has better ideas/advise.

 

I do have a Cutlass service manual and body manual. I don't have those in front of me now but I remember not finding a solution. I think only the body manual covers this topic.

When you say "separate 40 amp fuse" you mean that it is not in the fuse block? So it might be in line with the power feed to the motor? I don't recall seeing one in the trunk when I have been back at the motor.

New switches are available. I think I should buy one to eliminate this as a cause. Seems surprising that a 40 amp circuit doesn't have a relay but I'm no electrical engineer.

Thanks, Koda.

 

Thanks, supernice88. Good advice.

 

Do you have the service manual? In mine there is a section that deals with the convertible top. Someone uploaded a colored wire diagram of a 1967 but I don't see the wiring for the top. (the small print is unreadable).

 

I think it jumps off the block in an unfused ACC lead, then there's an inline fuse somewhere. A convertible top is considered an accessory like power seats, so it's not in the main block.

 

It's an accessory, so it's not in the main wiring.

 

Thanks you both. I appreciate you providing the wiring diagram, supernice88. Yes, I couldn't find the motor in this wiring diagram. So a wire comes out of the fuse block to the switch, circuit closes, lead to the top motor underneath the driver's seat is activated then the motor is activated, then top works?

Maybe one of the convertible top part sellers knows more about the wiring

Thanks so much.

 

It's in the body manual. Troubleshooting section, it tells you how to check. I read it about 20 min ago.

 

Oh, great, that is nice of you Koda. I have the Manual and I'll read it. I thought I had read it before and didn't come away with any solution. I'll read again.

 

You're correct about the relay, but there is a circuit breaker! It is on the driver side firewall near the bulkhead connector. The main power wire from the horn relay is cloth-covered from the factory and the wire that feeds the switch is orange with a black stripe (when clean). These are also capable of corroding/rusting just like everything else on a 57 year old car. The large plastic insulator is to protect from possible shorts and can be moved to a new breaker if desired.

 

Power comes directly from the horn relay under the hood.

 

Even easier. Thank you for correction. Only ragtop I'm liable to ever own is a manual top corvette.