Southern_Hospitality

Wow, last week was a long week of car issues. Here is one more that I need help with. As mentioned in my earlier post, I finally got replaced my top. It is the first time the car had a functional top in YEARS. They replaced the top, pump, cylinders, switch, and relays. One problem; the top speed is SLOWWW and sometimes doesn't funtion.

Example: I picked the car up on friday. Before leaving, we checked to make sure the top worked. Well, it went up slowly and got stuck occassionally. The guy says that it hasny been used in a while and the "joints" are stiff. He oiled it, but the top still needed assistance in going up and down. After he thought the problem was fixed, I drove it home with the top down. When I got home it was stuck again. When I pressed the switch I didnt even hear the pump working.

Has anyone ever experienced this before? Does it sound accurate that the 'joints' are stiff? Is it common for the switch not to work or relays to be bad?

Suggestions please. This car is giving me a headache!

Jamesbo

If it's giving you a "headache" now try monkeying with the top.They're a nighmare to figger out. Sounds like the guy didn't fix it. If he won't, find a drop top specialist. The tops can be tricky.

Lady72nRob71

Lady got a new top right before I bought her and I have had NO issues at all with it. Yours should be the same!

Not sure if the 71 vert used a relay - the 72 did not. Not using a relay caused the switches to go out faster but they can be removed, dissassembled, contacts polished, and reused. My sig link has that procedure in pictures.

The "stiff joints" are not an excuse. Did the guy bleed the hydraulics? It almost sounds like "not".
If the switch was failing, that could have been a big problem also.

Is there a big circuit breaker in the top left corner of the fuse box? Should be a rectangular aluminum can.

Bluevista

The assembly manual shows the circuit breaker is on the firewall for '71 convertibles, I don't think they had a relay for tops either?, doesn't show one.
If the pump isn't making any noise I would check to see if it's getting power first then trace back from there if not.
A failing or dirty switch or loose connection may be the problem like Rob said, bad pump ground, circuit breaker went.
Those switches do handle a lot of juice and do go bad often.

dingusboy

Make sure the pump is filled properly. When I brought the 65 Cutlass home it would need manual assistance and sometimes not open/close at all. Year One makes a pump filler that I bought. Made it easy to do by myself. Also, you might want to make sure the pump or lines are not leaking.

boobaxter

My convertible switch just stoped working im having a hard time taken it out,and i put a three way switch in to get the top up until i fix it. Do you know how to get back in there and take this switch off i got 1 screw off but already broke a mirror trying to look back up at it.Im not sure how to even et the wires off.Oh alos should there be a fuse it looks like hot just goes to the fuse box but not on a fuse. thanks

Bluevista

Welcome Boo.
Check this out.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...op-switch.html

That thing is a pain, just did my rear window switch, same thing and place, just the name on the bezel is changed.
I don't know what year you have but on my '71 the only way to get good access to it is to take off the instrument panel bezel then take out the left gauge and set it off to the side. You can get in through the hole, that nut near the steering column is the tough one.

MJAKS462

The original problem with slow top is probably low fluid. But The only thing that matters now is that the place that replaced the top stand behind their work. Joints should have been cleaned/checked/fixed before they even started the vinyl.
The system will bleed itself after it goes up and down several times. Mine did.
But it has to be full for it to bleed and no leaks.(I dont know where the air goes but it gets out)
BOOBAXTER , I laid on my back for 1/2 hour and got the switch out. If I remember right I only put 1 screw back in so it will only take half as long if it goes out again. LOL

Lady72nRob71

Not sure how similar the 71 is, but here is how the 72 switch is mounted:

I would suspect they are similar. Yes it can be a pain to remove, esp. with that metal bracket in the way...

A short description on how to overhaul it yourself is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsalb...7602930020786/
The 72 uses the silver circuit breaker can in the top left corner of the fuse block.

Hope this helps...

boobaxter

thanks i will try it again 72 cutlass was my first car when i was 16 these things did break back then but now there 38 years old

boobaxter

I did just what you said took out pannel and got back there .It works great now if i can get some sunny days to go out. thanks again everyone

Olds442redberet

I just used this thread in order to help guide me along with changing out the switch on my convertible. Thanks

Olds442redberet

For those of you going through he same issue. The switch turned out to be easier to replace than I thought, even with my big hands. I accessed the switch through the dash after removing the fuel guage. Removing the switch took some time and patience, but getting the new one back in was a snap.

Lady72nRob71

The fist attempt od removal or refitting is always the hardest. Next is always easier, if less than a few years apart........

Olds442redberet

This is so true.