I just bought a 1970 Cutlass convertible. When the top is in the down position when you use the switch to put the top in the up position it requires help getting the top to move. Does not seem to catch on anything, frame seems in good condition. When it is about a 25% open it seems to move on its own. No change in the sound coming from top motor when it is not going up on its own. Slowly completely closes. Seem to work fine from up position to the cdown position. You can stop it about 1/2 going up and down and it holds. So is it the motor, fluid level, cylinders. Nothing seems to be leaking. Just looking for ideas to pinpoint the problem

Thanks for the reply. That is what my first guess would be. Like I said I just got this car a week ago. I bought it from an older gentleman that decided to sell it. It only has 65K miles on it. He had it serviced at a local repair shop for everything. How do I know what fluid is currently in it? I have read on this forum about different types of fluids being used?

thanks again for the tip

Also if it's low on fluid, it went somewhere. Take the back seat side panels off if there is no oil present in the pump area and look for oil around the cylinders on either side. If you see a lot replace one or both cylinders and or hoses because if one springs a big leak it will ruin your top if it sprays up on it. .(so I've heard).

Took the back seat out and checked the fluid level. Added about 6 oz of transmission fluid and top raised on it own. Ran it up and down a few times. Cylinders looked good and lines dry. Took longer to remove seats than fill the pump.

Thanks again for for the advice

Yes it was more work but now you know you don't have to worry about your top or buying cylinders at 100.00 each. Congratulations most times they are bad. You got lucky. Enjoy you new ride.