Hi, anyone know the easiest way to replace the reduction gears on these scissor top cars. Thanks.

 

What's wrong with the ones you've got?
Far as I know you've got to readjust the whole top if you do that.

Instructions should be in the Fisher Body Manual.

- Eric

 

I'm looking through the '73 Fisher Body manual, and in the folding top section, I can find only one mention of a component with the word "reduction" in it. It's called the "Electric Motor Reduction Unit," and it's attached directly to the electric motor. The two drive cables attach directly to this, one on either side.

There is a 9-step procedure and a detailed figure on page 8-68 regarding removal and installation of the electric motor and relay. I don't see a mention of removing the reduction unit from the motor, but from the figure, it looks like it would be simply removing a couple of bolts.

I would normally suggest visiting the wildaboutcars website as there are many chassis and body service manuals there. However, there are no body manuals covering the era of the scissor tops, which is '71 to '75, I believe.

I scanned the page I've been talking about and attached it below. I hope it's helpful to you. Item #6 is the electric motor reduction unit.

 

I'm referring to the side drive actuator gear assemblies, the one on the driver side quit working. The cable to the unit is still working so the problem is in the gear reduction assembly.

 

Here's two more figures that might be of help. (Sorry for the slow response. I was out of town for the weekend.).







Removal of the actuator assembly is straightforward. It says that removal is easier of the top is lowered, but they can be replaced with the top raised.

1. Remove rear seat cushion and rear seat back.

2. Reposition bottom of main hinge cover panel on side affected for access to attaching screws.

3. Disconnect drive cable from actuator assembly.

4. Remove actuator attaching screws (Fig. 8-70).

5. Loosen setscrew in side rail actuator link and remove shoulder bolt securing sector arm to actuator link.


Installation

1. Installation is the reverse of removal, but that's only step 1! Be sure to only finger-tighten the attaching screws on the inner face of the main hinge.

2. Align side rail actuator link with sector arm of actuator. Lubricate shoulder of attaching bolt with grease (Lubriplate or equivalent), and install bolt. Tighten setscrew on side rail actuator link to lock attaching bolt.

3. Tighten attaching screws.

4. Synchronize actuators, check operation of top, and install previously removed trim parts.


"Synchronize actuators," you say? Well, there's a quick procedure for that, too. It says this must be done if an actuator has been removed or replaced.

1. Raise top and lock at windshield header.

2. Disconnect drive cables at each top actuator. Manually shake each side roof rail to stabilize in its proper position.

3. Connect drive cables to each top actuator. Actuators are now synchronized. Check operation of top.