A couple BASIC questions. I owned a 72 cutlass convertible for 18 years a top system that was disconnected. Just put foot on back seat, hoist overhead, easy enough. I now have a 69 with a power top that actually works. Or at least had been working well, but is likely low on fluid—needed help coming back up yesterday. Was never terribly quick. I'm going to pull the back seats and give it a look, but haven't ever dealt with this. Any tips on removing the seats? Seems easy enough but any idiosyncrasies? And can the top be raised manually without causing problems with everything being hooked up? Thanks folks.

 

Leave the back seat alone and open the trunk. The top motor and fluid reservoir are accessible in the trunk, directly above the rear axle.

 

Thanks Joe. A friend had told me I'd have clear access by taking the seat out, but I haven't looked yet—need to clear the trunk out. And why I asked about it HERE. Hopefully just low on fluid.

 

I think the top motor is in the trunk.

 

I know the top motor is in the trunk.

 

The biggest problem with adding oil to the pump is that stupid rubber plug. Hard to get out and even harder to get back in place. It does help to use a syringe (for the oil, not yourself, perhaps a turkey baster, if the nozzle fits). All this when you are jammed into the trunk with your legs hanging out and somebodys dog licking your ankles!

 

I bought what looks like a catsup despenser from Steak and Shake at a discount store. Ran top up and down adding fluid as necessary. Utube helps tell how.

 

I HIGHLY discourage the manual method UNLESS you disconnect the top frame from the pistons.

Here is why: first, it's very difficult. Second, if everything is connected, you would be pulling against the fluid pressure inside the pistons. IF one piston has less fluid than the other (say your low on fluid), then the side that has less fluid will have less resistance and move further than the other piston. This means the top frame will be raised crooked, and eventually gets out of adjustments and possibly certain weak linkages may bend to the point of no return.

As others mentioned, I usually find it easier to get to the pump thru the trunk. The chassis manual has an excellent step by step directions

 

I've done a few tops and this is well worth it. Fills fast and no mess

http://store.convertibleparts.com/f-m.html

 

Yep, this is the way to go. I was cheap so I just added till it worked. Had to wipe up the mess.