maineolds

I'm having so much fun restoring my 1949 Olds 88 convertible. I had to share this simple modification with all of you!
A previous owner converted the hydraulic top to run off an electric motor. They used a DPDT (double pole double throw) toggle switch with 6 posts to power the top up and down. Using this kind of switch allows you to reverse the motors polarity causing the same motor to work in both directions needed to put the top up and down. That's great! But what I didn't like was the fact that a "new" toggle switch had to be used under the dash, land that it left the factory push/pull "top" switch that was intended to be connected to the hydraulic controller useless.
I wanted to be able to power the top using the old control switch. But how? Well, the solution seems crazy, but it works fantastic! Here's a video:

Tedd Thompson

Good work and there won't be any modern looking switch to look at..... Tedd

maineolds

Thanks! It sure would have been easier to simply attach the “top” **** to s push/pull type switch, but no one makes a DPDT push/pull. That’s the key. You’ve got to be able to reverse polarity.

redoldsman

Nice job. Somebody did a lot of work converting the top to an electric motor.

rocketraider

Genius. I like. Just make sure the switch is capable of carrying the amps that top motor pulls.