71 Challenger power Convertible question

[Jeff Ferrante]

I recently purchased a 71 challenger (like Yesterday) Did my intro in the Welcome Wagon, Thanks for all the kind words. Time for my first question / help request. My 71 has a power top, however when it was restored none of the power parts were put back in. It works very smooth manually but I would like to have the power working. I know I will need a pump, Actuators, and hose which are all available. My question is what else? does any one have some good pictures of there top assembly? A parts break down? Thanks for any help

 

[Rich G.]

Do you have the switch in the dash and the harness that goes to the pump? Other then what you mentioned you’ll need the little brackets and pins that hold the cylinders in.

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

Do you have the switch in the dash and the harness that goes to the pump? Other then what you mentioned you’ll need the little brackets and pins that hold the cylinders in.

Sorry, Yes switch is in place, thank goodness, those suckers are expensive. Harness is still in.

 

[DetMatt1]

I have a good used pump and cylinders available if you want to go that route and I also have both the chassis and the body service manual(not for sale but highly suggested) that I can get related info out of for you.

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

I have a good used pump and cylinders available if you want to go that route and I also have both the chassis and the body service manual(not for sale but highly suggested) that I can get related info out of for you.
View attachment 71251

Some pictures from the manual would be great, need to see what these brackets look like and I found pins and bushings available on a convertible top parts website, there are lots of different sizes and it only listed by size not fitment, Thank You

 

[RJHJR]

Here's some shots which may be helpful. I built the wood fame and set it on a K-member dolly as I restored the frame and tack strips. I bought new cylinders, pump, frame tack strips and rear tack strips (they are hard to source) from Convertible Top Specialists.

I have a lot of pictures of all the little pieces and clips if you need more help. Motors can be rebuilt but not cylinders. I cleaned up the motor in the pictures and was set to install it when I noticed it spotting. Not wanting to deal with it later I installed a seal kit.

Dematt1 is absolutely correct you'll want/need the Service Manual.

I recommend MCC Detroit's Fastener Guide - its full of pictures of almost all the fasteners in a E-body but its a little light on convertible stuff.

AMK Products Inc in Winchester VA has the little red nut with the keps nut with the toothed washer which is rather hard to find.

You'll need the washers that go on the stud that goes in the end of the ram cylinder on the ram, one is flat and the other has an engaged sleeve the slips on the stud.

 

[DetMatt1]

The same pump system/parts was used on all Mopar convertibles of the era.

 

[RJHJR]

Here's the washers, brackets and pins.
BTW, welcome!

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

Thank you all, That should get me in the right direction.

 

[DetMatt1]

 

[RJHJR]

I double checked; the washers go on the stud on the brackets at the housing end of the ram cylinder.

 

[RJHJR]

Its hard to see but there's actually washers on both pivots of the operable ram.
The black ones in the side of the ram housing came with the cylinder. The white opaque ones go between the ram end of the cylinder and the frame.

 

[RJHJR]

Convertible Top Specialists has the hydraulic lines as well.

 

[doubleyellow]

Hate to add more to your project, but it's based on experience:

Be sure to check your convertible motor electrical harness all the way into the fuse block. It wasn't noticeable at first glance, but due to the high current, the fuse block was melted/burnt at the connections. A Mopar guy that was an electrical expert pointed it out to me. I had to get all new harnesses.

So in other words, the hydraulics are critical, but electrical system for the top is equally important, so check it while you are at it.

Good luck. Power tops rock.

 

[DetMatt1]

Just so y’all know I just sold all the parts.

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

Hate to add more to your project, but it's based on experience:

Be sure to check your convertible motor electrical harness all the way into the fuse block. It wasn't noticeable at first glance, but due to the high current, the fuse block was melted/burnt at the connections. A Mopar guy that was an electrical expert pointed it out to me. I had to get all new harnesses.

So in other words, the hydraulics are critical, but electrical system for the top is equally important, so check it while you are at it.

Good luck. Power tops rock.

Thanks for the heads up, I will

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

I just got the car home a little while ago, I will check things out later. Thanks for all the pictures and advice

 

[Jeff Ferrante]

Here's the washers, brackets and pins.
BTW, welcome!

View attachment 71269

View attachment 71270

These are still in the car, Pins are not but they are available, Thanks again

 

[BuckeyeCuda]

I have a 64 Fury convertible with a different problem: One of the bolts (?) that are on the folding arms on the passenger side was broken through when I got the car. Haven't tackled it yet, but figure that I need to drill it out (after heating it while avoiding burning the top) and then either use a new swaged bolt or a carriage bolt with nylon washers to allow it to pivot.

Anyone had a problem like this? (sorry to intrude on this thread, but I don't see too many threads on convertibles).....

 

[340challconvert]

Have some close up pics as I removed my interior. Hope they help.