1966 Top hydraulic cylinders - this doesn't look right ???

[Dan Szwarc]

Based on the top down pic, that bar is installed 180 degrees out of phase.

[ShaginWagon]

OK folks, I think we are starting to solve the mystery. I am guessing someone removed the top assembly during the respray, it certainly seems to be out of position based on Dan's pictures. I manually raised the top 1/2 way with deck lid at 45 degrees (see pics). Cylinder arms are disconnected.

[Dan Szwarc]

I think you're right. Someone messed with the top.

[frasern]

I was about to ask if this linkage had been removed, and in your latest picture I don't see it.

But I think I see an empty hole.

[frasern]

I believe it is called a Z bar, and they have been known to break.

[LC67Vert]

Good luck repairing the top mechanism. I like the color and it’s rarely seen. Your car is actually a 1966 based upon the emblem on the front fender and the pattern used for the upholstery on the interior. That is unless someone started with a 1967 and swapped the interior and mounted the emblem on the front fenders.

[ShaginWagon]

Folks: Thanks for the help,
I rotated the square bar and the top now folds into the trunk. New cylinders will arrive in a few days. In the meantime, I will get to work on front passenger window.

As found:

The correct OEM position:

I was about to ask if this linkage had been removed, and in your latest picture I don't see it.

Yes, Z-bar is there

[ShaginWagon]

Good luck repairing the top mechanism. I like the color and it’s rarely seen. Your car is actually a 1966 based upon the emblem on the front fender and the pattern used for the upholstery on the interior. That is unless someone started with a 1967 and swapped the interior and mounted the emblem on the front fenders.

You are correct, it is a 1966.

[Dan Szwarc]

Folks: Thanks for the help,
I rotated the square bar and the top now folds into the trunk. New cylinders will arrive in a few days. In the meantime, I will get to work on front passenger window.

Congrats for figuring this out. I had no idea this was even possible, but I’ve never disassembled my top.

There’s a bleeding procedure somewhere on this forum. Let us know when you get there.

[frasern]

We may never know how that link over-centered, but now we know it can happen. Hope all works well with the new cylinders.

[1Bad55Chevy]

Stupid question..

Say if the top mechanism was damaged beyond repair or you had a car that was completely missing the top frame/mechanism, how much would all those parts typically cost? I know parts for these things are Stupid pricey.. Not a solid hard exact $$ amount but just like a ballpark of what someone would expect to spend?

Also how much does the replacement convertible top cost? Just the fabric that is.

[mge825y]

Just when you'd thought you'd seen it all!

Shag - Super work first with your pics and then the comparison pics from Dan and Fraser so that you could figure it out! That's what makes this forum so great.

Sure hope you don't run into any more of these messes to untangle. These cars are complicated enough to get running and keep running without something like this going on. Geez

[LithiumCobalt]

If you can find someone parting out a car, probably not prohibitively expensive.

Replacement top last I checked was reasonable for the material. Maybe $700-800? The expensive part is paying someone to change it out. Oh, and also replacing the inevitably brittle wiring harness that runs through there. Not sure if those are available anymore or not.

[Dan Szwarc]

Stupid question..

Say if the top mechanism was damaged beyond repair or you had a car that was completely missing the top frame/mechanism, how much would all those parts typically cost? I know parts for these things are Stupid pricey.. Not a solid hard exact $$ amount but just like a ballpark of what someone would expect to spend?

Also how much does the replacement convertible top cost? Just the fabric that is.

I have a complete top mechanism in my backyard. I'd sell it for a reasonable price.

[ShaginWagon]

Folks:
Another thank you for all your assistance. After filling and bleeding the top pump and cylinders, we are at 100% operational on the top.

Mike