'65 convertible top question

[Justcruisin']

This might be a really dumb question but here goes --- can a power convertible top be manually operated if the convertible motor assembly is disconnected? The question came up when we were talking about what might happen if you were out someplace & the top motor quit working. Could you still get the top up? Or down?

 

[daves66valiant]

yes you can.

 

[65Val]

Yes, it can be done. It might require 2 people,to avoid "racking" the top frame as well as the extra muscle as a manual top has large springs in place of the hydraulic cylinders, kinda like hood springs.

 

[340mopar]

Being my past converts were older and the motors didn't work I used to raise and lower them manually all the time with the pumps and cylinders still attached. They were GM cars though, I am unsure if Mopars are the same, but bet they are because it would be an issue if you couldn't raise a top if the motor died and it started to rain. This could cause the car manufacturer some greif in lawsuits due to rain damage.

Chuck