Corvair Forum

Hi I took a look at my convert top motor, as it does not work. The motor was loose sitting on frame behind the rear seat. I'm confused! I really expected to see a motor with hydraulic lines coming from it, instead it's a motor with two cables, best way to explain the cables is that there like speedo cables. I have not looked behind the rear side panels yet to see the Pistons.
Is this a hydrolic system or a manual system???
I checked the motor, I here a click as if the cylinder is engaging but the motor does not turn.
My questions are (1) can I rebuild the motor?? (As they don't seem to be cheep.
(2) Can I just remove the Pistons and have it work manually??
Anyone have a drawing on the lift system.(machcanical or hydrolic)??


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It's not hydraulic or manual, it's electric as you have surmised.

It uses an electric motor to power the mechanism, using what looks like speedo cables to each side's gearbox.

It does draw a lot of current - so make sure you are getting full voltage to the motor. Try disconnecting the 'speedo' cables, and see if the motor will turn when the switch is pressed. Use a voltmeter to make sure you are getting full battery voltage at the motor and that it has a good ground. While you have the cables disconnected from the motor, put the top up and down manually using your hands. Does it go up and down smoothly?

If the motor is bad (doesn't happen very often) you can simply leave the cables disconnected and put it up and down manually.

Jim T.

Hi Jim
The motor was disconnect from the cables before I bought it and sitting loose. The electric was still connected but I disconnected it and tried to bench test it. I here a noise when I give it power, like the solenoid is engaging but the motor does not turn.
As far As putting the top up and down, it is anything as smooth. I put it down when I got the car(2years ago) and did not get it back up till reciently.
For now I'm good with just using it manually. I just want it to work without so much effort. I'm going to pull the side panels off and look at the Pistons/ cylinders and try to get it working easier. Thought that it might be hard to open because of it being hooked up to the cylinders an that if I disconnect them it would work more easily.


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Jim, the convertible top system doesn't use pistons/cylinders. It's electric with gearboxes on both sides that are driven by the cables from the electric motor. If the motor system has failed, you could remove the gearboxes and likely make folding the top by hand easier.

Opps, sorry my reply was intended for Corsa Bill.

Ok here it is, the gears are fine
Clarks rebuilt motors are $230. I've got two options right now:
(1) manual top, no motor
(2) see if I can do a rebuild on it myself. $230 dollars isn't going to work. I've got to much other parts to buy.

I did a bench test, although I don't really understand all the wires.
OK red+, black- or ground and yellow and green. To bench test it I grounded it and if i touched ether yellow or green it makes a sound like a solenoid is engaging. I would think the yellow would turn the motor one way and green the other. I think I'm missing something, the red! Can Anyone help me know if I'm doing the bench test right?
And also could I repair the motor myself? I'm guessing not! If it's in the windings. If it were bushings I could


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Bill , my 65 had the same issue. The ground wire was not making a good ground . I wire wheeled it and used a larger self tapping screw and that took care of it . It still works pretty slow but it does work consistently.

Bill, if the frame action is stiff or binding, it probably needs to be lubricated. Making sure the joints are all moving freely really helps reduce the load on the motor. I'm sure Chevrolet didn't spec a motor with any extra power! LOL
I used a white lithium aerosol on mine, but the top wasn't there at the time. You could put a towel behind to catch overspray, and wipe down thoroughly before and after exercising. I was amazed at how much of a difference it makes.

Thanks Danny
The top is/was so hard to get up the rear bow is bent. Now I'm going to have to fix that. I probably did it trying to force it up. At the time I thought there were hydrolics that were holding it down. Now I know that's not the case. I have sprayed W-D on one side. Still have to do the other. Maybe I'll use lithium grease or Teflon. I will be replacing the top at a later date
Thanks again
Bill


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Oh I meant silicone not Teflon


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