Convertible top Hydralic Line Upgrade

[mudbilly]

This is something I did a while ago, and sort of forgot about it until I took the trunk apart for doing the sound deadening.

After the second time I replaced the cheap plastic stock hydraulic lines for the vert top, and cleaning up the mess after they had ruptured and spewed fluid throughout the trunk and back seat area. I said never again. I had a couple REAL hydraulic lines fabricated and was able fit everything up by buying some adapters at the local Advanced Auto.

 

[73pony]

Nicely done!

 

[peche 71]

so where did you get the real hydraulic lines from? Nice pics, looks sharp!

 

[mudbilly]

so where did you get the real hydraulic lines from? Nice pics, looks sharp!

http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/?Click=2&gclid=CMrzyq7ygs0CFQEJaQodK14GUg

If anyone is interested, I'll see if they have a record of what I bought, (they make everything to your specification) , along with the adapters I bought locally.

I remember it was a pain in the butt, trying to get everything to work out. You would think that they would put the same style & size fitting on both the cylinders & the pup, but NO, that would have been too easy

 

[OLE PONY]

Looks good. I'll probably jinx mine, but they are still the original lines!

 

[luxstang]

Good job!!

 

[sdstang]

Looks good!

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

One thing that can cause the lines to break is to keep the switch on after the top is up. You can actually release the switch before the header hits the windshield frame to save putting excessive pressure on the lines. I am sure you have noticed if you hold it you can hear the pump strain as it tried to force the top into the windshield that is what breaks most lines. There is no need to do this just get the top close to the windshield and let it drift down the last 1/2" or release as soon as it touches and then latch the top.

A little lube on the pivot points of the top also makes it work easier.

I always unlatch the top when not driving to let the rubber seals spring back so they don't die too soon. Rolling the windows down slightly also saves the side seals. I have a 65 vert that still has it's original lines that are the same as the 71-73 I think they use the same pump also.

Your solution does look good for sure and I am sure will last forever.[/align]