1956 power top

[James S.]

New user of this forum, seeking Info/HELP on Installation and functional checking of a late 1956 production unit. The unit I have came off of a 40000 mi. one owner car. Everything is there except for two items, Gas Tank cover swithch cover and the trunk cyclinder lower mounting bracket (??? Casting) I can fab these but could use some pictures to HELP ... I've clean and restored the harness and swithch. My next ??? is how to purge the hydraulic system.... Having discussed with a few Olde Timers they recommend using Transmission or power steering fluid as a replacement for brake Fluid ???? Looking for any and ALL HELP I can get, I have several hundred picture of 1956 1958 and other PwrTop systems if anyone need to view . Jim S.

[Garry B.]

Re: 1956 power top

Jim, good to hear from you on this board. I have seen the gas tank mounted switch covers on ebay every so often. It is a two piece cover (bottom and top) that allows you to mount the switch and then place the cover over it. I would check with the usual suspects to see if they have one if you don't do ebay. I have pictures of both of the covers/brackets that you are looking for, but it would be easier to send them to you directly. Not sure though if they are good enough for you to fabricate from. Contact me on my personal email and I will send you what I have.
Another thought, I believe the Assembly manual has pretty good drawings of these parts.
Garry Barnes 18531

[Roy B.]

Re: 1956 power top

If the unit has been not working for many years you need to disassemble everything to get the grit out.Using air pressure to clean the lines and cylinders . The pump and control units will be stuck with grit clean them. . Then you can bench test it out of the car using Trans fluid not brake fluid that was used so to protect your paint . Completely re-assembled and filled you then install the unit back into the Corvette.