1956 Power Top Cylinder Rebuild

[Sheldon S.]

Does anyone know if there is someone that can rebuild original lift cylinders for a power top for a 1956-62. I would prefer to keep originals if possible.
Thanks
Sheldon

[Joe M.]

Re: 1956 Power Top Cylinder Rebuild

Sheldon, I searched in vain six months ago for a hydraulics shop that could rebuild the cylinders for my 1960 power top. Never found anyone that could do it or would attempt to do. The cylinder casings are made out of thin aluminum and the tops would have to be uncrimped and then recrimped. I doubt that a company would have the correct crimping tool to recrimp and I would be concerned that the re-crimped aluminum would not be as strong. The repro pumps produce over 400 psi static pressure.

I tried cleaning out my original cylinders by filling them full of ATF and pushing it out; repeated process over and over, but could never get the brake fluid sludge out of the two long cylinders. There was no pitting on the chrome push rods. I was able to clean out the short deck lid lift cylinder and installed it. The repro short cylinder is not plumbed the same way as the original and the hose connection hits the end of the motor.

If your chrome push rods are not pitted, you might be able to devise a way to surge hot ATF in and out of both ends of the cylinders and attempt to clean them out. However, if any of the sludge remains, when you power up the system, the sludge will go to the solenoids and plug up the small passageways. I finally gave up on the two long originals and purchased reproduction cylinders.

I would be glad to answer any questions you might have about the system. I was able to install the system and make it work.

[Bryan H.]

Re: 1956 Power Top Cylinder Rebuild

i had a gentleme from the west coast rebuild the cylinders for my 1956. he sells in the NCRS driveline. i will go thru my records and get his contact info. Belive his ame was Paul . he owns a 56...

[Sheldon S.]

Re: 1956 Power Top Cylinder Rebuild

Bryan, we're you able find the contact info for the fellow that rebuilt your cylinders. Thanks. Sheldon

i had a gentleme from the west coast rebuild the cylinders for my 1956. he sells in the NCRS driveline. i will go thru my records and get his contact info. Belive his ame was Paul . he owns a 56...

[Bryan H.]

Re: 1956 Power Top Cylinder Rebuild

i looked thru my email account and i couldnt find it. i now have to go thru my checkbook and find him..sorry for the delay...He is a NCRS memebr and sometimes advertises in the driveline on powertop parts and rebuilding.