Hi , has anyone ever changed out the cylinders and motor for a rag top. My has been down for the winter in my garage and when I went to lift it the motor hummed but the top never moved. It would actually go back into the well when I pushed the switch the wrong way but never up. I have always smelled an oil smell so I guess the cylinders may be leaking. Is this a big job to do, should I replace everything while I am at it? Any suggestion on vendors? Thanks for your help. Kevin

Four years ago I replaced the O-rings in my leaking cylinders and the top is still working this season. Here's some discussion of some issues I had and the assistance I got from hokie1984 as I fixed the factory cylinders:
https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=194166&page=1

Kevin,

When my pump went out, I sent it to Jim Weaver at 1029 E Selwood Court, Columbia, SC 29212-8103. http://www.topmotorrepair.com/

If your pump / motor is able to be rebuilt, the fee is $125 and he guarantees it for as long as you have it. He needs to see it to determine if it is too far gone for a rebuild.

Dion on this site used him and recommended him to me. My pump worked fantastic once I got it back. And he includes instructions for the best way to fill and bleed the lines.

Good luck!

The pump is pretty easy to change, the cylinders not so much. If you have the cash, replace everything while you have all apart.
Here's one place for parts,
http://www.convertibleparts.com/index.htm
All the repo houses have everything as well.

Mine are going on 4+ years with no leaks with a simple o-ring replacement. The shaft on one of my rams was extremely scorn because the snap ring came loose and gouged it pretty bad. I had to remove a lot material. Bottom line, if I can get mine to seal up, anyone should be able to do the same.

Removing the cylinders is not that hard if you rotate it out of its cradle while prying. It's harder to describe than it actually is. Although it sounds like there is some variation in the cradle spacing based on what Jim said.

The last 4 years I replaced every convertable part to my tempest including the switch. I would say if the funds allow do it all at once. One mess, one time tearing it all apart.