Purchase all new hardware for convertible top, Hydraulic cylinders and hoses from NPD and pump from classic Industries. The first problem was getting the hoses to seal to cylinders. The only way to stop the lines from leaking was to use Teflon tape and pipe sealing compound. Cylinder did come with O'rings. Ordered kit from Ames on how to bleed system. This was about 8 months ago the top has never worked correctly but would go up and down with a little coaching. Now its great weather and top is not working. Checked the fluid level and bleed for about the fourth time, not showing any air in system. I am thinking the cylinders are leaking down because if I stop top halfway down it will fall down fairly fast, leaking down. Disconnected cylinders from top frame and ran all the way up and down with pump slowing at each end stop. With cylinders disconnect top moves freely up and down. With everything connected when motor is running it sounds like it has no strain on it up or down. Called NPD about leaking hoses and they said technician would call me. I am waiting to this day for technician to call me so I do not believe they will help. How do I tell which component is failing.
MR J IS THE HOSE LEAKING OR THE CYLINDERS TOP (AROUND SEAL)? WHEN I REPLACED THE HOSE(S) ON MINE, I HAD TO BLEED THE SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES TO REMOVE THE AIR. IF THE TOP FALLS WHEN YOU STOP IT IN THE HALF-WAY POSITION YOU STILL HAVE A LEAK OR LOW FLUID . DO YOU HAVE THE HAND PUMP TO BLEED THE SYSTEM OR YOU USING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR\PUMP THE DO THE BLEEDING?
I am using the kit from Ames. This info said to put fluid in the container and connect hose to container and the other end into pump. Then operate the top and this will pull the fluid into the system. Fluid was pulled into system but top is not working. What is the best way to bleed system of air? Looking at the hoses I am not seeing any air in the lines.
I think the left hydraulic cylinder is bad. At anytime I can push or pull cylinder rod all the way up or down the one on the right will stop with a little pressure on it.
With left hand cylinder removed from car and pushing and pulling rod with finger over line fitting cylinder has no pressure at all. Remove both cylinders from car and returned to NPD for replacements. Thanks for Help http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=763
