#1  
Old 08-29-2018, 09:47 PM
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Default conv top doesn't work

I would like to get the power top working but am not sure where to start. You press the button and get nothing. There must be a relay or fuse for it somewhere. Anyone have experience with this. thanks

  #2  
Old 08-31-2018, 02:58 AM
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I believe there is a relay.on the firewall on the drivers side. Check all your fuses first.

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Old 08-31-2018, 08:24 AM
68tpls400 68tpls400 is offline
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And assuming you tested the motor behind the seat and verified power to the switch, the switches themselves are well known to fail. The repop switches will generally last a month or two, so finding a nice (working) used original is the best way to go.

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Old 09-03-2018, 07:33 PM
calbird68 calbird68 is offline
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As far as electrical goes, power is fed directly from the voltage regulator. It goes through a 30A circuit breaker on the driver’s side of the firewall to the switch under the dash to the motor which is behind the back seat.. Inside the motor is another circuit breaker. You need to trace the path to see where power isn’t getting through. I’d personally pull the back seat and check if there’s power getting to the motor and go from there

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Old 09-03-2018, 07:52 PM
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Can someone post a picture of what the breaker looks like for the convertible top power? Mine is wired directly into the accessory plug on the fuse box and often blows the 20 amp fuse

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Old 09-03-2018, 09:54 PM
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Not sure what year car you have but no 69 Pontiac had a relay, they should have. The reason power top switches were so failure prone is that they handled the full amperage flow to the top motor.

I’d start by finding where your feed to the top switch plugs into the fuse box. First see if you have power there, if yes then test for power coming out of the switch in both the up and down positions when the switch is applied. If yes then test if power is at the motor. If yes then the motor itself is bad or linkage somewhere is seized.

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  #7  
Old 09-04-2018, 05:50 AM
calbird68 calbird68 is offline
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Hmm. My 68 has a 30A breaker on the firewall. See link below for what it looks like on 68. Apparently the 69 doesn't have the breaker - page 12-23 of 1969 Pontiac Service Manual.

The motor (which I think is the same) also has a breaker inside the motor itself which can fail (and can't be replaced).


https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/...&Number=267180

  #8  
Old 10-06-2019, 11:01 PM
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Its been a while but check for power at the switch and it has power, so I checked at the motor and has power . so I took the motor/pump out and took it apart , its junk. So I guess I'll be getting a new one soon.

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Old 10-07-2019, 12:16 PM
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I found a motor at a good price from restoration parts source, has anyone used them before? thanks

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Old 10-07-2019, 01:07 PM
1stGenFB 1stGenFB is offline
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I am in the same boat. 69 Vert and nothing from pressing the switch. I traced power to the back harness so I know the motor is bad. I will check out RPS

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Old 10-12-2019, 10:15 PM
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I installed the new pump and lines, not a difficult job at all. Its nice to have the roof working. New problem, the cylinders are leaking at the seals, so that will be the next project.

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Old 10-13-2019, 06:19 AM
1stGenFB 1stGenFB is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob in NH View Post
I installed the new pump and lines, not a difficult job at all. Its nice to have the roof working. New problem, the cylinders are leaking at the seals, so that will be the next project.
Where did you end up getting your convertible top motor from? I need to source one soon as well.

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Old 10-13-2019, 08:32 AM
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I got it at Summit , hoses and motor was 275 with free shipping and its the same pump that most everyone else sells.

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Old 10-13-2019, 11:24 AM
calbird68 calbird68 is offline
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The cylinders are a bit of a pain to get out and back in due to the outer bolt location. At least mine were.

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Old 10-18-2019, 10:12 PM
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I replaced the cylinders for the top and it doesn't go any lower than this, are there any adjustments to lower it so I can get the boot on?
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Old 10-19-2019, 05:42 AM
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That looks normal. The Firebird top doesn’t go as flush as the top on bigger cars. The boot is designed accordingly.

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My Break Away Squad
1969 Fbird (Base, 350 & Sprint Cvt’s - 400HO & TA Hardtops)
1969 LeMans (2dr & 4dr Hardtop and a Cvt)
1969 LeMans Safari 2 seat Wagon
1969 GTO (2 Cvt, 2 Hardtops & Judge Hardtop)
1969 Catalina (3 Cvt’s & a 2dr hardtop)
1969 Ventura 2 Seat Wagon
1969 Executive 4dr Sedan
1969 Bonnie Cvt
1969 Bonnie 3 Seat Wagon (2 of them)
1969 Bonnie Brougham (4dr Hardtop & Cvt)
1969 Grand Prix SJ (2 of them)
1969 2+2 2dr Hardtop (Canadian model)
  #17  
Old 10-19-2019, 09:33 AM
Tim john Tim john is offline
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Make double sure the top fabric is not getting folded up in the linkage when lowering the top, that too will blow fuses, trip relays, do damage to lines, cylinders, pumps, linkage, the top fabric, etc. The resistance of trying to fold up with the fabric caught up does not end well.

Tim john---

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Old 10-20-2019, 07:12 PM
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the fabric was folding under the frame so I unfolded it as its going down and its much better. Still can't snap the boot but its a lot closer.

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Old 10-20-2019, 08:01 PM
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You may want to make sure the latch hook knuckles on either side are pushed down (they have springs) - that will help a little (very little). From the very beginning, the boot has always been hard to attach. I have had the same experience with aftermarket. Don't know why aftermarket manufacturers cant allow for a slight bit more material. and a better fit. Maybe some do ???

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