Power top conversion..

[Chryslerdude]

Hi E-Buddies

I am considering buying a Banana 70 Challenger Convertible, with a manual top.. and was wondering, if there is any complete "P37" pw top conversion kit´s available anywhere, or if I have to go chase them "unobtainium parts"... if I get lazy, and decide to "electrify" the top?

Does anyone know, if the top frames are the same...? Thnx in advance, and a great day to all of ya..

 

[Challenger RTA]

I would say there are more mechanical and hydraulic parts need then electrical.

 

[EW1BH27]

Hydro-E-Lectric. The "kit" is on the second line of the link.

CONVERTIBLE TOP & WINDOW PARTS - Page 1 - Hydro-E-Lectric

www.hydroe.com

Evans Wiring has the harness.
E Body power top accessory harness

An OEM top lift switch, even reopops, will set you back some. Not to mention tracking ONLY the switch panel wood grain, most people sell that as a set. If the car's a standard dash all you need is a new label.

 

[Cuda416]

Hi E-Buddies

I am considering buying a Banana 70 Challenger Convertible, with a manual top.. and was wondering, if there is any complete "P37" pw top conversion kit´s available anywhere, or if I have to go chase them "unobtainium parts"... if I get lazy, and decide to "electrify" the top?

Does anyone know, if the top frames are the same...? Thnx in advance, and a great day to all of ya..

The frames are the same. You'll be missing a bracket on either side which bolts to the frame and acts as the attachment points for the lift rams. As others have said, you'll need the additional parts but the frame itself isn't the problem.

 

[EW1BH27]

Here's an interesting thread....

1970 Cuda Convertible (Non-Power to Power)

Hello Everyone, I have visited the site many times and always found it helpful especially with the expertise of the members. So here goes, I would like to know how involved it is to convert from a non powered top to a powered convertible top. I am seeing that Pump/Motors, Lift cylinders, hoses...

www.forebodiesonly.com

My post 7 shows a couple brackets and apparently manual tops have non-hydraulic cylinders so "bracket #2" (in my pic) should be there. If bracket #1 is missing that'll be tough to get.

 

[Cuda416]

Here's an interesting thread....

1970 Cuda Convertible (Non-Power to Power)

Hello Everyone, I have visited the site many times and always found it helpful especially with the expertise of the members. So here goes, I would like to know how involved it is to convert from a non powered top to a powered convertible top. I am seeing that Pump/Motors, Lift cylinders, hoses...

www.forebodiesonly.com

My post 7 shows a couple brackets and apparently manual tops have non-hydraulic cylinders so "bracket #2" (in my pic) should be there. If bracket #1 is missing that'll be tough to get.

The correct one (#2) shows up from time to time. In a pinch a suitable replacement would be pretty easy to make.


Here is a link to an old for sale add shows details

FOR SALE - Original Challenger Cuda Convertible Power Top Cylinder Mounting Brackets

Original Challenger Cuda Convertible power top cylinder mounting brackets, no pitting, no damage, no modifications, refinished, ready for installation, excellent condition, $75 pair Located in NJ

www.forebodiesonly.com

 

[EW1BH27]

Here is a link to an old for sale add shows details

Those look the same as the ones SteveLTCuda had (Posts #10 & #18 of his thread). I got the impression they were from/for his non-power top. If there's a difference I don't see it and would appreciate it being pointed out if there is one. Thanks, John.

 

[Cuda416]

Those are exactly what are on my 70 vert power top.

 

[Cuda416]

Again, there is no difference between the power and manual top other than the presence of the appropriate bracket and the correct power rams/pump etc. The actual frame is the same.

 

[Finoke]

Have you ever operated a manual top? The manual top pistons have springs in them. So one person can easily put the top up and down. I have both manual and a hydraulic top E-body convertibles. To me they are both easy to put up and down.

 

[EW1BH27]

the presence of the appropriate bracket

This is what’s sidetracking me. What exactly is the “appropriate “ bracket you’re talking about? Is it the bracket that the cylinder goes to? Those look the same to me between manual & power. Or are you referring to the bracket that holds the motor/pump? I’d really like more specifics.

I’m just trying to help the OP so he doesn’t go hunting for something he might not need.

 

[Cuda416]

This is what’s sidetracking me. What exactly is the “appropriate “ bracket you’re talking about? Is it the bracket that the cylinder goes to? Those look the same to me between manual & power. Or are you referring to the bracket that holds the motor/pump? I’d really like more specifics.

I’m just trying to help the OP so he doesn’t go hunting for something he might not need.

With respect to the top "frame", there is _no_ difference. The "brackets" mentioned are how the cylinders connect to the top frame. If you look though that other thread, it shows good pictures of the parts. They are the ones shown above. They have two holes in them, One for a "peg", the other is for a stud. The picture YOU posted shows this clearly. The protrusion/ stud on the actual bracket, is where the cylinder mounts to it. The other end mounts lower down. The pump mounts to the cross member that all verst have behind the rear seat. There is a spot for the pump to sit right in the middle.

I believe the little bracket is used regardless of power/manual top since the manual tops have top "assist" cylinders. Not sure if it was an option to not have the assist? Getting a little out of my depth there.

As far as hunting for things, it might be a good idea to download the FSM for the car and go though it. Those things have loads of info.

One thing he'll have are the manual top hold down clips. Those are always hard to find or really expensive. He might be able to sell his and recoup some cost.

 

[Chryslerdude]

I would say there are more mechanical and hydraulic parts need then electrical.

I agree completely, but it was late in the day, and as I was uanble to spell... "Hydraullification" at time... , I picked the easy way out.. and even though I agree completely, I always sort of thought "electricity" first, when I heard ppl say "Power top"....

 

[Chryslerdude]

The frames are the same. You'll be missing a bracket on either side which bolts to the frame and acts as the attachment points for the lift rams. As others have said, you'll need the additional parts but the frame itself isn't the problem.

Thank you very much...! I do have access to a power top frame from a barracuda, so I could have a look at that.. but I had somewhat hoped, that there was some crafty ppl somewhere, producing & selling a complete (and affordable) "retrofit setup"! To be honest, if unobtanium (original vert) parts are needed, I think I can do without..

The bracketry kindly posted by EW1BH27 (Thank you good sir), could probably be copied.. but then again, I guess that how much "trouble, manufacturing and expense" one would endure, for the "creature comfort points" of a power top, should be experienced, and weighed against the effort of the manual top..

Thanks to all replying.. I really appreciate your "Mopar kindness", and taking time to reply!

 

[Cuda416]

Thank you very much...! I do have access to a power top frame from a barracuda, so I could have a look at that.. but I had somewhat hoped, that there was some crafry ppl somewhere, producing & selling a complete (and affordable) "retrofit setup"! To be honest, if unobtanium (original vert) parts are needed, I think I can do without..

The bracketry kindly posted by EW1BH27 (Thank you good sir), could probably be copied.. but then again, I guess that how much "trouble, manufacturing and expense" one would endure, for the "creature comfort points" of a power top, should be experienced, and weighed against the effort of the manual top..

Thanks to all replying.. I really appreciate your "Mopar kindness", and taking time to reply!

On the upside it's something you can retrofit later quite honestly. Take your time and I'm sure you'll find some.

 

[Chryslerdude]

Have you ever operated a manual top? The manual top pistons have springs in them. So one person can easily put the top up and down. I have both manual and a hydraulic top E-body convertibles. To me they are both easy to put up and down.

No, I have not.. and thanks for that information. I did not know that, but should have guessed it, as the frame is pretty heavy to move around, when not mounted on the car. I have been so fortunate to get power tops, on both the two convertibles I purchased previously... and both of them, are currently apart.. but I am definately up for trying the manual

The car I am going to look at, is a pretty base 318, and not in fantastic condition either, so I am going to take things slow, and get it up and running mechanically first, and move on to installing more "luxury orientated" goodies, AFTER we have "bonded".. Many of the broken parts, I have already.. so what makes it as cheap as it is, will not cost me anything to fix.. and I REALLY like that part..