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"Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 05:09 PM
  #181 (permalink)  
stlouistrucker's Avatar
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From: Bowling Green, KY - Home of the Corvette
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

This thread has been very helpful. I have two cylinders leaking and I plan on removing my pump and cylinders next week for shipment to Klaus. However, all of the pictures that g3air posted are no longer available to me. I used two different browsers. I get this instead. Is it my problem or are the pictures no longer available?

 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 05:22 PM
  #182 (permalink)  
KeithTexas's Avatar
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From: Austin
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by stlouistrucker
This thread has been very helpful. I have two cylinders leaking and I plan on removing my pump and cylinders next week for shipment to Klaus. However, all of the pictures that g3air posted are no longer available to me. I used two different browsers. I get this instead. Is it my problem or are the pictures no longer available?
I get the same thing on my iPad with Safari.
Maybe the moderators/hosts can’t fix it.
If not, then I probably captured all of them last year when I replaced two cylinders. I’ll get them to you one way or another...email, Dropbox, or reposting here?
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 07:38 PM
  #183 (permalink)  
stlouistrucker's Avatar
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From: Bowling Green, KY - Home of the Corvette
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

I Googled Tinypic and they ceased operations in September.
KeithTexas - If you could repost that would help me as well as other forum members. If not, then I could give you an email address. I've not used dropBox.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 10:15 PM
  #184 (permalink)  
g3air's Avatar
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From: Punta Gorda, FL
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by stlouistrucker
This thread has been very helpful. I have two cylinders leaking and I plan on removing my pump and cylinders next week for shipment to Klaus. However, all of the pictures that g3air posted are no longer available to me. I used two different browsers. I get this instead. Is it my problem or are the pictures no longer available?

Sad but true. Tinypic was free and went out of business and the only option was another outfit that wanted money. I still have the pics, I think, but they are mixed in with others and I have no easy way to reconstruct.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 10:18 PM
  #185 (permalink)  
KeithTexas's Avatar
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From: Austin
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by g3air
Sad but true. Tinypic was free and went out of business and the only option was another outfit that wanted money. I still have the pics, I think, but they are mixed in with others and I have no easy way to reconstruct.
I sent all of your pics to stlouistrucker. He might repost them.

I've got to thank you for those photos. They helped me tremendously when I had two cylinders rebuilt last year. Thanks!
 
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Old Mar 20, 2020 | 03:55 AM
  #186 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

I have a 2005 with a convertible top in the East Tennessee area that appears to need rebuilding (fluid leak & the top needs to be replaced). I could really use some help. I’ll buy the replacement top & pay for parts and I want to help to fix the system and install the replacement top, but, I will pay for time.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2020 | 05:56 AM
  #187 (permalink)  
DualSportDad's Avatar
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From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by Brian P
I have a 2005 with a convertible top in the East Tennessee area that appears to need rebuilding (fluid leak & the top needs to be replaced). I could really use some help. I’ll buy the replacement top & pay for parts and I want to help to fix the system and install the replacement top, but, I will pay for time.
Maybe not exactly what your looking for.... But if my day job closes there is a possibility that I will be hitting the road for repairs. I have tops in stock and a set of rebuilt main cylinders.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2020 | 09:25 AM
  #188 (permalink)  
drydock's Avatar
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From: Cape Canaveral (on the beach baby!), FL
Smile Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by DualSportDad
Maybe not exactly what your looking for.... But if my day job closes there is a possibility that I will be hitting the road for repairs. I have tops in stock and a set of rebuilt main cylinders.
I had to rebpair parts to my top in 2018. I had the cylinders rebuilt by Top Hydraulics, Inc. up in Florence Oregon. Klaus Witte is the owner and a master machinist. Excellent work by Klaus.
I had to replace the top last month, as the rear glass was falling out again! The first time that happened the Chrysler dealer checked the VIN No. and discovered my top was still under warranty (less than 100,000 miles).
The dealer replaced it for free and even gave me a rental car. This time however I had to replace the top myself and went with a new top by Robbins, replaced by a local auto upholstery specialist. That top has a lifetime warranty on the glass and looks beautiful. Perfect fit. It was $1000.00 less than the OEM top and better warranty.
I hope this experience is helpful!
 
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Old Mar 21, 2020 | 03:38 AM
  #189 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

If you’re willing to come this direction & have the parts then I just have to ask what you charge (You can IM me at 281-380-1697) and what I can do to help. We have a nice sized garage and even a downstairs bedroom if you want to stay the night with us and our five pups.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2020 | 10:29 AM
  #190 (permalink)  
DualSportDad's Avatar
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From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by Brian P
If you’re willing to come this direction & have the parts then I just have to ask what you charge (You can IM me at 281-380-1697) and what I can do to help. We have a nice sized garage and even a downstairs bedroom if you want to stay the night with us and our five pups.
if my work shuts down and my son's mother wants to continue with our parenting time schedule it's definitely a possibility. it looks like most auto repair shops in florida are trying to become "essential services" in order to stay open. in the case that happen i might have jobs lined up as far north from me as daytona right now. I'll keep you in mind and if it looks like i'm going to be able to make it happen i'll figure out what costs would be etc. if worse comes to worse and you can't find anyone local to do it for you by summer ( only a couple months) i usually travel to the smokey mountains to camp with my son during the summer and it should be a problem to schedule it then.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2020 | 06:30 PM
  #191 (permalink)  
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Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

.


Remember! CoVid19!!!!!


Social distancing and community spread equals LIMIT ALL TRAVEL!


.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:56 AM
  #192 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

No worries, just let me know the cost and timing. I’ll be starting a new job soon and I’m looking forward to getting this done. 🙂
 
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Old Mar 28, 2020 | 03:07 PM
  #193 (permalink)  
ray48317's Avatar
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From: Fort Pierce,Florida
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

If you are like me, enjoy your Crossfire and worry about where to get hands on help in Southern Florida, Dual Sport Dad on the forum might be a solution.
I just had Dual Sport Dad at my house for 4 1/2 hours working on my 2005 Crossfire convertible that I have had for 15 years. This is the second time I have been lucky enough to have him help me out. This trip he replaced my top as well as checked out a bunch of things that I tried to do on my own. He is on the forum and his name is Alex Tuchbaum. He lives in Fort Myers, Florida and made the trip to Fort Pierce, Florida for me. Many of you already call Alex for help. I recommend you drop him a note if you need a very reasonable priced experienced mechanic with 15 years experience working on Crossfires to see if he can do some work that requires more experience then you have. Both times he has done outstanding work at a very reasonable price.
 
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Old Mar 28, 2020 | 11:12 PM
  #194 (permalink)  
GraphiteGhost's Avatar
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From: Central South Carolina
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by ray48317
If you are like me, enjoy your Crossfire and worry about where to get hands on help in Southern Florida, Dual Sport Dad on the forum might be a solution.
I just had Dual Sport Dad at my house for 4 1/2 hours working on my 2005 Crossfire convertible that I have had for 15 years. This is the second time I have been lucky enough to have him help me out. This trip he replaced my top as well as checked out a bunch of things that I tried to do on my own. He is on the forum and his name is Alex Tuchbaum. He lives in Fort Myers, Florida and made the trip to Fort Pierce, Florida for me. Many of you already call Alex for help. I recommend you drop him a note if you need a very reasonable priced experienced mechanic with 15 years experience working on Crossfires to see if he can do some work that requires more experience then you have. Both times he has done outstanding work at a very reasonable price.


I'll add a shout out for DualSportDad! It is nice to know a resource is available to help the membership with the car most of us LOVE. Oh, no, I haven't used him just acknowledging the resource available!


.
 
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Old Mar 28, 2020 | 11:30 PM
  #195 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

I appreciate any member that is willing to help. I’m glad to be a member of this group!
 
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Old Jul 16, 2020 | 04:36 AM
  #196 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

So, I’m still working on the issues that seem to affect these cars as they age. My wife said that the rear defogger stopped working. Is it safe to assume that it’s part of the issues with the convertible top? If so, are there any links on how to fix it? We’ve checked fuses and such. Thanks!
 
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Old Jul 16, 2020 | 04:43 AM
  #197 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

So, I’m still looking for help to fix our convertible top. We’re happy to help, discuss compensation & provide lodging for anyone in the East Tennessee area. Our neighboring counties CV19 numbers are up, but, I rarely leave the house. Thanks!
 
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Old Jul 16, 2020 | 06:59 AM
  #198 (permalink)  
DualSportDad's Avatar
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From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by Brian P
So, I’m still looking for help to fix our convertible top. We’re happy to help, discuss compensation & provide lodging for anyone in the East Tennessee area. Our neighboring counties CV19 numbers are up, but, I rarely leave the house. Thanks!
Had the top been replaced recently? It's very common for the installer to forget to plug the defroster back in cause the wires end up in the stay pads sometimes during top replacement.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2020 | 09:28 AM
  #199 (permalink)  
Brian P's Avatar
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From: Knoxville, TN
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

I haven’t pulled the trigger on getting the cylinders rebuilt as we had some other things come up. I hope to pull them soon and I guess send them off and then buy a new top. The glass hasn’t fallen out, but, it’s probably just a matter of time. Thanks!
 
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Old Jul 16, 2020 | 03:14 PM
  #200 (permalink)  
GraphiteGhost's Avatar
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From: Central South Carolina
Default Re: "Rebuilding the convertible top hydraulic system"

Originally Posted by Brian P
I haven’t pulled the trigger on getting the cylinders rebuilt as we had some other things come up. I hope to pull them soon and I guess send them off and then buy a new top. The glass hasn’t fallen out, but, it’s probably just a matter of time. Thanks!


Brian, Find and make sure the fuse is not blown (check carefully). Then find the wires leading to the rear defroster grid at the rear window. Clip a voltmeter onto the two sides where the wires attach to the window and turn on the defroster. IF your getting the 12v, then your grid has an open. Come back here and tell us the results of this test. DON'T use any other testing point than the two places where the wires attach to the grid! A 'no voltage' would be helpful in moving on to another possible source to the issue.

The section in the service manual (8G in the 2008 manual), covers the rear defroster. By eliminating the fuse and the grid, you have to then delve into the central locking module, the Bode Control Module, or the actual switch on the A/C control head (with all associated wiring throughout). Testing the fuse and the grid is a start, beyond that the service manual has a step by step solution to find/fix the problem. Good luck!


.
 
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