Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: billy on November 10, 2012, 01:45:23 PM

Title: Convertible top problems 1975 Eldo
Post by: billy on November 10, 2012, 01:45:23 PM
 :(I have changed the Relay,motor,cables, and both actuators, but the top will only rise about 2 feet without help. If i assist it for about 1 foot while wifey presses the up switch then it will go all the way by itself. Can anyone help me with this? Please and Thank you.

Bill Madden
Title: Re: Convertible top problems 1975 Eldo
Post by: TJ Hopland on November 11, 2012, 05:08:30 PM
What are you calling the actuators?    Was the replacement motor new, used, rebuilt?   How about the rest of the parts?
Title: Re: Convertible top problems 1975 Eldo
Post by: cwcinps on November 12, 2012, 09:52:06 AM
I was there early this year on my 76.  I did have a stiff actuators but end of day it was the switch.  With the relay in place it did not make sense to me. I had the motor checked, like you, replaced both actuators, drive cables and verified all the joints on the frame were free.  Followed a check list I found on line from a top shop in Los Angeles area.  It was a bit of work to remove the switch from the dash but replace that solved my issues.  I got the switch from Cadillac Tim. 
Title: Re: Convertible top problems 1975 Eldo
Post by: Doug Spingelt on November 12, 2012, 04:26:23 PM
I have had the same issue with my 75 convertible and recently burned out the motor I fear.  looking to buy a new one over the winter.  before I did that, the top needed to be in tip top shape to function properly.  Also if it is cold out the material becomes less plaible and will slow it down.  We are in the habbit of helping it up and down.  Down is important too, because if for some wierd reason, 1:100 chance, the rear glass does not stow properly with the spring arms,  it will smash, which is quite expensive! trust me on that one.   

I found by keeping the joints oiled up properly that it will go most of the time by itself.  good luck.  I am interested in the reslution, as I am facing some of the same issues now.   
Title: Re: Convertible top problems 1975 Eldo
Post by: billy on November 12, 2012, 09:12:14 PM
Thank you all for your comments. Finally resolved the problem. The pivot joint on one side was not lined up correctly and the tension adjustment on the other side needed some re-adjustment.
Also i lubricated all joints with 3 in 1 oil and i now seem to have it working smoothly once again.
I will certainly make sure that i keep the system well oiled from now on. Expensive project, parts cost almost $ 800.00 and i sure learned a lot about scissor top system.