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1941 cadillac Vacuum top operating switch/Valve

Started by Steve Passmore, January 15, 2016, 03:30:37 AM

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Steve Passmore

Has anyone ever come up with a replacement for the switch/valve that operates the vacuum tops used on Cadillac's and many other cars not only GM?  As so many cars used it I'm surprised there has never been replacements out there. Even Plymouth used it until the late 40's.

One Chev dealer I found  is offering an alternative but its obviously just one they have found that will do the job so this type of valve is out there somewhere but for a different industry.

I found a valve from the science industry which will do everything except allow each side of the system to draw free air. On the originals this was drawn through a wire gauze at the rear of the valve.
There are plenty of these convertibles surviving so what have others done? I don't want to go down the hydraulic conversion route.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Quentin Hall

Yes keen to know for my Dads 46 conv that I hope to  get into this year. I'm not sure that I even have all the bits.   I was lucky to get 2 nos 53 style for $20 each but I have rebuilt them successfully as well.  Hydroelectric do sometimes have the odd switch or two.
53 Eldo #319
53 Eldo #412.
53 Eldo #433
57 Biarritz
53 series 62 conv
39 Sixty Special Custom
57 Biarritz

Steve Passmore

Quentin, are we on different page here?  53 and anything that Hydroelectric sells will be hydraulic. I'm talking about the vacuum system.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Quentin Hall

Are 41 tops not hydraulic? I just assumed they would be similar to 46.
53 Eldo #319
53 Eldo #412.
53 Eldo #433
57 Biarritz
53 series 62 conv
39 Sixty Special Custom
57 Biarritz

Steve Passmore

#4
No Quentin, they are worked purely by vacuum.   I'm on the trail of a valve which will do the job. Quite common apparently in the pneumatic industry.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe