convertible top spraying fluid...HELP!!!

found50 · 04-28-2005

I don't know what this could be, but I'm hoping some one has a clue, so when I start tearing it apart I have an idea where I am going. I tried Chilton, btu it has no pictures, and only describes installing a vert motor.
OK here's the problem...I was putting the top up the other day and heard a noise, I thouhgt the cables might be rubbing something, that seems to happen form time to time then quits, but then today I was putting the top down and heard the same noise, so I stopped about half way up to take a look, I look over my shoulder at first and continue to retract the top, I hear what sounds like sand pouring onto a hard surface, I stop again, then I notice, what looks like water dripping off the top (it was spray, washing back down) Then I start retraction again, and see the drip again, then I realize the top isn't moving. I get out to examine and I realize there is a puddle in the vert storage area, and I lean for a good whiff, hydraulic smelling fluid. I put the top up by hand and now here I am. I am hoping this is something I can fix myself, a broken or disconnected line, but I I have no clue...
Has anyone heard of this or had this problem, or has a clue what the heck it back there working the top??? I am SCARED

(1995 GT vert cloth interior, previous owners seem to have left the top down all the time--major sun bleaching on head liner, but I've had it 2 years now.)

Darkness 96 GT · 04-28-2005

This is a great question you can ask the people at
www.50resto.com You may need a new hydraulic
convertible motor.You should get it looked at before
you purchase parts so,you know what to replace.
Good luck.

GT02 · 04-28-2005

It kinda sounds like the line to the hydraulic ram either broke or is loose. This would account for the oil spraying. You need to get in there with a flashlight and see if you can find the source of the leak.

xtturbo · 04-29-2005

i went thru the same problem with my 85 convt. what a nightmare...but all my plastic lines had dry rotted and cracked, took me 2 months to get all the new lines to not leak.... plus i had too make my own lines cuz ford wanted way too much for factory lines. 200.00 per line . crazy money for just a plastic line. new lines cost me about 30.00 and alot of time...good luck

found50 · 04-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtturbo

plus i had too make my own lines cuz ford wanted way too much for factory lines. 200.00 per line . crazy money for just a plastic line. new lines cost me about 30.00 and alot of time...good luck

What did you end up using for lines and where did you get them?

There is a good chance that's what has happened to me, cuz the owner does seem to have left the top down all the time, plus, it's just hot and dry here all the time. I have been working my butt off but I hope to get in there within the next few days, I jsut know I better have time to spare once I get started.

adam56usa · 02-25-2006

when I bought my 95 gt the top didn't work at all. It made a noise but didn't move.
I pulled out the back seat and there was oil under the seat.
The motor had blown a seal.
pulled out the motor and replaced the o ring on the reservior.
Cost me $6.95 as opposed to replacing the motor at 295.00 with the core.
Got the complete seal kit from www.mustangsunlimited.com
You got to convince them that you don't need the motor just the seal.
If you have a Haynes manual it tells you how to refill the reservior.
Transmission fluid.
You have to have the top down and add a little at a time and raise and lower the top back and forth to get all of the air out of the lines.

sherif · 05-01-2008

I have the same problem with my vert. The top no longer works. I have not had time to check out what is happening. It happens to be hot and dry here as well so I'll take a look into any dry rot. Mine no longer sprays either so I think I will give it a full look over.

sherif · 05-08-2008

I did a full inspection and found that one of the hydraulic cylinders had busted. I had a friend of mine remove the old cylinder while i ordered anohter one online. Unfortuanatly my friend moved in that short amount of time and i have no way of contacting him. My problem is i ahve the new cylinder but i dont know how to get it bolted down to be stationary. Attaching it to the top was easy enough but the bolts to attach it the car itself seems a lot harder. Does anybody know the process to get that on?