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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
Was curious as to whether all convertibles from 46-48 had power tops or electric tops. Some of the shop manuals I have looked at show the power top. I am looking at one possibly to buy and it has a manual top. Thanks
Ken
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
As you face the firewall, on the drivers side, do you see a large cylinder, mounted vertically? If not, are extra holes seen on that section of the firewall?  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The 1940-41 convertibles had vacuum operated tops.
The 1942 was eletrically operated.
The 1946 and up were hydraulic.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 437
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 437 |
The factory shop manuals for '42 with the orange cover are the same - word for word - as the shop manuals up to '48. The '48 manual has a dark blue cover and still has the '42 info on the power top. The Service News bulletins are necessary to update to '46 - '48. Reprints are available from Bob Hensel at Chevy Acres, 116 Oak St. Brillion, WI 54110
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 88
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 88 |
Hello: So, to answer your question, yes, all 46-48 Fleetmaster Cabriolet models DID come with power tops. If the car that your looking at is complete, except that its missing the pump and or cylinders, there are replacements available. I would want to take a good look at the top hardware to confirm that it had not been otherwise changed or modified when it was made manual. I need to send my original pump out for rebuild myself and I have found a pretty good group that seems to know what they are talking about. Check out Hydro E Lectric at http://www.hydroe.com/ I found them in Hemmings.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Joe, Whats wierd is the 1942-46 shop manual that I have mentions that the top is operated by two reversible eletric motors....and the 1946 had a hydraulic system and the manual makes no mention of it. The copy write on the manual is 1942 so they must have justchanged the cover to blue and added the 1946 to the title. I can find nothing else refering to 1946 in it.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
Thanks for the info. The car I am looking at is a street rod. supposed to be an original convertible. It is in Idaho and I am in Illinois. Has a manual top and thought members here would be best qualified to answer questions. It seems that a few that have been rodded have the manual tops. Thanks again.
Ken
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 88
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 88 |
When they removed the hydraulic power top hardware, the pump on the front of dash, the cylinders from the qtr inner area, the lines on the floor along the tunnel, and electrical feed for the pump and relay, they may have also elected to change to a Carson or other style top. Really it's only relevant if you want to go back to the original setup. Maybe you will be completely satisfied the way that it is. The 46-48s were all hydraulic systems. The confusion around the language in the manual is something that I have struggled with too, but the systems for these years were hydraulic. In my experience, the manuals almost add more confusion than they help. They are not very clear in their descriptions, but still worth reading.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
Thank you for all the info. Top works very easily and fits well. It is also new so I will probably stick with it if I purchase the car. wife likes it so it may be a no brainer. Thanks again.
Ken
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