Power Top Motor Rebuilding - Has anyone done this?

[Chris]

I've been enjoying the warm weather lately in my GS.  Top down is not a problem, but when it's time to put the top back up, it becomes a two man (actually my wife and I) operation.  She has to turn the switch as I lift on the top.  The pump will move enough fluid that I can pull it up a little and then I need to wait until it pumps a little more.  I've filled the reservoir up once this year and it's already blown out. 

The cylinders are in great shape and I noticed that the side of the pump where the wires go into the pump, sprays a fine mist out of the grommet (bad seal / o ring) so I'm guessing that the time has come to either rebuild the pump or just replace it.  A rebuild kit is around $15 and a new pump is around $250, so I'm weighing my options of rebuilding it or sending it out vs. replacing it. 

So my question is, has anyone rebuilt one of these and if so, is it worth the effort vs. just replacing it?  I figure that I could rebuild it and replace the seals but eventually the electrical part of the motor will go bad someday and a rebuild now could just be "borrowed time".

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

[Chris]

Sixteen views and no responses.   

I'll just assume that no one has ever taken this on and just plan on replacing the motor.  I can always buy the rebuild kit and practice on my old motor. 

I see that someone is selling them new on EBay for $229 shipped. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1966-Buick-Special-Skylark-convertible-top-pump?item=220296662159&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8714717273212556540

This should do the trick.  :)

Chris

[option B9]

Hi Chris,
When I replaced the convertible top on my GS back in 1994 I replaced the pistons,hoses, & pump with new parts from Convertible Service in San Gabriel CA, so I did not rebuild the pump. But some of the older members of my local buick chapter say that it's very easy to rebuild the pump. I still have the old pump sitting on the shelf. If you want me to do a rebuild/restore and post the photos & how to. I can do it as a winter project, I'm too busy now working on the post coupe GS. I want to get it completed for the meet in 2015... also I picked up another project for my kids to help me with. so they can get familiar with old cars & Buicks. This is just the right size for them and it does not go too fast !!!!  What do you think guys !!!
                                                                                         
                                                                                 Tony

[Chris]

Tony,

Is that an old Shriner parade car?  That is really cool however I can't possibly see how you'll be able to squeeze a nailhead under that hood. 

I appreciate the offer on the pump rebuild DYI and I think it will be a good add to the site.  I might tear into my old pump before that so I'll make you a deal and the first one reserves the honors of the post.   

Thanks,

Chris

[option B9]

    Chris can You tell me who carries the rebuild kit for the pump, I will pick one up so as soon as I get a chance. So I'm not to wasting any time looking for it when I want to start the project..  Also the mini-car came from an amusement park. I came to this answer by working on the motor ! It has a set throttle on the carb so you can't go too fast.. other versions (privataly owned) that I have seen have a throttle control cable that can be operated by a lever on the steering column so you can adjust the speed.. I really don't have much information on this toy, the company went out of buisness years ago. It was the Uccellini Mfg.Co.Inc. in Greencastle PA 17225 the phone # was 717-597-2134 If anyone has any info on this company or an old catalog that I can look at Please let me know.

                                                                           Tony

[Chris]

Tony,

Here is one listed on Ebay for $24.00 and it includes the four rubber base grommets that typically sell for around five dollars each:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-newer-Buick-convertible-top-hydraulic-pump-motor-seal-kit-fix-your-leaks-/220868115685?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1964%7CMake%3ABuick%7CModel%3ASkylark&hash=item336cc3fce5&vxp=mtr

They claim this is for the 64 Skylark which would also cover the 65.

Chris

[option B9]

Thanks Chris I will pick up a kit ASAP
                                                       Tony