How rare is a 59 with power top?

[Mark S.]

Found my book, it says 661 produced.

[Richard M.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

IMO quite rare because they were troublesome so most owners probably opted to remove it all and sell the pieces to those who didn't know any better!

.....like me. I've owned a '59 for 25 years and always wanted a PT. As if my life isn't complicated enough, I just think they're pretty cool to watch operating. Except when a hose breaks and splatters brake fluid all over the paint.

I do not think I have ever seen one in operation, yet I've seen many cars with them installed, but they've all been broken.

Rich

[Edward S.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

I bought a 58 (both tops) with auto. tranny and power windows went to do a frame off and found out the car left the factory with a power top - not one part of the top was left in the car. It took me over 6 months to locate a complete unit from a friend of Nolans out on the west coast. Had a buddy of mine that was good with electrical put it in for me. You are correct with your statement that they are interesting to watch in operation. At every Vette show I went too I would post a sign that at certain times during the day I would be running demos of how it worked, as most people had never seen one operate. Had alot of fun with it, the only small PITA working it often was that once and awhile you would have to readjust it. I seem to remember that when my friend put it in for me he used tranny fluid instead of brake fluid?

[Clem Z.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

this website has lots of option numbers. http://www.rowleycorvette.com/vettestats.html

[Stephen B.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Did these tops require hydrolic fluid, or brake fluid to operate propery?
If they used brake fluid and you're concerned about leakage and damaged paint why not use silicon brake fluid?
Stephen Barrett (21558)

[John H.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Did these tops require hydrolic fluid, or brake fluid to operate propery?
If they used brake fluid and you're concerned about leakage and damaged paint why not use silicon brake fluid?
Stephen Barrett (21558)

Silicone brake fluid does NOT like to be aerated through a high-pressure pump (which is why you can't use it in an ABS brake system); ATF is a much better choice for the power top system.

[Stephen B.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Makes perfect sence to me.Good info .
Thanks
Stephen Barrett (21558)

[Richard M.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Wasn't the original fluid used brake fluid?

[John H.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Wasn't the original fluid used brake fluid?

Yes, it was - that's what the ST-12 calls for, but these days ATF is a better choice.

[Richard M.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Yes, it was - that's what the ST-12 calls for, but these days ATF is a better choice.

Ok thought so. I thought I was losing it there for a while. Yup, I know the fluid of choice these days is the ATF. I only wish I had a PT reservoir to put it in.

Rich
p.s. my friends 57 has it's original, non working(he-he) power top on it. I don't see why everybody thinks it's so complicated....looks pretty simple to me.
p.p.s He's taking it to the Kissimmee Regional this month so if you go you can take a good look at it.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

While not a '59...I had a '62 with a power top...didn't work when I got the car and took lots of time and patience to get it to work properly...however when attempting the Performance Verification back in 1995, Dennis Clark, who was the National Judging Chairman at the time, conducted the test...I knew I was "IN" when upon completion of the complete cycle of the retraction and then the opposite when the top raises and finally when the rear deck lid closes again...he put his clipboard under his arm and started clapping...and he broke out in a huge smile...as did the 30 or so other observers who had never seen a power top operate...the rest of the test was a piece of cake...

[Terry M.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

I remember a 1957 with power top going through a PV at the first Wildwood Regional -- black car. The ower did a story, in several segments, for me in The Restorer. As I recall there was a crowd watching the top operation at Wildwood also.

[John H.]

Re: How rare is a 59 with power top?

Here's a link to a feature article I wrote in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine (RIP) on C1 power top operation and restoration that you may find useful:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/body_&_frame/C1%20power%20top.pdf