Re: [Chrysler300] Convertible top motors

[retromobilia@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Just a point I learned a number of years ago about convertible top cylinders and motors. When the top stays up for long periods the metal operating cylinder is exposed to the air (with top down the ram is couched in the cylinder). Being exposed the steel plunger / ram gets oxidation (rust) and when retracted into the cylinder will most of the time cut or score the seal which retains the Hydraulic fluid so it leaks and requires replacement. As you know hydraulic fluid is hydroscopic and will absorb moisture when air gets into the system or through condensation. 
What I used to do when I had convertibles was first to keep the top down most of the time (thus avoiding the opportunity for rust to form on the ram). Second (when I wanted it up to get creases out of the top) I would use and oil saturated rag to wipe down the ram/piston. And at least once I covered the ram with plastic drop cloth which stuck to the ram after oiling and it was very protected. 
The reason I developed this was because I was changing one or both the rams every year (in humid south Louisiana) 
Good luck, I hope this helps someone. 
JJ 

----- Original Message -----
From: RWestra@xxxxxxx 
To: mark6268@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Cc: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 8:10:17 AM 
Subject: [Chrysler300] Convertible top motors 






Ron, 

The kit sounds like a very reasonable price. I bought hoses for my H a 
couple of years ago and paid about $100 for both hoses and fittings. As an 
alternative you might consider a used top motor and hoses. I don't know if 
you have an LKQ salvage yard in your area. If you do you can go in and remove 
any part you want and pay a very reasonable price for it. 

The Chrysler convertable motor packages are interchangable for a large 
number of years. I took the motor and hoses out of a 1995 LeBaron convertible. 
Both the motor/pump and the hoses were in very good shape. I paid $20 for 
both. I installed the motor in my H ( I did not use the hoses since they had 
been replaced a year ago) and it works very well. It may be slightly 
slower that the top movement on my L but it is very acceptable. I don't know if 
the pump capacity could be slightly less. The mounting locations and the 
fittings are identical. The electrical connection is different so I had to 
use the connector from the original motor. 

Just another alternative that would save some work and a lot of money. 


Rolland Westra 

Rockford, IL 

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