Top lift cylinder
 

I’m replacing top lift cylinders in my 46’ Ford super deluxe convertible. What fluid goes in them?

Re: Top lift cylinder
 

If you bought new ones, it should say somewhere in the instructions. My new ones for a 59 Caddy take auto trans fluid. The old ones used brake fluid. Are you replacing the pump? That controls what fluid you actually use. I'm not familiar with the Ford setup.

Re: Top lift cylinder
 

Not replacing the pump, the info that came with the cylinders, said to use hydraulic fluid on cars late fifty til now, I called to ask what they recommended and was told that it depended on what was used previously, that some used brake fluid. The fluid that’s coming out is reddish in color.

Re: Top lift cylinder
 

I would suggest trans fluid or hydraulic fluid. If your not sure what is is there now, clean out all the old stuff and use either mentioned above.


I use trans fluid in my 48, but I am using a later pump - not sure that makes a difference.


If you get a leak or a line blows, using brake fluid can raise the devil with your paint.

Re: Top lift cylinder
 

Thanks for your input!

Re: Top lift cylinder
 

Red sounds lite ATF (fluid, to be redundant.)