'53 Crestline convertible top

[meric42]

I have a '53 Convertible and all the mechanism for raising/lowering the top has been removed. Is it worthwhile trying to source the parts to get it working again or is it just best to leave it as a manual top? I have heard that the original cable drive mechanism wasn't the best idea Ford had and could be unreliable, what are peoples thoughts with experience of this system?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by meric42

I have a '53 Convertible and all the mechanism for raising/lowering the top has been removed. Is it worthwhile trying to source the parts to get it working again or is it just best to leave it as a manual top? I have heard that the original cable drive mechanism wasn't the best idea Ford had and could be unreliable, what are peoples thoughts with experience of this system?

[19Fordy]

Perhaps this person will sell you what you need from another Crestliner convertible.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318993

You might also consider installing an electric top motor.

[Merc Cruzer]

This is what you are missing. Finding all the parts the screw jacks, the motor and the switch, will be quite difficult and quite expensive. Not impossible, but be prepared to have it take awhile.

Not hard to install. Check to see if any of the top frame is broken.

If know some one going to Hershey, you might be in luck.

You can always go hydraulic, the parts are all available aftermarket.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

This is what you are missing.

[meric42]

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Thanks to all for the information and advice, I'll need to give it some thought.

[Merc Cruzer]

merc42,

First things first, check to see if any of the convertible top frame is broken. If it is, putting a power system in the car will not work, and may cause further damage, as most of the parts are pot metal and very brittle.

Also be very careful with the locking handle, as it is pot metal and breaks very easily, and are almost impossible to find.

[meric42]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

merc42,

First things first, check to see if any of the convertible top frame is broken. If it is, putting a power system in the car will not work, and may cause further damage, as most of the parts are pot metal and very brittle.

Also be very careful with the locking handle, as it is pot metal and breaks very easily, and are almost impossible to find.

Thanks for the reply, I certainly will check the frame parts for the top as you suggest. I don't recall seeing any damage when I put the top down but that was a year or two ago. Yes, I know how rare the locking handle is as mine is missing completely, I am going to try and make a replacement out of steel when I get the time and the car is out of storage.

[Robert/Texas]

I bought my first new car, a red '53 convertible for about $2050. When I got it home I tried to get the top down and it got stuck in the half up position. I had to drive it about 3 miles to the dealer that way. I only kept the car for a year because I had a lot of other problems with the car.

[Vic Piano]

I've had my '53 Crestline Sunliner for '49 years thus far and I've never had any problems with the convertible top mechanism with the exception of a circuit breaker going bad. Have you checked with Hydro-E-Lectric in Punta Gorda, Florida for the availability of the parts you need?

[Merc Cruzer]

Last week I oiled all the joints in the top mechanism and now the top goes up in 43 seconds and down in 28 seconds. I can live with that.

Yes, I know how rare the locking handle is as mine is missing completely, I am going to try and make a replacement out of steel when I get the time and the car is out of storage.


A few pictures for your handle project.

[Merc Cruzer]

Not a 53' Crestline Sunliner, but the 53' Mercury convertible top is the same:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50OFuouSZm4

[supereal]

Seeking parts for the top of an older convertible is a daunting task. There are few, if any, of the usual sources. I spent two years locating parts for my '47. Hydro-E-Lectric was a
good start for the pump and other parts. We had to make many of the eccentric bolts, and design and build a control box. The car was in poor shape when I bought it 25 years ago. Anyone contemplating restoring a convertible should be aware of the cost and time involved.

[meric42]

Originally Posted by supereal

Seeking parts for the top of an older convertible is a daunting task. There are few, if any, of the usual sources. I spent two years locating parts for my '47. Hydro-E-Lectric was a
good start for the pump and other parts. We had to make many of the eccentric bolts, and design and build a control box. The car was in poor shape when I bought it 25 years ago. Anyone contemplating restoring a convertible should be aware of the cost and time involved.

Agreed it is a daunting task but fortunately I have some experience as I have just rebuilt the mechanism on my '57 Sunliner and also have a '51 to work through in the near future. Luckily both of these are hydraulic systems with parts readily available through Hydro-E-Lectric.

[meric42]

PS: Unfortunately Hydro-E-Lectric don't list any parts for the '53 top mechanism.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by meric42

PS: Unfortunately Hydro-E-Lectric don't list any parts for the '53 top mechanism.

https://www.hydroe.com/convertible-t...ford-sunliner/

https://www.hydroe.com/convertible-m...p-6-volt-mp-6/

https://www.hydroe.com/yoke-for-top-...949-1954-ford/

https://www.hydroe.com/top-hose-set/

[meric42]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

https://www.hydroe.com/convertible-t...ford-sunliner/

https://www.hydroe.com/convertible-m...p-6-volt-mp-6/

https://www.hydroe.com/yoke-for-top-...949-1954-ford/

https://www.hydroe.com/top-hose-set/

Thanks for the links, when I searched for '53 these options did not show, Happy to admit I was wrong