<VV> was November 11 - now manual to power top conversion

[Rick Norris]

Any man that can replace his own balls is my hero!
The Lone Haranguer


>I converted a manual top to power on my '66 Turbovert.  The worst part of
> the job was to get the two gearboxes back in shape.  They were full of 
> hard,
> crusty, non-lubing grease.  There is a little thrust bearing that carries
> the end load of the big gear.  Its tiny balls were in bad shape.  I was
> unable to find a replacement as the ball are made of unobtainium.  However
> my local bearing shop had individual balls, minimum quantity 100.  I 
> bought
> a box and proceeded to replace the balls with great success.  After
> rebuilding the gearboxes, it's pretty much a matter of removing the big
> spring assemblies and installing the gearboxes, drive cables and motor.
> BTW, a power drill works great as a temporary drive, but one side at a 
> time.
> Be sure to get both sides synchronized before connecting the cables etc.
> Wire 'er up and bingo, power top operation.
> Jim