Expert: jack bahm - 12/7/2008

Question
i have a 1968 cad deville conv.....there is a leak in the piston on the right and this caused a weak rise in the top. Now the motor doesnt turn at all... Is there a relay between the dash switch and the top motor, is there another reason for no motor turn besides switch andrelay failures?  the fuse box is unlabeled but all the fuses are functional. I want to lift the top into the up position to replace the pistons, as the bolts are easier to get to....can i just send a hot battery wire to the motor, after filling the reservoir with fluid (??? ATF???) to get it up for the piston repain, then deal with with the electrical issue.  I cant drive the car with the top down in the winter

thank you

david

Answer
The leak may have damaged the motor.  If you tried to run it with no fluid, the motor may be fried.  Hope not.  Try to put a hot wire to the motor, but only for an instant to see if it will run.  If it does not run, or make some kind of noise, you will have to fix it.  To get the top up, try to disconnect a link that will let you put the top up manually.  Then get to things and fix them.  I doubt there is a relay.  I'm sure the motor wants the battery voltage, try it.  
Good luck,
jack