Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello to everybody,
I'm an italian car restorer from Milan and I'm actually working on a 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible.
I'd like to ask you if somebody could give me the right use&maintenance manual, because I found only the sedan manual, but it's obiouvsly unprovided of the capote part.
I need to open the capote in a safe way, without creating damages, so I ask you if you could give me the manual or telling me how to open it in the proper way.

Thank you so much!!

« Capote » = convertible top

The hydraulic system needs to be operational on these for the top to work. Does it work but lack power, or not at all?

Also be careful when using it that the pistons stay synchronized. If one moves faster than the other, the mechanism can bind and get damaged.

New convertible bows are very rare plus shipping would be probably more expensive in total than to just overhaul then entire hydraulic system to begin with.

yes, sorry but in europe we call it capote.
Thank you for understanding me!!

Sorry, if my explication wasn't clear.
I need to know how to lower the convertible top from the interior of the car. Now the top is up, but I want to now how to lower it without doing damages.
I am used to work on old alfa romeos and the top is too easy to low because it hasn't an automatic system, so now I'm a little bit worried ahah

Quote:

resuming, I need to know the right procedure to lower the top.
When I got inside the car, what's the button I have to push? Do I need to unlock something?

Maybe this little video will be helpful?youtube.com/shorts/ak3zmrIqI-k?si=XQL8F3PHPTfhPV7W

Are you unsure what button to use to operate the top, or does the button for the top not do anything? Do you know if the top is operational?

There is no mention of the top in the 53 owners manual but here is the page from the 54 owners manual with the top operating instructions. The printing on the knob may be worn off but I believe the control knob has the same shape and color and lowering procedure is also the same on the 53.