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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Quote:
for my records. here is another supplier and tests to narrow down my issue: packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=28673
Posted on: 9/4 12:20
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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So the caribbean is sitting out here in pittsburgh with me and while I try to get the charger fixed and running I am getting a little time here and there to address some finishing touches on the caribbean.
I was able to remove the rear section of the interior to get to the top hydraulics. I am still running the rubber lines so I should be able to do the pressure tests that are outlined in the FSM. I got the gauge and the fittings all I need to do is get the time to run the test. I still need to do the tests that Leeedy outlined in another thread, again just need the time. While I was back there I got distracted by the reading light. I had this idea to convert it from a reading light to a dome light since I dont have the switch. I tried snaking wires through the top bow with no luck, I tried both sides. I saw that you could remove the top sections of that bow, but in order to do that the top needs to be off. So I got to thinking maybe I could remove the staples from that section of the top, open the top a foot or two so I can get some room to work on that bow to place the wire in there. My issue with that idea is whether or not I am opening a can of worms and going to do more harm then good. I know the top is over 30 years old, there are a couple holes and it started to tear at the bottom near the deck lid. so it needs a top. However, I dont know if I will damage the top when I try to remove the staples or re-install them. Because at that point it will need a top. and I currently am conflicted on putting a new top on a car that desperately needs paint, but in order to paint it some body work would need to be redone and the entire car would need to be stripped. That all adds time to the car being off the road which I am currently not wanting to do since we just got it back on the road. But I like lights and want that to work lol.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 10:44
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Get some pictures from Mike Dulinski of his trashed Caribbean with bows but no top, and that may help you with snaking it in. Did you try to remove the dome light and snake in from that direction? The cover should just pop off (video on my channel).
Sounds like a pretty big can of worms to remove even a section of the top.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 10:56
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry Email (Parts/service inquiries only, please. Post all questions on the forum.) service@ultramatic.info |
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Really. I can absolutely, positively assure you... the very last thing you want to tamper with is the rear bow on a Caribbean convertible. "Removing staples" and re-installing them at the rear bow is just plain suicide! Unless you are planning to install a new top– and then you would not be "re-installing" staples. The tacking strip on the rear bow was never designed to withstand more than a couple of re-staplings... as in NEVER. And clearly MOST rear bows on Caribbean convertibles are already missing their original steel U-channel and stainless cover. These items are usually replaced with modern ilk like what trimmers call "Wire-Ons" or "Hidems." Both of which do even MORE damage to the rear bow tacking strip. ALL of this on top of a jillion new staples and a damaged tacking strip. So... the next thing you could end up facing is a full replacement of the main rear tacking strip. Along with all of the problems that could bring. Believe me– you don't wanna go there. Something you never, never, ever want to do with an old top already in place and not even if you are replacing the entire top and pads. My advice? Don't do it. And yes, it IS a "can of worms."
Posted on: 2024/12/9 14:12
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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By the way, that “rear reading light” already is a dome light. It’s supposed to come on when you open either of your doors. If it’s not simply a burned out bulb issue, then take Leeedy’s sound advice and just leave it be until the time comes for a new top.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 15:14
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Sorry, no. The convertible one works the same as a Clipper Deluxe. Reading light switch only. He wants it to work as you describe. Caribbean HT is the same.
You are correct for regular HT; or of a non Deluxe sedan, for the rear doors.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 15:22
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry Email (Parts/service inquiries only, please. Post all questions on the forum.) service@ultramatic.info |
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Randy's convt has red and black wire from top bow black wire goes to switch which grounds circut when operated. Power red wire connects to running light circuit which is only gets power when parking or headlights are on. This could be wired this way to make sure reading light not left on especially when top is down.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 16:09
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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Not sure what to tell you there, but on my 1955 Caribbean, the rear bow mounted lamp absolutely does come on as a dome light. I've only owned this car for about four years, so who knows what modifications may have been done to it prior to my ownership. I also have another 1955 Caribbean, but on that car the lamp has always been completely inoperable, so I have nothing really to compare it to.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 18:38
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Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation
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That operation is not per the schematic for 55 or 56. But you can make it happen simply with one wire from the rear of the switch, to the tan wire circuit.
Another oddity I just noticed is, only on the Caribbeans, the reading light is powered off the running light circuit instead of the always-hot body feed. No clue why they did that.
Posted on: 2024/12/9 20:08
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry Email (Parts/service inquiries only, please. Post all questions on the forum.) service@ultramatic.info |
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