Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1964 lincoln continental convertible, lincoln continental convertible, internal mechanics

Question
there is one for sale right outside of Chicago for a good price, but they said the top is broken in the down position, how much will it cost to either get a new top or fix all of the internal mechanics and keep the old top,  thanks

Answer
Hi Jeremy:
If the top won't come up, your hydraulic system needs replacing.
It could be both hydraulic cylinders, the pump and the solenoid and hoses. If its the original,
I'm guessing it needs a complete replacement, which runs about $2000. A new top will run about the same.

However, it could just be low in fluid. There is a hydraulic fluid tank that holds about two quarts of fluid. If its low, then just add fluid. If the top switch is working (e.g. you hear a humming sound) but it won't come up, check the fluid first.

If the fluid tank is full and you don't get any sound, then check the top switch fuse and then the solenoid. If the hydraulic cylinders are leaking fluid, they are bad and must be replaced.