Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1966 Mustang Convert. power top, hex head, fluid oil

Question
Dick-

I recently found a 1966 Mustang Convert. in a barn, where it had sat since 1981.  It is a 289 4-spd car, with limited slip.  Dk. Blue, white interior and top.  Believe it or not, a one-owner car.  The owner got tired of insuring it, and drove it into the barn in 1981 and never looked at it since. 61,000 original miles, but of course the car had sunk into the mud up to the rocker panels, even though it was inside the barn!

My question concerns the power top and mechanism.  I have gotten the car running (no small feat) and the top motor will run, but I cannot figure out where the fluid (oil) goes into the system.  Also, what kind of fluid should be used in these Ford top mechanisms?

Answer
I'm going to take a chance here, because I've never actually worked on an early Mustang convertible top motor, but I beleive they use the same motor as many other cars.  If you look at the top motor, you'll see a hex head plug in the side of the case - that is where the fluid goes.  you need to top it up, then run the top up and down a few times to expel the air, and then top it up again.  

Use Dexron/Mercon in the pump - regular transmission fluid.

In case I am wrong, or if you run into further troubles, contact San Gabriel Top Service - those guys know everything there is to know about tops, and they're very nice folks also.

Contact them at:

626 285 2255

Good Luck!

Dick