Classic/Antique Car Repair: 57 Ford Retractable problem, 57 ford, deck lid

Question
Hello Dave, When I attempt to "Put the top down" on my 57 retractable, The rear deck unscrews the locks and opens about an inch or so then just sits there without opening on up. At this point the roof also wont re-close back down. I can apply a jumper to the "Deck Close" solenoid and it will close the deck. I have a copy of the retractable shop-manual I can refer to if need be. Any ideas on what to check next? Also is there a disconnect for the deck openers so I can manually open the deck for access? Thanks-Don

Answer
Don, it sounds like the open deck lid relay isn't activating after being triggered...or...the relay isn't being triggered.  Here's the way to chech problems 1 or 2:

1.  Since you've been able to close the decklid by shorting across the close deck lid relay, you need to do the same at the Deck lid Open relay AFETR the deck lid is unlocked and ready to open.  This test will prove whether the relay is not activating the motor, or whether the relay itself is not being triggered.  If you find the motor is not being activated, check all the wiring between the two for a short or a loose connection.

2.  If the deck lid open relay is not being triggered, the Deck Position "B" switch is your next stop.  This is a bit more complicated and I don't want to repeat the information in the shop manual you have.  Check page 27 and the "Deck Position B Switch" section for the adjustments you can make to ensure the switch is working properly.  (OK, I realize that portion of the manual is closer to Greek than English...and no, I don't have the special tool, nor do I know how to get one.  If you get this far and you're stuck, please write back to me using the 'follow-up question' feature in All-experts.  We'll figure out a way to make it work.)

As for getting into the 'boot' as my Australian retracable owner-friend would say, those instructions are on page 7 of your manual.  (Again, if any of this is unclear, or you get stuck, write back to me).

Once you get past this little hiccup, that beautiful '57 will be perfect again!  Right?

Dave