Convertible Relays

[DalecarliaEric]

A friend of mine has renovated his convertible top. Instead of using the original 12 relays, he used 12 common standard relays, 12 V 30 A. They cost $ 4-5 per piece instead of over $ 50 per piece. Probably the new relays are more reliable as well. The assembly does not look bad either according to me.

Eric

[Joe Johnston]

Professional looking and a nice neat job! Very economical too!! Did he take any more pictures and if so this would make an excellent article for the VTCI Scoop Magazine!!

[YellowRose]

Convertible Relays

Eric, is it possible to obtain more pix of how he went about putting that all together? If so, it would be good if you could post them or send them to me. That is a nice looking install I think. As Joe said, that would make a good article for the Vintage Tbird Club, International (VTCI) Scoop. And I would be able to make a good Technical Tip out of it for our Technical Resource Library. So many '60 Tbird owners have had problems with that system over the years because of age, or not exercising the system on a regular basis over many years time. I have had a good number of '60 Convertible owners tell me over the years that they sold their Convertibles because of being tired of battling the problems of not being able to get the top up or down.

[DalecarliaEric]

Photo of the Relay

Hi,

Hi, I attached a picture from Biltema's catalog on relay with article number 42-302, hope the picture is helpful. The relays are mounted on sockets.

Eric

[simplyconnected]

Most folks want a 'plug in' relay panel. In other words, once you unplug your original relay panel, how does the new one plug in? I suppose you could cut the wires off the OEM panel and butt splice all the wires but that's a mess.

So, the relays are not an issue but the interface is. I've been using these relays for many years (but the NO & NC contacts version with the 5-pole plug). I sent a pair of relays and sockets to Kenn in Wisconsin for his headlights. My relays are 40-amp. - Dave

[YellowRose]

Convertible Relays

Dave sent me the spec sheet on the DPI Power Solutions relay that he uses and was speaking of below. Attached is the spec sheet he sent me, for those who would like to have this information. BTW, if you do not want to go the DIY route, there are several companies listed in the TRL who make these solid state convertible top systems. That includes John Draxler of Tbird Ranch, who makes one for for Squarebirds, one for Bulletbirds, and one for Flairbirds. You will find his Convertible Relay Replacement System listed in the TRL. Since he wrote that, he has added a shorter Squarebird system that is also now available. Check out his website, and you will find his contact information in the Advertisements Forum.