Convertible Vehicles - What's the easiest way to change out your vert top fluid?

I hear the mineral oil is better so I'm thinking about switching to it just wanna know what the easiest way to get all the stock stuff out.

our tops are run on hydraulics? I thought they were electric motors.


DMI

Yeah, they're Hydraulic and GM put out a notice a while back that Mineral Oil is the preferred fluid for our tops. Hell, even baby oil would work.

how is it better? would it make the top go up/down quicker?

I remember reading something about Mineral Oil being better because it doesn't gunk up the hydraulics like the industrial fluid that auto part stores sell.
OP, there's really no need to change it, but you have to vacuum it because there's no drain plug if you do. Most systems leak slowly over time so you'll have to continually add new fluid.

You are correct, GM, at least some dealerships did at one time, recommended mineral oil. However the only official GM notice I've been able to find posted says:

Subject: Service VME - Convertible Top Hydraulic Fluid #PI00386 - (08/14/2002)



Models: .




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

SERVICE VME
This is a service VME to all Chevrolet and Pontiac dealerships regarding 1994 through 2002 Camaro and Firebird convertible top hydraulic fluid. This is Art Spong, Brand Quality Manager for the F-cars. The service manual and ESI incorrectly advise to use DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid for the hydraulic fluid in the convertible top system. The proper fluid is a ten-weight SAE oil. A bulletin will be issued and ESI will also be corrected. Thanks


I still use mineral oil w/ no problems.

Probably the best way to drain it would be do disconnect one of the pressure-side lines, connect a temporary line and pump-out all the old stuff into a container. Then manually cycle the top up and down to push most of the old oil out of the cylinders. Then reconnect the lines, refill w/ the new stuff, cycle and add fluid until all air is purged and fluid level is proper. Even then, I wouldn't expect you would be able to get 100% of the old stuff out unless you removed the cylinders and fluid lines and puged them all individually.

If anyone has a copy of the GM notice recommending mineral oil, I'd like to see it.

What is mineral oil and where do you get it?

What name brand please. Thank you.

What is mineral oil and where do you get it?

What name brand please. Thank you.

Mineral oil is just what the name implies. Baby oil is also the same thing. Brand isn't important, it's not like kobe beef lol.
Hit up walmart or the dollar store, pick up a couple bottles for 5 bucks, and you're set.:cool:

Mineral oil is just what the name implies. Baby oil is also the same thing. Brand isn't important, it's not like kobe beef lol.
Hit up walmart or the dollar store, pick up a couple bottles for 5 bucks, and you're set.:cool:

Thanks. Last question, so I can mix mineral oil in with whatever that's in my convertible pumps now? I assume it's filled with what came stock on my car.

Well I have mixed it before, but I don't know how that may affect it.
Most casual owners would not even think about if it was hydraulic or electric in the first place, so based on the condition of your car when you bought it you should have a good idea of what's in there now.

Mineral oil is just what the name implies. Baby oil is also the same thing. Brand isn't important, it's not like kobe beef lol.
Hit up walmart or the dollar store, pick up a couple bottles for 5 bucks, and you're set.:cool:

Eh, baby oil is alot thinner than mineral oil. I found mineral oil in the "Pharmacy" section, it's with the laxatives. Pretty cheap. I believe it'll mix just fine w/ whatever is in there now.

can someone post some step by step instructions on how to change this or post a link. Thanks

All I did was unscrew the base of the pump, and dumped it out in a cup since I still had the cables connected. Then carefully refilled it back up.