I went through this same situation and found that the fluid of choice is
none other than good old transmission fluid. Bleed out the old brake fluid,
do not forget to bleed out the lines as well. Then replace with transmission
fluid and life will be good. I have used this and found it works very well.
Good luck Greg


"Mike Atkins" > wrote in message
news
> A question for you guys with convertible power tops :
>
> According to my GM shop manual, the recommended fluid for my power top
pump
> is brake fluid. Now knowing what happens when brake fluid meets paint and
> the number of possible areas for leakage, I'm considering changing it for
an
> alternative fluid.
>
> My first thought was to use the standard brake fluid replacement, DOT 5
> silicon fuid, which is well proven for brake system applications. But
after
> discussing this with my local restoration shop, he advised me against it
> .... stay with brake fluid in this application ... he's found it gets
> whipped up by the pump and foams. I suspect most manufacturers use a
> similar pump design, a single 3 lobed impeller, driven by a 12 volt DC
motor
> with an attached reservoir, so some of you may have experimented with
> something else.
>
> Also, looking at the available hydraulic fluids on the market, and not
> knowing much about them, there is a bewildering number of choices.
>
> Any experiences out there?? I've posted this in alt.autos.antique &
> rec.autos.antique
>
>