'64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

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apines
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:05 pm

'64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by apines »

Hi, all,
Almost three years in and I finally have a small number of production convertible top controllers, as discussed in this thread:
http://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/p ... hp?t=13749

I'm making them available at $475 each. This includes boards to replace both banks of relays, all mounting hardware, a remote control, and cables to connect the boards to the remote control. The remote cables can be tucked under the back seat. The remote itself should be disconnected when not in use to avoid accidental operation. The remote has a button for each relay function (lock, unlock, deck up, deck down, panel extend, panel retract, top up, top down). It also has an LED for each so you can see from the outside of the vehicle which relays the system is trying to activate which should be pretty useful for tracking down problems with limit switches and such. The boards are conformally coated with silicone to help ensure they stand up to the elements. Message me if you're interested.

Note that this will NOT work with model years other than 64-66. Earlier ones are a bit different. If there's enough interest I'll make a version that will support other model years.

Image
current:
1966 Ford Thunderbird Q-code convertible with Highway Pilot
1975 Triumph Spitfire
past:
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1974 Triumph TR6
1968 Ford Galaxie convertible
1974 VW Super Beetle
1981 Checker Marathon
VTCI membership #12807
apines
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by apines »

To clarify — this works for model years 1964, 1965, and 1966. I mistyped that in the original post. It’s been edited and is now correct.
current:
1966 Ford Thunderbird Q-code convertible with Highway Pilot
1975 Triumph Spitfire
past:
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1974 Triumph TR6
1968 Ford Galaxie convertible
1974 VW Super Beetle
1981 Checker Marathon
VTCI membership #12807
RAVEN
Posts: 1852
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 am

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by RAVEN »

For anyone who attended the Nationals in Atlanta in 2017 or Tulsa in 2018, I had Generation I and Generation II on display for viewing.
I have had both versions in my car for test running and sales when not showing my car in SENIOR CONCOURSE.
There have been no issues or problems with these units, and are full drop-in/plug-in. NO cutting of wires, and are FULLY ELECTRONIC not relay replacement units. You do not have to cut off the plug ends and ruin the existing stock wiring in your car, making it possible to convert the car back to stock if you wish at a later date.

RAVEN
CDN Member since 1975 #2086
Flock: 1964 Landau Original Family Owned
1964 Sr Convertible "RAVEN"
Past: 2003 Blk Lab "RAVEN" "RIP"Nov 15/17
1964 Lincoln vin4Y86N00007
1964 Red Convertible
Michael D
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2020 8:14 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Michael D »

I have a 1965 thunderbird convertible and I’m tired of trying to sort out the relays. Can you please tell me anything as to if you’re still making the top relay board replacements . Please contact me at Mdon585291@aol.com
RAVEN
Posts: 1852
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 am

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by RAVEN »

Michael, contact Andrew by a PM at "apines", it will be the fastest way in case he does not open on the FORUM for a day or two.
CDN Member since 1975 #2086
Flock: 1964 Landau Original Family Owned
1964 Sr Convertible "RAVEN"
Past: 2003 Blk Lab "RAVEN" "RIP"Nov 15/17
1964 Lincoln vin4Y86N00007
1964 Red Convertible
MrRay
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2022 9:23 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by MrRay »

I am just beginning to tackle the convertible top issues. I saw your thread on the solid-state unit and was wondering if it was still available.
Do you have a website to order from.
Thank you
Ray
apines
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by apines »

I'm out of boards at the moment and unfortunately I'm having a tough time finding the big power transistors that make it go (the only distributor that has them won't break a 2,500 piece reel which is over $23,000 so that's not happening). Electronic component procurement is still pretty difficult these days. When more parts show up I'll build more boards and post here for anyone who's looking for them. Sorry the news isn't better.

-Andrew
current:
1966 Ford Thunderbird Q-code convertible with Highway Pilot
1975 Triumph Spitfire
past:
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1974 Triumph TR6
1968 Ford Galaxie convertible
1974 VW Super Beetle
1981 Checker Marathon
VTCI membership #12807
Mvs62bulletbird
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2023 7:14 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Mvs62bulletbird »

Hi, I have a 62 Ford Thunderbird and I definitely would be up for the control board. Really like one of them when you get a built. Also, if you have any of the solenoids that plug-in is factory, that would be great to please let me know. Thank you, Michael.
Mvs62bulletbird
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2023 7:14 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Mvs62bulletbird »

Andrew why don’t you PM me regarding the circuit boards and we can discuss their acquisition. OK that would be great. I appreciate your time. Thank you Michael.
Anthonyjs5000
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 7:56 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Anthonyjs5000 »

Hello I would like to purchase a your product. I have 1964 thunderbird convertible that my father left me. The top stopped working I have tried everything I can think of to get it to work. I saw your post and your product seems thay it could fix my issue. Can you please send me an email at anthonyjs5000@gmail.com. to let me no how much it will cost to replace this old relay system. Thanks anthony
Owl2023
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue May 16, 2023 9:42 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Owl2023 »

Apines, are you still making the lug and play relay convrsion boards for the 1966 tbirds if so I an interested in purchasing , my email owlhake@gmail.com phone 843 798 2708, I have just owned this 66 bird since June of 23 and have had several issues, am 80 years and just at my prime we with out the prime, any response would be appreciated
Collineking
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 1:18 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Collineking »

I'm interested! I have a 66 convertible 390. How do i order?
Collin
770 616 9355
Collineking@gmail.com
Joe Johnston
Posts: 2647
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:34 pm
Location: Sunny FLORIDA

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by Joe Johnston »

I would like to buy a replacement set up for a 63.
PLEASE invest a few bucks and buy all the shop manuals for your car. Definitely will save you much time and be an education.

55-57 VTCI Forum Moderator
57 Inca Gold-Colonial White
63SR Silver Mink
apines
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: '64-'66 Solid State Convertible Top Relay Replacement

Post by apines »

I have them for 64-66, I don't have anything to support 61-63. PM me for details.

-Andrew
current:
1966 Ford Thunderbird Q-code convertible with Highway Pilot
1975 Triumph Spitfire
past:
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1974 Triumph TR6
1968 Ford Galaxie convertible
1974 VW Super Beetle
1981 Checker Marathon
VTCI membership #12807
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