Saw this '49 Caddy at a car show today. That's a starter motor (at least that's what the owner said) on the firewall that runs a hydraulic pump controlling the power windows, seat and top. Strong springs return the items and the fluid to the reservoir. Maybe old news to some but neat I thought, with potential applications to rods and customs.
Lincolns of the same era had them too. Series-wound motor (like a starter), high torque, but also high current draw.
Yeah I wonder what ultimately killed the idea. Advantages and disadvantages on how you look at it. Less motors, relays, wiring etc but more hoses. I would think an engine driven pump would have been simpler.
I'd guess cost and 12 volt electrical systems put the nail in the coffin. In addition to Lincoln, Rolls Royce and Mercedes used hydraulics for accessories. Electric is probably more reliable too.
I had a 1954 Packard with a similar system. Nothing worked and the thought of running new lines was very daunting. All four doors had that system and the power brakes were weird as well. The booster was partly hydraulic and I sold it before I got into it. It was very intriguing though.
The top in my Pontiac convertible had set up, as mentioned the big draw back was leaks, system used brake fluid when I lost a fitting at base of lift cylinder sprayed a couple of pints all over the place. I've since learned it's not that hard to raise and lower manually.
This is the biggest problem with the Hyd system,,The Hyd line running thru door post is NOT a rubber line,,Its plastic and gets brittle with time..been there,done that on a 1947 Caddy convt.
Grand parents had a Packard with hydro windows when i was a kid . i rolled my uncles head up in the window, he busted my *** and was mad at me for a month. took 2 months for the marks on his head to go away. they roll up tight!
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