Will top retract with just battery?

[Yodykat]

Hi guys, my Dad had a 1957 skyliner convertible that he had dropped the transmission out on the ground. He passed away awhile back and now we are looking at selling. We thought if we knew if the top worked that would alleviate some fears of potential buyers. So does the car have to be running to retract the top or could we hook up battery with key turned to accessory? Thanks for any responses

[Ford Only]

With the battery fully charged the top should go up or down with the key in accessory and the gear selector in neutral or park if its a automatic.
It would be best to have a battery charger connected as the operation takes a lot out of the battery.

[Yodykat]

ok thanks for helping out

[droptopford]

I know this is a week late but...You say the trans is not currently in the car?
As Ford Only said, the gear selector must be in the proper position (Park only for 2 speed Fordomatic or Neutral for 3 speed Cruisomatic). This circuit is made in the neutral switch. You might want to make sure all the wires and linkages weren't disconnected with whatever tranny work was being done.