PUNTA GORDA, FLA. — If it weren't for a 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday coupe, there might not be a Hydro-E-Lectric — and thousands upon thousands of postwar convertibles might still be stuck with their tops down.
Hydro-E-Lectric of Punta Gorda, Fla., was founded in 1976 by Paul Wiesman after he had to repair the hydraulically operated windows of his 1953 Oldsmobile. His experience repairing his Olds led him to rebuild hydraulic window lifts and then hydraulic convertible top components for others, and eventually manufacturing new parts. The business grew by adding other related parts to its offerings, such as electric top motors, electric switches, interior trim parts, weatherstripping, convertible tops, and carpet and floor mats, among other parts.
Today, Weisman's granddaughter, Amanda Smith, is a co-owner of Hydro-E-Lectric and runs many of its daily operations. She sat down to give us insight into the well-known and established company that has helped many vintage car owners, and not just
