Abstract: In a hydraulic operating mechanism for a convertible top, a pressure sensor (12) is incorporated into a common pressure circuit (P) of the hydraulic cylinders (1 through 4) and connected with a control unit which is connected to the switching elements (V1 through V4) of the hydraulic cylinders (1 through 4), and its output signal in relation to time, together with the preset switching sequences of the individual switching elements (V1 through V4), serves to control the end positions of the individual hydraulic cylinders (1 through 4). The control can thus be incorporated in the operating mechanism without expensive separate end position switches at each hydraulic cylinder (1 through 4) or appurtenant actuation element, simplifying the overall design.