HydroLectric Window Headaches

Haven't had time to do much work on the Caddy lately, but finally got some hours into it today.  Mostly fighting with the hydraulic windows, part of the GM "Hydro-Lectric" system used in the late 40's and early 50's.  Here's an excerpt from an old service manual I found:

"The Hydro-Lectric system derives it's power from an electrically-driven hydraulic pump assembly located on the engine side of the cowl near the right ventilator air duct.
When the operating button on the door panel is pushed "up," the hydraulic pump is actuated and an electric solenoid valve at the bottom of the door cylinder opens. The hydraulic fluid enters the cylinder under a pressure of approximately 250 pounds, raises the piston, and closes the window. At the same time it stretches a heavy spring that is attached to the window.
When the control button is pushed "down," the solenoid valve again opens, allowing the fluid to flow out of the cylinder and the spring pulls the windows down."

Today's goal was to get the drivers window in the up position.  I worked at it for hours, but was not able to get it to budge.  I can activate the solenoid and pressurize the cylinder, but it's not moving and I think it's just seized inside.  I also tried removing the cylinder, but with it stuck I wasn't able to get it out.  I was trying not to damage it, but after some googling about other people's experiences I've decided to give up for the following reasons:

• The cylinders are not rebuild-able.  I think they can be found new, but I am trying to spend as little as possible on this project.
• The passenger side has had manual window replacement doors fitted, which would have to be converted back to hydraulic.
• I'm planning on converting to a 12 volt system, and the hydraulic pump is 6 volt.  Not sure if it would just burn out or build up way too much pressure, but I don't think I want to mess with it.
• I've decided I just don't want to mess with high pressure lines filled with brake fluid all over the inside of the car.

I think the old hydraulic system would be really cool to have working, but I just don't think it's worth all the headaches.  So my next steps will be tearing it all out.  I will try to keep it as intact as possible in case someone out there is looking for these parts.  All but that stupid drivers window cylinder, that thing is getting chopped up into little pieces.  

My new plan is to secure the rear windows in the upper position.  I will devise some system up front to move the drivers window up and down manually, and eventually if this project goes well I will convert the fronts to electric.  The rears aren't really needed since the very back windows next to the rear seat slide open manually.

Here's a picture of the front door parts as they are now:

By my next update I should have the guts out of the doors, and be ready to tackle the brake system.