1932 ford roadster tack rail help

[done4]

I bought a new tack rail for the roadster which was missing when I got it. Could someone show me what an original looks like. I've done many searches but have not found a good pic of an original. Any and all help will be appreciated, thanks. Les

 

[Karl Wescott]

Is your body original steel, repro steel, or fiberglass?

Most repro steel bodies do not accept the original type tack rail.

Some, not all of course, fiberglass bodies will accept original type tack rail directly or with minor modification to the rail.

And "original" steel cars had a tendency to get modified along the way.

If you posted a picture of your car where the tack rail mounts several of us here might be able to tell if the mounting area is stock.

 

[DavidG]

The photo below will give you a general idea of it on an original. The replacement wood shown isn't 100% as it should not slant inward from top to bottom along the outer vertical surface.

 

[JimOH]

Attached are photos of the original body pockets that receive the original wood tack strip on the '32 roadster. This will give you an idea of what is original. Tough thing to refabricate.

 

[done4]

Thank you very much. I'm more interested in the shape & color of the rail. The mounting is pretty straight forward with the predrilled counter sunk holes. This new one I have has a very hard edge and I assumed it would have a radius on the top edges.

DavidG is your's sealed or is that natural wood? Thanks JimOH, great reference as said it's the shape and color I really need to know. Thanks again.

Here are a couple of pics as it is now. I ordered it from a gentleman from Oregon who was recommended on the barn.

 

[Krylon32]

I used a tack strip from the same guy who made yours. It took a little fitting but when I finally got it fitting good I covered it with the same material as the interior.

 

[MIRoger]

The engineering drawing on file at the Benson Ford shows a finger joint at the junction of the back rail and curved end pieces. Not the mortise and tenon joint as shown in your reproduction. The drawing also shows the wood to have squared off edges like your rail. No finish is specified for the rail on the drawing and archive photo of a roadster drawing going through paint without the rail installed. From this evidence the rail is most likely unfinished as shown in David's photo. If your rail fits your body you should be good. The wood is trimmed over on original as built production cars.

 

[done4]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just do what needs to be done and use my best judgment. Appreciate your help as always. I may go on the HAMB side because I'm building a period piece full fender hot rod. I figured the best place to start was on thee "one and only", barn.

 

[1932 V8]

Here are some pics of the original tack Strip on my Roadster. I believe the wood was originally wrapped in upholstery . Hope this helps .

 

[DavidG]

Just to avoid any potential confusion, unlike cabriolets, convertible sedans and '33-'37 roadsters, the '32 roadster top was not originally tacked to the subject wood belt rail. It was completely removable and was retained along the tack rail with "cinch" fasteners as shown in the photo below.

 

[done4]

1932V8, thank you so much. Your pics are just what the doctor ordered. Now I understand why they would not have sealed the wood with the upholstery going over the rail. Like you, I will keep the wood uncovered. DavidG, thanks, you confirmed what I had assumed, but you know what they say about assuming.

I'm still a little surprised on the hard top edges. I think I will make a small radius on mine.
As usual the people on the barn come through!

 

[1932 V8]

Thanks David , I revised my statement that was confusing the matter.
Question for you . I see what looks like some original green paint on the front side of the wood. Was the wood partially painted possibly or ?? My Roadster was originally a Brewster Green color and I don't think it ever had a Green repaint. The paint on the wood is definitely green.

Thanks , Mike

 

[done4]

By the way, from what I can see of your 32 that is where I would like to end up. It looks very cool from what I can see. Your pics made my day.

 

[alchemy]

Mike, why aren't there any tacks in the front corners of your wood strip? The very front corner should have a tack from the outside of the body. You know, the place they always crack through. Were yours filled in before an old repaint?

Love that car of yours.

 

[materguru]

Just to avoid any potential confusion, unlike cabriolets, convertible sedans and '33-'37 roadsters, the '32 roadster top was not originally tacked to the subject wood belt rail. It was completely removable and was retained along the tack rail with "cinch" fasteners as shown in the photo below.

David
off roadster topic but what could one do for a cabriolet tack strip insert on the belt rail and the indented area squarely on the back was filled in with what. was it built up somehow to be even across the bottom of the top if so with what?
thank you for your help

 

[DavidG]

The material inside the metal channel that retained the tacks was originally very dense pressed water proof paper. The best substitute available is a special flexible black plastic tacking strip that comes in various widths and thicknesses. Likely available from Restoration Specialties & Supplies in Pennsylvania.