how to build your own roadster top

triple mike

triple mike

Junior Member
I could not find anywhere photos of anyone building their own roadster top. My guess is most people just purchase the kits. So I thought I would share some of my experiences of building my own top. I’m trying to build this 1928 pickup for as little money as possible. In my case I have done everything myself, engine, entire front end, brakes, wire harness, rebuild of the head lights, why not the top, not afraid of a sewing machine or scissors. The top irons are from a roadster car, not a pickup, thanks to member JTW, he sent me information on how to convert them for a pickup. I started with sandblasting the irons and replacing some of the tacking material, thanks to 1928pickuppain (member) for showing how to replace the tacking material. I made new bows from ASH wood. I was able to get top material donated from one of my customers who makes the stuff. Used stainless steel staples and borrowed my neighbor’s Juki HZL industrial sewing machine. Then watched two videos on line from Lebaron and Classique, I must have watched them each over 30 times. One item you may not understand in the video is that they use only three snaps for the center rear panel, I have to assume they sew in a stiffer so the material will not pull up while stapling it to the rear bow. I also made some patterns from a canvas drop cloth, this was helpful in getting practices cutting and fitting before I cut in to the fabric that I was going to use. As you can see from the photos I gotten the three rear panels done and will post other photos as I go farther. Also made my own seat covers.
 

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I have to replace the top on my Phaeton soon. Please tell me more about replacing the tack strips. I have some thick (1/4") leather that I thought of cutting into strips and pushing in there but I'd rather use something others have found to be successful.
 
Mike,
I've looked at the thread you gave. Very interesting! I haven't seen timber cut as thin as 1/8" and I don't really want to use ply wood. I might try using the leather but first, I'll see how it holds a staple.
Thanks.
 
Hi Synchro, when I did mine I used the same method as outlined in triple mikes link and it worked very well. As for finding timber of the correct thickness, that is easily solved by taking a slab of 4x2 or 2 inch timber of any width and taking it to your nearest cabinet maker and ask them to cut it into 2mm thick pieces. With a table saw that should be only few minutes work.
When I was ready for final assembly I applied glue to all the pieces of timber and hammered them into place. The glue actually acted as a lubricant and helped with the timber sliding into the socket.
I considered using ply but decided against it as I thought it might be to soft. Having said that I do know of others who have used ply with success.
 
triple mike said:
I could not find anywhere photos of anyone building their own roadster top. My guess is most people just purchase the kits. So I thought I would share some of my experiences of building my own top. I’m trying to build this 1928 pickup for as little money as possible. In my case I have done everything myself, engine, entire front end, brakes, wire harness, rebuild of the head lights, why not the top, not afraid of a sewing machine or scissors. The top irons are from a roadster car, not a pickup, thanks to member JTW, he sent me information on how to convert them for a pickup. I started with sandblasting the irons and replacing some of the tacking material, thanks to 1928pickuppain (member) for showing how to replace the tacking material. I made new bows from ASH wood. I was able to get top material donated from one of my customers who makes the stuff. Used stainless steel staples and borrowed my neighbor’s Juki HZL industrial sewing machine. Then watched two videos on line from Lebaron and Classique, I must have watched them each over 30 times. One item you may not understand in the video is that they use only three snaps for the center rear panel, I have to assume they sew in a stiffer so the material will not pull up while stapling it to the rear bow. I also made some patterns from a canvas drop cloth, this was helpful in getting practices cutting and fitting before I cut in to the fabric that I was going to use. As you can see from the photos I gotten the three rear panels done and will post other photos as I go farther. Also made my own seat covers.[/QUOTE

Congratulations, looks like you are doing an excellent job. I'm sure you will be super proud of your finished job.
Like yourself I believe in doing everything that I possibly can myself.
I did my own Pheaton Top and Interior upholstery. The total cost even after buying a Heavy Duty Sewing Machine for $700 came in at about $1000 under what an upholsterer would have cost me. (and I still have my sewing machine) I also did another Pheaton for a friend. This project can be viewed in my Photo Albums (51 pictures)

I look forward to seeing your pictures of the completed car.
Click to expand...
 
I looked over your photos, great job. The photos help answer a question I had with the front bow, how to wrap it, you photos answer it.
 
Further progress on building my roadster top. Fitted the windshield water deflector and the main top, a few mistakes on sizing, but this is a Rat Truck. Amazed on how many staples it took and I'm not done yet.
 

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You are doing good and making good progress. Very few people would attempt to do their own top.
Well done, you will have much pride in being able to say "I did it myself"
 
Tops all done, ended up using some of the tacks, nails, screws from the old top just to keep some originality. Also reused the metal trim on the hidem.
 

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Congratulations on an excellent job. There is nothing like the satisfaction you get by doing the work yourself and no doubt you saved yourself some serious dollars.
Enjoy your car.
 
Beautiful! I think I know just how you feel. I installed a top on a VW years ago that was purchased and it was too short. With my wife doing the sewing machine work on an old "blackhead Singer" we extended it and also made our own liner. Friends couldn't believe the liner wasn't a pro job. Incidentally, when my son wrecked the VW an acquaintance paid the towing fee in return for the top which was unharmed. BTW, son fully recovered. You are an inspiration for those who might want to tackle it themselves.
 
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