1928 leatherback top treatment?

[supergnat]

Hi,
I am am a new member and just purchased a 1928 Model A leatherback fordor sedan. I am told that the car probalby has only about 16,000 miles on it as it was stored on blocks from 1930 until 1964 when it was sold to a collector. I am not sure what to do to the top. I think it is original and has some surface cracks and small craters. See attached photo. Is there a coating which I can apply or must the entire top be replaced? The interior is in very good original condition and I am concerned that if I replace the top I would also have to replace the interior at the same time. Any tips for this new hobbyist would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks:Rich

 

[Great Lakes Greg]

Sounds like a time capsule. Preserve, preserve, preserve. I trust some experts will tell you how.

 

[Steve Ciccalone]

I also have a low mileage '28 LB. Your top looks to be in very good condition and I would not even think about replacing it. How are the seams? Mine are separated in places where the panels have shrunk and the stiching is dryrotted. I have to be very careful about driving this car as I'm afraid it will be ripped off in a strong wind or by higher speed driving. Bill Sturm and Marco have seen photos of these areas and there is no way to repair it. Start by cleaning the top with a weak mild soap solution. Then apply a good grade leather conditioner like Lexol. Try it in a small area where not readily visible to make sure it doesn't discolor it. You will probably have to face the fact that it will be a fair weather car. I've attached some pictures of my car. If your interior is in good shape, it doesn't need replacement regardless of the top.

 

[Gary Karr]

Rich,
Your top looks to be real nice for an original top. I agree with others here, keep it original and preserve it. Once it is restored, it can never be "unrestored." Can you post more pictures?

 

[Deluxe Delivery Don]

Please let's see some pic's of the whole car. If the top is that good what is the rest of the car like?

 

[Bill Goddard]

I am restoring a '29 Leatherback. I would appreciate some pictures of the interior dash and windshield area especially showing the inside front door post where there is a sheet metal molding from the header to the dash. I need to know if the metal goes all the way to the header. Also could you get a shot of the rubber bumper under the windshield on the front side of the front door post - either side left or right that shows the shape of the bumper. Thanks a whole lot These are about the only big issues I have left. I have seen some other cars but they have all been restored and these things not done well. Bill G

 

[supergnat]

Thanks for all the responses. I did take a few more pictures which I am posting now. I will take a few more photos of the front dash and windshield area and post them for Bill G. tomorrow. I haven't tried to clean the top but the photos make it look worse than it is. Is the top really made of leather? There is a one inch diameter hold in the driver side interior door panel. There is a lot of play in the steering which I suspect may just be an adjustment in the steering box. Unfortunately the most recent owner added front seat belts which take away from the originality. I certainly have a lot to learn.

 

[glenn in camino]

Your loose steering is an odd problem on a 16,000 mile car. There is no real adjusting an early steering box. Take it apart and check wear on the gears. If theyre worn, either the box never had oil in it or the car has a lot more than 16,000 miles on it. If it really is a 16,000 mile car, your top is georgeous. Put some Lexol on it and leave it alone.

 

[Steve Ciccalone]

It is Seal Brown Pebble Grain artificial leather. Another interior shot. Bill if you don't get any pictures of what you need, contact me through a PM and I'll take some photos of what you need. My car is unrestored/original.

 

[Michael in Sedona]

Wow! Neat car!

Let me second the Lexol suggestion. In addition to Model A's, we have a couple of horses, and I've seen Lexol do wonders on old, dried out leather bridles, reins, and such.

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

I agree with Glen that if the steering box is worn at 16K miles, that is odd. Loose steering could be something loose at any point in the steering system, or more likely a combination of several loose points. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect every single point in the system for loss of movement to try to locate the loose areas. Common areas are: loose steering box bolts, loose pittman arm, loose drag link plugs, loose tie rod plugs, worn spindle arm balls, worn king pins, worn radius ball. Loose bolts or plugs could exist on a low mileage car, but severe wear should not be. As Glen said, the early steering box has no adjustment...its either good or it gets rebuilt. Aside from that, your car is really beautiful. There's no replacing an original car. You are fortunate to have one.

 

[supergnat]

Later this week I'll be ordering a Model A book to get me started and I intend to contact some local people A owners as soon as I get my MARC membership information. My garage is not heated so I will not be doing much work on the mechanics until the temps rise of I get it winterized. This will also give me time to read and be ready to start to work. I have posted the photos Bill G requested and I hope they are helpful.

 

[HDowse]

Nice to see so many Leatherbacks in one thread. Mine had the top replaced 57 years ago but the interior is almost all original. It's a comfortable car for riding. I wish the last owner hadn't painted the car Brewster Green over the original green but he did. The car makes me smile every time I look at it. Steve C., our Leatherbacks need to meet this spring....

 

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Nice to see the oil change sticker on the door post, brings back some memories......

 

[supergnat]

Yes, the sticker is from the early 60's and has the name of the original owner. She owned it from 1928 until 1964. I also have the original bill of sale from the dealer (no longer in business) plus the original spare tire cover with the dealer name.

 

[Bill Goddard]

Rich, Thanks for the pictures. They are right on. These are the pictures I should have taken. I can start to assemble the front end now. Bill G

 

[cradlescyth]

Hi

Have a great car, Keep as original as possible and enjoy!!!

I have just finished my garage, heat lights etc now it's on

to the car.