32 ford roadster

hello, has anyone ever chopped the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original top irons. can i use the original canvas. what did they do in the old days. also how do i lay sancions back thank you.
 
Yes, I chopped my original irons.....the side irons from the hoops to the screen frame need lengthening....the top bows need narrowing slightly to prevent the " starving cow" effect when viewed from behind.The top irons were chopped bit by bit until I got the right look with a 3.25" chopped screen.the wooden bows were shortened and re shaped to suit.

Sorry no pictures as they are all in my old PC and I can't access them.The look I was after, and got was based on Mark Mortens stunning deuce on the HopUp poster.

Good luck and show us pictures if you get around to it.
 
With the value of original 1932 parts (if they are in fact original), most folks would purchase the aftermarket top irons & windshield frame for chopping. Chopping original stuff is like throwing money away.
 
Some years back they actually made a chopped top for a '32. If I remember right it was cut 2" and was sold by LeBaron-Bonney. I think Girtz Industries was the supplier. they also made repo bumpers. Girtz Industries still exists , but t does not appear that they are still doing old car parts. Might be worth a call though. Google "Girtz Industries" for the history of the company
 
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For my avatar, I bought Repro 2" chopped windshield and stainless steel top irons and sold my originals. Wouldn't ever cut the originals. But I am not a patina guy so trying to make a car built today to look like it was built in the 40s was never in the plan.
 
Simply cutting the main arm and lengthening the front arm will result in the irons fouling the door opening when lowered. See pix.


It is possible with a much more complex modification of the geometry to avoid fouling the door opening. See pix of my prototype mockup.


Yes, I am working on these (slowly). My intent is to offer them in standard black, deluxe polished stainless main arm/golden beryl upper works, or all polished stainless. Watch the "New Products" thread.


Karl Wescott
Wescott's Auto
 
Photos
 

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oldford said:
Fiberglass body. Are those irons even real.
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Are they real? Yes. Are they originals? No.

Karl was illustrating what needs to be done to the top irons to accommodate a chopped windshield. Whether he showed originals or reproductions is irrelevant to the modification being shown.
 
I wouldn't cut the original '32 roadster top. I'd put it away and make a new one. I have an original top on my dad's '32 roadster that I inherited. It's a highboy flathead roadster. It looks stupid with the stock top on it but there is just no way I would ever have the heart to cut it up. I took it off and put the top away. I figure it's a highboy roadster, so it doesn't need a top at all. My dad was a restorer and kind of screwed me up about leaving stuff stock. I can't bring myself to do stuff that requires butchery. I love hot rods; the cars I'm building I try to not drills holes and chop stuff up so they could always be put back stock if someone wanted to.

I did buy an unfinished chopped '32 3-window, that car the damage has already been done to it, so I don't feel guilty about it. I would never have had the heart to have chopped it myself. I also bought a running '29 roadster to make a flathead V8 highboy out of it. I just can't bring myself to do it. I've decided to make a full fender pre-war hot rod out of it with a 4-banger, with an original Winfield head on it. I might even put 16" wires on it; I have a few sets laying around here.

My dad was a restorer, everything had to be stock down to the original bolts. This is a '29 Station Wagon he was working on. He had several Model A's before switching to Flathead V8's. So I have mixed feeling about stock versus hot rods, I love them both.
 

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Flathead Fever said:
I wouldn't cut the original '32 roadster top. I'd put it away and make a new one. I have an original top on my dad's '32 roadster that I inherited. It's a highboy flathead roadster. It looks stupid with the stock top on it but there is just no way I would ever have the heart to cut it up. I took it off and put the top away. I figure it's a highboy roadster, so it doesn't need a top at all. My dad was a restorer and kind of screwed me up about leaving stuff stock. I can't bring myself to do stuff that requires butchery. I love hot rods; the cars I'm building I try to not drills holes and chop stuff up so they could always be put back stock if someone wanted to.

I did buy an unfinished chopped '32 3-window, that car the damage has already been done to it, so I don't feel guilty about it. I would never have had the heart to have chopped it myself. I also bought a running '29 roadster to make a flathead V8 highboy out of it. I just can't bring myself to do it. I've decided to make a full fender pre-war hot rod out of it with a 4-banger, with an original Winfield head on it. I might even put 16" wires on it; I have a few sets laying around here.

My dad was a restorer, everything had to be stock down to the original bolts. This is a '29 Station Wagon he was working on. He had several Model A's before switching to Flathead V8's. So I have mixed feeling about stock versus hot rods, I love them both.
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I completely understand your pain as I’m in a similar position with an original 1932 roadster windshield frame and 32 original pheaton top irons.
Unfortunately finding a chopped top irons like you’re looking for are available or make your own. As you have the original pattern and it’s just metal. I’m sure there is a market for your original irons.
 
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