40 convertible

B

bigcatfelix

Junior Member
Gentelman I'd like to lower the top on my convertible a little 1" or 2". Is there a rule of thumb to do this ? and is it just the top irons that need to be shortened ? Thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated ! Thanks
 
1. Any change of the top iron geometry will require a complete reworking of the entire top irons... every pivot inter relates to another, so if you change one you change them all. There is a big risk of ruining a set of original irons and failing to achieve your goal.

2. Simply trying to reduce the "covered wagon" arch at the number 2 and 3 bows, while not changing the iron geometry, will decrease the clearance to the rear seat to where the irons may not fold.

3. We (Wescotts Auto, www.wescottsauto.com) do make custom top irons that are for a 2" windshield chop, and have an additional 2" reduction of the number 2 and 3 bows. These may seem spendy (2750.00 for irons and steel bows only) but there usually are several people looking for good used unmodified irons to offset that price. Our irons use stock wood bow, header, and top latch hardware but will require a custom top as LeBaron, CarTouche, etc stock top kits will not work.
 
I built a 37 Cabriolet years ago and installed top irons from a place called "Girtz". They were stainless steel and chopped. I think they were in Indiana..........but don't recall. I just checked the web....Girtz is still in business and their website history says that they once produced old car parts but shows no current information. It might be worth a phone call.........
 

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bigcatfelix said:
Thanks,I decided just to lower top bow about an inch ! They look so much better with the top down anyway !
Click to expand...

Be carefull . A friend of mine did just that same thing on his 40 convert. and it made the top too flat between the header and the bow over the rear seat. The top needs to break over the bows or it will make a loud slapping noise at hi way speeds. His was so loud you needed to wear earplugs on long trips. I decided to leave my top irons as is because of this very thing.
 
Thanks Ken, I've only lowered it about an inch and my top has'nt been made yet , it seems to fold nicley over the back seat at this stage !
 
Why in the world would you want to do this to something so beautiful and rare? I wish you good luck and happy motoring if this is what you want.
Sorry I had to say this.

Travis
London KY
 
Color plays a visual role too. The conestoga appearance can be softened by using a dark or black canvas. White probably accentuates the problem the most. We are debating several combos for our 40. It was originally Folkstone Grey. RPM:D
 
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