Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

Del in NE Ohio

Senior Member
Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

I am in possession of a ‘28 roadster project. The previous owner purchased a Lebaron Bonney top kit 20 years ago which I just unpacked. It looks to be complete and in nice shape. (Even has side curtains) I’ve seen some very helpful videos but I hoping that someone on the ‘barn might have saved a copy of LB’s roadster top instructions that they might be willing to share because they are missing from what I have.
 
Re: Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

You do need those instructions. I don't think I have my old ones. You will need stainless steel staples so there's no rust, and a powerful staple gun. There is a good Synders youtube video of installation. Good luck. I'm sure it will look nice.
 
Re: Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

The roadster top is likely the easiest top to install. Most folks don't leave their cars out in the weather after spending so much time on them. A person can use tacks as original or staples if they want. Make sure the header, irons, & wood tack strips are all ready before installation. The seat back is also involved with the belt rail so definitely find those instructions before starting.
 
Re: Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

You do need those instructions. I don't think I have my old ones. You will need stainless steel staples so there's no rust, and a powerful staple gun. There is a good Synders youtube video of installation. Good luck. I'm sure it will look nice.

Do you have a link to the Snyders youtube video. The two that I have found, one from Classique and the other from LeBaron Bonney are helpful but the quality of the video and the camera positioning are not so good.
 
Re: Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

I retired from Snyder’s almost 4 years ago. Don’t recall any such video.
 
Re: Installing Lebanon Bonney ‘28 roadster top

Nothing on Snyder's site. The U-tubes are about all that's out there. The one from Classtique gives most of the info needed but it would have been nice if they were a little more inclusive about how to do the whole job and what materials they use. The pads are likely one of the most complicated parts and it would have been better to have video from different angles. Installation of the snap fasteners could have had a bit more details and there wasn't much of any information on installing the welting to cover everything up. It seems like the 1928 used the older style welting that is referred to as Lock-tite but that would likely have to be fabricated. Most folks use the Hidem welt and the end tips that are available for roadsters. Wire on welt is also available but colors are limited.

Hopefully someone that has done one will still have the original instruction sheets. The last I read of the bankruptcy docket on LB was that Eckler's had outbid SMS on the purchase of their intellectual property, patterns, name, equipment, etc. with SMS to purchase if they backed out but I have read no further information about the settlement of that case.
 
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