Model T roadster top questions

[drpepper1885]

Hello everyone,

I am starting to work on my 1917 roadster top and have a few basic questions.

Picture #1
This is a picture of the wood bows I got from Rootlieb. They are numbered #1, #2 and #3 as seen in the picture. I think that #1 is the bow that goes to the windshield. Its shank is the longest. Bow #2 (the smallest shank) would be in the middle and #3 (shank is slightly smaller than that of #1) in the rear. Does that seem right to you?

Picture #2
This is a close-up of the top sockets. The shorter socket should be relocated to upper pivot on the middle arm, correct? It looks like I should move it up on the middle socket. Rootlieb sent it to me as shown in the picture, but I think that it was attached to the lower pivot to make it easier to ship. It is attached with a cotter pin.

Picture #3
This is a close-up of the bows gently fitted into the sockets. Am I correct in thinking that the shank should be pushed all the way into the socket, or should some portion show?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[tmodelman]

Yes to your questions.

 

[Jack Innes]

Tmodelman, Great drawings! do you have the same for the 26/27 one man tops? These would make a proper installation possible without guesswork. Thank you.

 

[redmodelt]

The line drawing is out of the reprint of the Model T Fords Service Bulletin Essentials. I just check the section on the new improved car and there is no drawings that show those dimensions.

 

[tmodelman]

Right.

You have to examine other Improved Fords to get the top details right.

The typical two man tops have these sketches from Ford Owner magazine, have yet to find any sketches with dimensions in the later Ford Dealer and Service Field magazine for '26-'27.