Most correct "Cobra grain" pattern

gwhite

gwhite

Senior Member
All,

I'm looking for era-correct 'Cobra grain' for a project and was hoping someone could help. As I understand it, the long-grain cobra vinyl currently reproduced is a copy of the 1960's pattern and is incorrect (too long and deep) for the Model A.

I have heard that the 'short' or 'fine' grain is very similar to what was used on the open cars (see http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2793)

My question is - who makes the most correct topping material for the model A? How does the repro stuff compare with the original as far as texture, pattern, color, shine/sheen, &c.? I understand that SMS, Lebaron-Bonney, Mac's, and several others manufacture or carry it and would be interested to know whose looks best.

Thanks!
 
gwhite.... If you are setting your goal for a Fine point car restoration i would hold up and wait till the New Judging Standards come out OR contact someone who will know of maybe a change for your car top.. My 180A : CASE IT POINT... I have a detailed archive print showing the Brown Red Pebble Grain Imitation Leather Locktite Binding correct [through Aug/30. In the details it shows specifications for the TOP BOOT from the archive drawings "M-5073" Dust Hood Material which is a Tan Teal cloth cemented to cotton drill fabric and then dyed Tan. The JS. say it was Tan Drab Top material. In this case the JS. is wrong ..[A-37627-C] Was revised 8-27-1930. Also i am told there will be a change in Schrader valve stems too. [I am safe with my Acme stems :D ].So Bill Sturm will know forsure and Marco T., Doug Clayton as they all work on the Standards:). Bill Sturm will have the closest to what you will be needing;).Good luck
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm actually not working on a model A...my project is a vintage 1931 Model T based Speedster that was constructed with DuPont 'Fabrikoid'.

I have read that Ford used 'cobra grain fabrikoid' in the construction of Model A tops, so I'm really just wanting to find out who makes the best repro of this cloth...sorry for the confusion...I didn't want to get into a long/OT digression on the speedster so I thought it would be more on-topic to ask about the specifics of the Model A cloth.

Many thanks!
 
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When I replaced the roof on my 29 tudor a few years ago, I noticed that the grain was very shallow. I thought maybe it was from old age wear, but maybe your information was right, and my roof was old enough to be the old type.
 
I'd check with someone in the UK that has replaced the covering on Vanden Plas bodied cars. I remember recoating a Type 50 Bugatti that had this type body years ago, looked a lot like Model A top material. :)
gwhite said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm actually not working on a model A...my project is a vintage 1931 Model T based Speedster that was constructed with DuPont 'Fabrikoid'.

I have read that Ford used 'cobra grain fabrikoid' in the construction of Model A tops, so I'm really just wanting to find out who makes the best repro of this cloth...sorry for the confusion...I didn't want to get into a long/OT digression on the speedster so I thought it would be more on-topic to ask about the specifics of the Model A cloth.

Many thanks!
Click to expand...
 
Roadster 62...thanks for the info. I happened to find some additional information about the Waymann body company, which produced leatherette covered vehicles using a product called "Zapon". I believe there are a handful of Stutz-Waymann vehicles still sporting their Zapon fabric bodies.

Still haven't found much information on Dupont's 'Fabrikoid' product or which Cobra grain is the most period correct....would love to hear from someone who's studied this.
 
I have a rear mounted trunk that still has the Dupont Fabrikoid (has a data plate inside from Dupont) covering. It is very close to the top material used on the closed bodied Model A's.
 
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