Phaeton Top '29, 35a

Klattu1929

Klattu1929

Senior Member
I am currently, among several A projects cleaning, pulling old tacks, generally rebuilding my top irons. I hope to install my top this winter. Does anyone have photos, video, drawings of the correct way the top attaches to the tack rail? I hope to do a clean job of it and not butcher my new top. Or install and remove to fix mistakes. Basically, install once correctly and be good to go. Thanx for any sage advice pointing me down the correct path.
 
Do you need the specific bow height measurements to ensure your top irons are spaced correctly before tensioning the fabric?
 
I have never installed a top before, so one step at a time with a good bit of thought before preceding to the next. The measurements would help with the install bigtime, then I could also verify I actually have the correct irons I think, but I was also interested in how Ford attached the fabric to the tack rail across the back so it comes out with a nice professional finish. Not just a row of tacks. I need to unpack the top and see how its constructed. That may shed some light on things.
 
My original 1929 35A top bows with bow measurements. These are the exposed wood bow dimensions between the metal top bow brackets.
 

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AYooperA said:
This old post from 2019 may help you.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263579&highlight=Phaeton+roof+windshield
Click to expand...

I am finally getting my ducks in a row on the top for this winter; my bows look like yours maybe a bit worse. The front bow is missing, will make from scratch.

The install instructions are just what the doctor ordered. Should be in good shape to tackle the top install now, thanx for the link, bigly. Amazing how I went in circles searching for top install info and never came across the post link you sent. I need to rethink my search style, I guess.

Your phaeton is lookin very nice!
 
John, if you replicate that front bow to have the same width as mine you should be all set to go. I made a homemade steam box to make my tack strips but you might have an easier workaround for the bow (Ash wood was the best). Looking forward to seeing the finished project. Planning & patience go a long way. Next week I get my upholstery and top kit from Classtique! Very excited to get it but like your project it probably would be finished until the late fall with my schedule of activities. Regards, John






She’s all ready for interior and top
 

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