Phaeton Top Bow Hardware

AYooperA

Senior Member
What is the correct hardware for attaching the front and rear sections of bows on a Phaeton? Mine had a carriage bolt with a hex nut which I know is wrong.
 

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Just bought my 29 this summer. From the paperwork that came with it, it was restored to points condition back in the 70s. I assume the hardware is correct, it matches the other bolts that are on the top. The wing nuts appear to be a cast iron type material.
 

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Ayers, Thanks for taking the time to get picture of original hardware. Looks like 5/16” course thread is what was used. Parts Suppliers have the stanchion wing nuts but haven’t found the thru tap type. Found one on Grainger website in steel that looks like it would be similar. The carriage bolt should be easy enough to modify.
 

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AYOOPERA, not a problem. I didn't think to double check the size last night but you're correct. It's 5/16 coarse thread. The bolt is 1 1/4" long. I have attached a picture of the nut on a tape measure in case that helps any.
 

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This is the hardware that came with my top frame. The large head carriage bolt isn't correct for sure. The wing nut looks antique, but don't know if it is original or not. These are the 5/16"x18 course thread also. Tacoma Screw has large head bolts, They are better pictured on Amazon. They are called elevator bolts. The tops are not rounded, they are flat. Would need to cut one side flat to match the iron bow end, and remove the square shank on underside of head.
 

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Appreciate the detail pictures of the top bow hardware with tape dimension references. Klattu, I am going to source those elevator type carriage bolts like you suggested. The head diameter is 1.2” like your example vs. about .7” for a standard 5/16” carriage bolt. I can weld up the head a bit a grind to match your profile. Thanks, John
 
With the number of phaetons out and about I'm a bit surprised more photo's of top hardware haven't shown up here. I was taught as a kid to always keep hardware with the assembly, missing hardware seems to be an all to common theme down thru the years. But it is what it is. My dad always told me "we don't have problems-we have solutions".
 
What is the correct hardware for attaching the front and rear sections of bows on a Phaeton? Mine had a carriage bolt with a hex nut which I know is wrong.


You didn't say what year you had. Not sure how much changed through the years but mine is a 29.
 
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