phaeton top

E

exoilfld

Senior Member
I bought the top bows recently from a place in California. with the bows extended, they sort of fit, just looked a little off. but, when I try to put them in the down position, things go really wrong. They get in such a bind that they will do not fully collapse, actually twist the metal part of one bow, and hit the side of the body. I finally gave up and decided to leave the top off after spending $1500 on the bows and $1700 on the top. I wonder if the bows might actually be for a T model. anyway, any one looking to buy phaeton bows, beware!
 
I talked to the person and would not consider it. Also said the bows had been in inventory for 30 years. They look new.
 
That may be why they've been on the shelf for 30 years. Some repro parts work and some don't. Model T irons match the taller windshield. Is this a 28/29 or a 30/31?
 
Last edited:
So what phaeton are you speaking of? Year? Fordor?
I’ve used 30-31 repop before. Old stock were made by Ezra which has long morphed and no longer making car parts.
They can be problematic but made to work successfully. Might take tweaking
Likely same if 28-29.
Deluxe phaeton irons can be difficult too. Right now, I may be the only mfg of those? No sure.
 
Last edited:
it is a 1930 standard 4 door. I have tried tweaking with some heavy duty wrenches, but the second to last bow still twist when I try to force it into the down position, plus it still hits the side of the body. Do I understand you make them?
 
ExOilFld - If the vendor refuses to stand behind their products I’d like to know who it is so I don’t use them. The Model A community benefits when honest feedback about vendors is shared.
The fact that the bows have been in inventory for 30 years is irrelevant.
 
Folding irons on all the old touring types have to have a fair amount of accuracy on the distances between the holes of all the hinge points. The axis of the through holes also need to be accurate with little or no deviation. If a person has a specific arm that is not flowing well through the arc of motion then it can bind or twist depending on the problem at hand. If a person could identify what the cause of the problem is then it may be repairable but not without the capability to weld up holes and properly redrill for best fit. There can also be fabrication of part, patches, or hinge pins and installation of same.

As was mentioned, it can take more than just some tweaking to get them to function as intended. The top wood parts also have to be correct for normal function. If anything is off by much then it will need to be corrected. It's always a good idea to fit the folding top mechanism and do the work prior to installing the canvas or vinyl top materials.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top