Top bows 29 cabriolet

[Wildturkey]

Im currently restoring late 29A. My crossbows are in terrible shape. I initially was going to buy new ones but from what I read on forums they are not really cut right. I obtained the schematics but when I draw them out they are no where close to the pieces of bows I have. The arch is different all together. So my dilemma is: do i use schematics to make new bows or use the pieces I have to make new bows. I'm pretty sure the bows I have we're made at some point and not original. We're there multiple schematics for the bows and I have the wrong one?

 

[Aerocraft]

If I had that problem, and I very well may since I also have a late 68A "in process", I would consider speaking with LeBaron-Bonney about the problem. I would assume that they make their tops to fit a set of bows that they have in their shop. If that is the case, I would ask for a pattern of their bows which would insure that their top will fit your car. Gar Williams

 

[Marco Tahtaras]

I have a bit different take on it. First, LB is not the best source of info as they don't even recommend correct bow spacing and have faced the reality they have fit issues. They will however work with you if you speak up.

Your bows WILL NOT match the Ford prints unless the car was in a cool DRY place for the last 80+ years. Even though your rear (#2) bow has a steel insert to support the curvature, the wood separates over the decades and gets both wider in width and flatter across the top. The difference in final appearance is significant! The same certainly applies to the center (#1) bow which doesn't even have the steel support.

The available replacement bows were patterned from bows that were BELIEVED to be in good shape but in fact were not. The 68-C below has a rear bow that is nearly perfect (to print) but the #1 bow is still too flat. if you have the time look at pics or restored versions as well as archive pics and you will see quite a difference

 

[30cabriolet]

Were there multiple schematics for the bows and I have the wrong one?

Yes, there are multiple drawings out there with different revision dates. Make sure you are not looking at the 68C. Without seeing them I have no way to tell if you are using the correct one.
Then you have a decision to make. Who is going to put the final material on the top? If you are going to use L.B., then I would suggest getting all the wood and spacing to match the patterns that they use so everything will fit. But, as Marco pointed out, their spacing and patterns are not correct to original. So I fitted my bows, that I bought from Classic, close to the drawings and I am having the top made custom to fit my car by a quality Model A upholsterer.