Top Prop Nut & Bolt - Left-Hand Thread

HoarseWhisperer

Well-known member
So, I’m driving the 31 Dlx Roadster on our infamous Ontario bumpy roads and lo and behold, I discover that my original passenger-side Top Prop nut is missing. Aaargh! :eek: The 7/16” – 14 bolt is still remains, but close inspection reveals that it is “left-hand” thread. I order the repro Nut & Bolt, but it is right-hand thread and the dull steel bolt head is larger (and ugly), not Chromed like the original. I’ve been unsuccessful in finding an original replacement.
Would anyone have an original left-hand thread Top Prop bolt and nut they would want to part with, or know of where I might find one? Photo shows repro on left, original bolt on right.
Thx!



picture.php
 
I would have someone turn down the ugly one (or buy a stainless carriage bolt and start with that). Maybe you can do it yourself with a file and an electric drill or a drill press. After you are finished there is a special washer that works great to retain these nuts. Go to brattons.com and search for part 28970. Double click on the blue description for a picture. It is my understanding that this was originally a cabriolet part but I use them on my '31 RDPU and '32 RDSTR. Please don't ask how I found out about these.

Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks for the tip Charlie. I had alread purchased those little special washers awhile ago, so that I don't lose anymore of these Prop Nuts & Bolts.
I find it interesting that the original passenger-side Prop Nut & Bolt was left-hand thread, as opposed to right-hand thread for the driver's side.
Unless this was a feature of only Canadian built open cars. :confused:
 
That top prop bolt should be painted black to be orginial correct. But if you like shine then stainless steel will be hard to work with , ..If it fell off then you were missing [prop nut locking spring washer. A+L Parts sells the top prop knobs [which is the best out there]but try to fine another orginial. A+L parts does sell the lock for them.
 
Painted Black? I was under the impression that the standard open car top nut & bolt was painted black with the Deluxe open models in chrome or stainless. I also didn't realize that the locking spring washer was an original item.
Could you point me to the source material that covers this? I want to get this right. Many thanks!
 
The locking clip was used on Cabriolets and Deluxe Phaetons only. Ford's engineering department added the Deluxe Roadster to the list of vehicles for it's use but removed it five days later.
 
Thanks for that info, Marco! I find these tidbits of details fascinating.
My search continues for the left-hand Top Prop thread bolt.
 
Right or wrong its nice to have the locking spring washer on:>}....2 years ago i seen a 1929 with the lock spring washer on. Painted black .Then went to Bill Sturm and he had one off a unrestored 1929 roadster??? So i made 3 dz. out of stainless steel done correctly and gave a few to Bill on future job. Looks nice on mine and top prop knobs will never come off..
 
Back
Top