wood top bow supplier?

Kube

Kube

Super Moderator
Guys, I'm in need of a rear wooden bow for a '40 Ford convertible. Any known (good) source?
Received one from OAK BOWS in PA. and it's poopy - not even close.

I've attached two photos for comparison. Surely there has to be someone "out there" that still does good work. Yes?
 

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Kube. Just a suggestion, but the "bogus" bow looks like it is steam bent and not laminated. If steam bent , I believe it could be reshaped by steaming it, or soaking it in hot water to relax the fibers, then clamp it in the form that I have shown in my very rough sketch. Just might work.
 

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I think 51's idea would work. Maybe trace original on a 2x8 and clamp to that. I do have a steam box and I'm not afraid to use it. Oh, and tighten up the radius a biton your 2x8 as it always springs back some. Is it white oak? Heading to a job site, will check back...
 
I don't believe there is enough stock to reform this one properly. Please note the horizontal area is quite flat.

Plus, this was $495 + shipping. Methinks I should not have to redo this.
 
David I can not say since I have not purchased a 40 rear bow from them. All the 34 5-W wood is good. Good question to ask Brad.
 
You are right Mike. For $500, it should be correct. Have you contacted Oak Bows about the poor quality. A valid question on the length to reshape to the correct profile. Measuring both pieces, tip to tip over the top side will tell you if you have enough to reshape.
 
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Man, talk about your "square peg in a round hole"! That's as bad as the Argentina-reproduced '34 Ford windshield frame I bought from Tommy Traylor (Specialized Auto Parts) in the '60s. Looked great......'til you went to fit it in the Ford body opening. Never could use that one! Is it POSSIBLE that he sent ya the bow for a "wrong year"? DD
 
51woodie said:
You are right Mike. For $500, it should be correct. Have you contacted Oak Bows about the poor quality. A valid question on the length to reshape to the correct profile. Measuring both pieces, tip to tip over the top side will tell you if you have enough to reshape.
Click to expand...

I have contacted them and will ship their bow back to them yet today.

Guys, thanks for the advice thus far.
I'll follow the leads offered.
 
V8COOPMAN said:
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Man, talk about your "square peg in a round hole"! That's as bad as the Argentina-reproduced '34 Ford windshield frame I bought from Tommy Traylor (Specialized Auto Parts) in the '60s. Looked great......'til you went to fit it in the Ford body opening. Never could use that one! Is it POSSIBLE that he sent ya the bow for a "wrong year"? DD
Click to expand...

I suppose it's possible it's the wrong year, wrong model... who knows. Just plain wrong for certain.
 
Terry said:
I have had good luck with Brads Wood Shop, 360-378-3886 or email: bradswoodshop@hotmail.com. Their catalog list a rear bow for 40
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Brad's Wood Shop is run by Bradley Brown. He is in Washington state and very good. He did a header for me some years ago. I heard recently that he has retired. I hope this is not true but............we will find out.
40larry
 
His phone number says to me 'Friday Harbor', but I thought he was on Lopez. I should really know this guy. It has been suggested that I buy his business, but I have stalled thinking there can't be any money in it.....Guess I was wrong. They are both neighboring islands to Orcas.
 
I did a lot of steam bending in boat work, 1972- 1980... Occasionally I set up a steam box of pvc pipe on a coleman stove when sumpthin's gotta bend like these stools a couple a years ago. I will look into it with the Brad thing. I have a lot on my plate right now...
 

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GB SISSON said:
I did a lot of steam bending in boat work, 1972- 1980... Occasionally I set up a steam box of pvc pipe on a coleman stove when sumpthin's gotta bend like these stools a couple a years ago. I will look into it with the Brad thing. I have a lot on my plate right now...
Click to expand...


Nothing like a couple of happy shop dogs to assist your projects.:cool:
 
I have purchaed at least 5 sets from them and all were spot on.
I suspect that they shipped you the wrong bow.
 
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