Phaeton top rest question

[frank55a]

Attached are 4 Ford factory photos showing the top rest plug. The first 2 photos are of a 28 it appears that the plug is solid (no hole) and appears that it might be painted body color. The 3rd and 4th photos are of a 1929 it appears that in 29 the same type solid plug was used and also that it was painted body color also.

[modelanut]

Lots of great information shared. Thanks. I have a 1931 and have ordered the saddles and studs from Mike's. The previous owner welded the holes shut so I need to know the proper hole diameter to redrill.

[AYooperA]

My ‘29 Phaeton a has hole diameter of 7/8”. The threaded rod for the saddle is 7/16”-20 fine thread. I am thinking a 1931 would be the same but can’t say with certainty. My Phaeton had those rubber plugs that was discussed above in old post. Dad took them out circa 1960 for going topless. He had saved them but are petrified rubber today.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Are top rests available from the vendors? Part number please if they are.
My tourer has never had them but I'd like to have them for when I put the roof down.

The silence has been deafening so I guess no one supplies either the top rests or plugs.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Are top rests available from the vendors? Part number please if they are.
My tourer has never had them but I'd like to have them for when I put the roof down.

This is the 1928-29 top saddle (1/2 inch hole):
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...1820&cat=41755

Use these studs:
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...d=978017&cat=0

Add the leather pad and leather hold-down straps:
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...1826&cat=41913

See if these plugs will fit:
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...1812&cat=41913

I leave my top saddles installed on my '29 phaeton all the time. To dress up the look of the opening with the stud in it, I install them along with a radiator shell grommet. The smaller grommet used for the horn fits perfectly. This is not 100% original authentic, but it looks good. YMMV.

Hope that helps.

[Synchro909]

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Thanks Jim. I note that some of those components are for a Model T. Did they carry the same design forward through 1928/9?

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Thanks Jim. I note that some of those components are for a Model T. Did they carry the same design forward through 1928/9?

Yes.

I have copies of the original Ford blueprints where they struck out the Model T part number and put a Model A part number on it. Very interesting.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

Yes.

I have copies of the original Ford blueprints where they struck out the Model T part number and put a Model A part number on it. Very interesting.

OK, so now, all I have to do is find some way of getting them. I haven't had an account at Snyders for at least 10 years. When they updated their system, leaving everyone to create a new account, I didn't bother. I'll try my usual supplier.

[wrndln]

I am going to order a pair of the plugs. I called Snyder's and ask if they would fit a model A - specifically a 28/29. The Snyder's fellow didn't know, but he ask someone and they said the hole diameter they fit on a model T was 13/16", which is very close to what my 29 phaetons top rest hole is. When I receive them, I will post whether they fit or not. I made this post over a decade ago!
Rusty Nelson

[al's28/33]

I still have my common bare metal hole plugs. Let me know if anyone needs more pics or dimensions.

[Jim/GA]

The following supplier has an extensive assortment of metal hole plugs. You can probably find one there that will work. I did not want to use metal because it will chip the paint at the edges of the hole when you insert it and remove it. I guess Henry wasn’t concerned about that.

https://mrgusa.com/

[rotorwrench]

In aviation we always referred to the metal ones as Willkie button plugs. They have a multitude of sizes. They are used to plug holes in instrument panels and sheet metal access holes. There are also plastic and rubber versions.

[wrndln]

I hate to disagree that the plugs were metal. But I have a picture of a fine point 28 phaeton and it had an unpainted black rubber plug. It is Dave Lopes' phaeton when Marco was upholstering it. I suppose Dave may have receive a deduction, but I doubt it.
Rusty

[Jim/GA]

I actually think rubber is the way to go. As I said before, I think metal will harm the paint.

[wrndln]

Here is an update on the phaeton top hole plugs thread I started years ago. Yesterday I received the model T rubber hole plugs I ordered from Snyder's - T-3858-P. I installed them and they fit perfect! In addition, they are very easy to remove. They aren't cheap, but worth it.
Rusty Nelson

[Jim/GA]

I'm glad to hear that, Rusty. If I did not leave my top props in all the time, I'd use those rubber plugs. I like to be able to drop my top at a moment's notice. After you've done it a few times, you see it's not that hard to do. But you really do need a second person to help move it back and not pinch the fabric material in the irons.