Roadster Top Iron Pic's and Dimensions Needed

[Rowdy]

A couple of years ago I brought home some Model A and Model T parts. In the pile are a couple of pairs of top irons I figured both were Model T. Also in the pile was the rain gutters from a Model A coupe or roadster. Hard to tell as they were basicly the same. I am now wondering if possibly one pair of top irons are Model A. I would greatly appriciate pic's and dimensions of all 3 styles. Thanks Rod

[Tom Wesenberg]

Rain gutters on a Roadster?

[Rowdy]

Yes, for the decklid.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

A couple of years ago I brought home some Model A and Model T parts. In the pile are a couple of pairs of top irons I figured both were Model T. Also in the pile was the rain gutters from a Model A coupe or roadster. Hard to tell as they were basicly the same. I am now wondering if possibly one pair of top irons are Model A. I would greatly appriciate pic's and dimensions of all 3 styles. Thanks Rod

Hi Rod,

You're working backwards! Post a pic of what you DO have and maybe we can tell you just what you have, or at a minimum tell you what you DON'T have!

BTW, There is no difference between '28-29 Coupe and Roadster deck lid troughs.

[Rowdy]

For right now pic's of top irons without any clothe for the Model A would work so I atleast know which set to take pic's of and measure. Having any top irons of any sort is somewhat of a first for me as I seldom find much in the way of parts for open cars in this area. I am thinking by the parts I found and their condition that somone cut the trunk out and put a Model T pickup box in its place. Rod

[Steve Wastler]

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Here a a few pics of 30-31 standard, I dont have any pics of 28-29 at the moment, but they are very similar except they are a sissor type folding and have an extra flat bar.

[Steve Wastler]

Ran out and took quick pics of 28-29 and partial 30-31 deluxe, sorry they are a little blurry...

[Steve Wastler]

Found a few not blurry, 28-29

[Rowdy]

Thanks Guys. It looks like I may have a full set of 28-29 top irons. Looks promising enough to spend the gas money to go out to the farm today and bring them home. Being unemployed I spend my gas money sparingly. Rod

[Rowdy]

I had time to straighten the top irons up some today and somewhat re-assemble them. I messed up on the right side and because I had not looked at the left side I accidentlt traightened the dogleg out of the strap iron. Overall not a real bad set, but they will take some work. Rod

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

I had time to straighten the top irons up some today and somewhat re-assemble them. I messed up on the right side and because I had not looked at the left side I accidentlt traightened the dogleg out of the strap iron. Overall not a real bad set, but they will take some work. Rod

Rod, take a measurement of the front bow at the center of the hinge pin to the very front and report back. Measure as if the bow is complete and you are measuring right up the center of the car.

[Rowdy]

That measurement is 23 5/16". I hope the front bow assembly is not for the 26-27 T rdstr pu that I sold (there is enough evidence to think this is not the case). It had the rear pieces of the top iron still attached to the cab. If it is then I will still need to see if the rear part of the top irons I have here are A or not also. Rod

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

That measurement is 23 5/16". I hope the front bow assembly is not for the 26-27 T rdstr pu that I sold. It had the rear pieces of the top iron still attached to the cab. If it is then I will still need to see if the rear part of the top irons I have here are A or not also. Rod

I can't be 100% sure but it looks like they are for a mid-late '29 Roadster. Before then the bow was an inch shorter which changes the overall shape of the top considerably. I like the late version.

[Rowdy]

Thanks Marco. That seems to confirm the evidence (deck lid trough is identical to the 28-29 coupe body in front of my shop). I did not know there was a change to the front bow though. Happy to hear that it is not Model T as I already have too much of that stuff with no plans to use. These should make good trading material at some point at the very least. Rod

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

I can't be 100% sure but it looks like they are for a mid-late '29 Roadster. Before then the bow was an inch shorter which changes the overall shape of the top considerably. I like the late version.

Marco,

Would you please "draw" on one or more of Rod's photos exactly which
dimension, from were too there. I'm unsure of the top on my Roadster,
I'd like too be correct, thanks.

[Rowdy]

DJ, if you look at my third picture that shows the bent section, that is the part you need to measure. Measure from the pin closest to the total lenght to the very front. I had to measure the one on the opposite side as the bend would have givetn me an inaccurate measurement. I will see if I can figure out my editing software and draw a line to show you. Rod

[1936ford64]

Looks like the good people on the Ford Barn have you on the right track.Model T and Model A roadster pick up top assemblies do not fold.

[Rowdy]

DJ, does this help? Rod

[d.j. moordigian]

Rod, I got it, I'll report later...Thanks

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

Marco,

Would you please "draw" on one or more of Rod's photos exactly which
dimension, from were too there. I'm unsure of the top on my Roadster,
I'd like too be correct, thanks.

Place a complete front bow assembly on the floor. place a long straight edge across the tips of the "U" centering the straight edge in the center line of the hinge pins. Measure up the center from the straight edge to the front face of the wooden rib at center. The '28-early '29 will measure approximately 22". The mid-late '29 will measure about 23"