The Ford Barn

james heider · 12-27-2010, 08:24 AM

I have a 1931 Leatherback Vicky that will need to have the top replaced as part of the restoration.
I read an article that was published in the Victoria association newsletter years ago, where someone recommended replacing the chicken wire with a full sheet of sheetmetal. The purpose was to keep the wind from blowing the fabric top up like a baloon when going down the road with the windows open. Has anyone replaced the chicken wire with sheetmetal and then put the top material over it, Coupe, sedan etc. and any drawbacks?

Thanks
Jim

jrelliott · 12-27-2010, 09:43 AM

On my '28 Leatherback used 1/8" baltic birch instead of the chicken wire. Made the covering to just fit within the area where the chicken wire went. Had to splice two sheets togather to get the full length. Used 1/2" #4 flat head screws that I countersunk the heads into the plywood placing the holes about every 2"s. Was able to insulate the underside then for sound and comfort. Coated the topside of the plywood with 3 coats of Marine Varnish to make waterproof before putting on the top material.

james heider · 12-27-2010, 09:48 AM

JR,

Thanks for the reply.

Jim

Mike V. Florida · 12-28-2010, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james heider

I have a 1931 Leatherback Vicky that will need to have the top replaced as part of the restoration.
I read an article that was published in the Victoria association newsletter years ago, where someone recommended replacing the chicken wire with a full sheet of sheetmetal. The purpose was to keep the wind from blowing the fabric top up like a baloon when going down the road with the windows open. Has anyone replaced the chicken wire with sheetmetal and then put the top material over it, Coupe, sedan etc. and any drawbacks?

Thanks
Jim

Never seen an A with the top blown up like a balloon with the windows open, and since none of the passenger cars came with a steel insert (hate to see what would happen in a roll over) or plywood insert something is wrong if a car roof does balloon.

allen · 12-28-2010, 07:41 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have a 31 leatherback it does not blow up at 50 mph, but when towing it i do see the roof ripple in the wind at 70 mph,
I was behind someone towing the Vicky but never did it blow up like a balloon

12-27-2010, 08:24 AM	#1
james heider Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 125	Replacing the top on a Vicky leatherback I have a 1931 Leatherback Vicky that will need to have the top replaced as part of the restoration. I read an article that was published in the Victoria association newsletter years ago, where someone recommended replacing the chicken wire with a full sheet of sheetmetal. The purpose was to keep the wind from blowing the fabric top up like a baloon when going down the road with the windows open. Has anyone replaced the chicken wire with sheetmetal and then put the top material over it, Coupe, sedan etc. and any drawbacks? Thanks Jim

12-27-2010, 09:43 AM	#2
jrelliott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pine, AZ Posts: 797	Re: Replacing the top on a Vicky leatherback On my '28 Leatherback used 1/8" baltic birch instead of the chicken wire. Made the covering to just fit within the area where the chicken wire went. Had to splice two sheets togather to get the full length. Used 1/2" #4 flat head screws that I countersunk the heads into the plywood placing the holes about every 2"s. Was able to insulate the underside then for sound and comfort. Coated the topside of the plywood with 3 coats of Marine Varnish to make waterproof before putting on the top material.

12-27-2010, 09:48 AM	#3
james heider Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 125	Re: Replacing the top on a Vicky leatherback JR, Thanks for the reply. Jim

12-28-2010, 07:41 AM	#5
allen Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: petal mississippi Posts: 550	Re: Replacing the top on a Vicky leatherback Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a 31 leatherback it does not blow up at 50 mph, but when towing it i do see the roof ripple in the wind at 70 mph, I was behind someone towing the Vicky but never did it blow up like a balloon