*** Picture Request – 33/34 Ford Top Insert Installation***

[D-Russ]

Ford Barners, please forgive the hot rod content in this thread, but my question is regarding an original style closed car top insert, so I thought it would be OK to post here.

I'm trying to figure out what direction I'm going to go for the top insert in my hybrid 31/32 Vicky. The header and rear window roof sections are from a 32 and the sides are original 31 leatherback. I've been studying the profiles for 32 and 33/34 insert trim moldings and it looks like the 33/34 profile fits flat against the roof whereas the center section of the 32 trim fits into a slot that's lower than the rest of the channel. I know that hidem welt is also an option, but I prefer the looks of the aluminum moldings. See pics.

Hidem Welt:


1932 Ford:


1933/34 Ford:



Because the sides of the top opening are 31 Leatherback, there's no channel like the 32 header and rear window sections. Plus the width of the openings on the 32 sections are narrower than the width of the original 31 opening – so I know I'll need to make some small filler pieces to transition from the 32 sections to the 31 sections. My plan is to weld in a steel roof section (to prevent balooning while running down the road) but preserve the tack strips so I can use original style insert molding and insert. See Pics:

Front 32 Header and 31 side:


Rear 32 window section and 31 side:


So now to my picture request – can anyone provide photos of a 33/34 stock type roof installation so that I can verify that the 33/34 type trim molding fits on a flat surface? Thanks in advance.

[D-Russ]

So no one's building a 33/34 right now?

[David J]

btt

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by David J

btt

Thanks a ton sir, that's exactly what I needed to see. So it looks like the body skin is nailed to the wood in the channel and then the trim gets nailed on top of that. Is that right?

[David J]

The pics are 33 ready to put the new material on . The nailing strip is heavy paper or something similar . Not wood . The next step here is caulk - padding - canvas and then the actual top material . The nailing strip is self contained and is caulked and riveted into the channel in the top sheetmetal . The gennie tack strips are sheetmetal - not aluminum . These are bolted in the corners and tacked for the rest .

Originally Posted by DRuss32

Thanks a ton sir, that's exactly what I needed to see. So it looks like the body skin is nailed to the wood in the channel and then the trim gets nailed on top of that. Is that right?

[D-Russ]

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Originally Posted by David J

The pics are 33 ready to put the new material on . The nailing strip is heavy paper or something similar . Not wood . The next step here is caulk - padding - canvas and then the actual top material . The nailing strip is self contained and is caulked and riveted into the channel in the top sheetmetal . The gennie tack strips are sheetmetal - not aluminum . These are bolted in the corners and tacked for the rest .

Thank you for taking the time to answer my novice questions – I really appreciate it. I think I'm ready to buy some parts and install a top now.

[Terry,OH]

You may want to check out the HAMB web site, someone posted photos and his procedure for changing the soft top on a model A look in the tech section.