32 RPU Top, bows, and header

[rbullockv8]

Getting ready to figure out a top for my 32 roadster pickup. I think mine came from the factory without a top (there are no holes for snap fasteners on the original wood band around the back of the cab). The top frame I have is some cobbled-together stuff from a touring car or something, and it's kind of a mess--broken bows and rusted irons, and a curved bow made to work as a header.

Thought about buying one of the new folding frames that are adjustable. Macs and others have them. Anyone tried one of these?

Anyone specializing in these soft top pickups anymore? Where would you go if you needed a new top for your convertible? Reputable local shop?

[itslow]

Are you still using a stock-height windshield frame and posts? The foldable aftermarket tops are intended for the roadster height windshield, which is shorter than RPU. There have been a few people with street rodded RPUs that have adapted folding tops, so it can be done; they have chopped their RPU windshields or are using the car type posts/frame, though.

I'd go to a local shop for the canvas. Too many variables for this "one-off" type situation to trust a remote vendor to get it right over the internet or phone.

[Karl Wescott]

Model A roadster pickups (1928-29 and 1930-31) used a non-folding fabric frame constructed of curved tubular steel main arms. These had the curve for the bows and header as part of the steel arm, the wood bows and headers were almost flat. This style of construction was a carry over from the late model T.

From the photos in Mack Hils "Ford Pickups 1932-48" I strongly suspect that this style of construction was used on the 1932-34 roadster pickups. What you have might just be original.

The top likely did not fold... There is no provision for supporting it in the down position.

My suggestion would be to "restore" yours, if original, and out of respect for the rarity of this body use that. Make a support anchor to keep the top in the bed when you and your wife want to go topless.

[rbullockv8]

My posts are stock height (same as 31 standard roadster, I'm told). I've had two people say it looks like someone made my top frame out of a touring car frame, cutting it down to size.

My frame does fold down (not like the stock removable tops that didn't fold), but as Karl says above, there is no provision for supporting it when down, so the sides bounce against the rear cab sides, chaffing the paint and body and pinching the top fabric. I've thought about building a support that fits into the pickup bed front post holes.

I'll try to post some pics of the frame. The main problem is the front header is just a curved bow with the ends reaching back along the sides. The bow is nearly rotted on the right corner. The clamps and screws which tighten over the top of the windshield posts are different right and left, and the right one is barely holding on to the rotted bend of the bow. It's always something. :-)

[DavidG]

Roger,

Below are some photos of the correct, non-folding top irons for '32-'34 open cab bodies that may be helpful in terms of the header set up.

The closest original folding top for your purpose would be that of a Model A standard roadster, for which I believe reproductions are available. They would still have the issue of lower height at the windshield compared to a open cab.

Many years ago a fellow in California made a perfect reproduction of the original '32-'34 open cab irons and bows, but I understand that they haven't available for a long time.

[Krylon32]

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Try contacting Bruce's Rod Shop in Spring Texas. He has an original bodied 32 RPU and ask what he did for a top. His looks original and may very well be.

[32dude]

I have original top bows on my trucks they do not fold I think I have some extras 281-376-5932

[itslow]

I believe this is one of the reproduction top frames. If not, it's NOS because it doesn't have any holes in the tack strip.

[glennpm]

Hi Rich,

Mike's looks good!

I just checked LeBaron Bonney but they have no listing but have many other sets of top irons. It may be worth a call to them

https://www.lebaronbonney.com/cart/p...Cc=OPE1&page=1

Mac's lists a folding universal set:

http://www.macsautoparts.com/early_v...kup-truck.html

Glenn

[rbullockv8]

Originally Posted by glennpm

Hi Rich,

Mike's looks good!

I just checked LeBaron Bonney but they have no listing but have many other sets of top irons. It may be worth a call to them

https://www.lebaronbonney.com/cart/p...Cc=OPE1&page=1

Mac's lists a folding universal set:

http://www.macsautoparts.com/early_v...kup-truck.html

Glenn

Sorry, been traveling (and still) so off the grid some. Has anyone ever used one of these universal tops from Macs? Sure would like to hear some firsthand experience.

[rbullockv8]

Here are the first 7 photos of my current top and bows. Pretty rough. I know the current top material (not much left) was a replacement top from the late 50s or early 60s, done in San Luis Obispo.

[rbullockv8]

Final 6 pics of my top bows and irons.

Anyone have any ideas what this came off of is appreciated.

[glennpm]

Hi Rich,

I just had a thought. Are there any casting numbers on the metal parts? Ford was pretty good about doing that. It may narrow down your search.

Glenn

[itslow]

Found some photos I'd saved of Bill Lindig's '32 with a folding top. Not sure what issue of R&C it was in - probably sometime in 2010.

[glennpm]

Wow, that's a good looking top that Bill Lindig has.