Was this a '28 Special Coupe?

[Great Lakes Greg]

I have no affiliation with this listing. Ebay #290544719948 has a top that is unfinished with seams showing everywhere. Is this what it looks like under the top material of a Special Coupe?

[Special Coupe Frank]

I think it still is a Special Coupe... minus the Sedan Decking.

Dang... that's only about an hour from me...

[Roadster62]

Thats what is sometimes called a Leather Back, correct?

[wrndln]

I have been restoring a 28 special coupe for over 4 years. Yes, this is what the top looks like under the padding and the top material. Installing the wood framework in a special coupe is pretty tough, though not nearly as bad as a fordor or town sedan. The wood framework is first installed, then 5 pieces of sheetmetal are nailed and screwed to the framework. I used body filler (Rage Gold) to smooth the seams in the sheetmetal pieces, which I am not sure would be hidden by the padding. I installed the padding and top material on a very hot day last August. The top material needs to be very warn to make it fit correctly without puckers in the area above the quarter window. It is a difficult top to install. There are also several trim pieces that are used to finish the edges. I guess some people call this type of model A a leatherback, but I thought a leatherback was usually a fordor or town sedan that has top material on the back.
Rusty

[Special Coupe Frank]

I always thought "Leatherbacks" referred to the sedans, as Rusty said.

I'd never even HEARD of a "Special Coupe" until I ran across the one I now own at the Car Corral at Scranton Region AACA show in 2010.

[Keith True]

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I think the Special Coupe is one of the best looking A's.And I really don't even care for the 28-29 look.My mother has a picture of my grandfather standing next to one,along with the friend he sold it to.What caught my eye are the puckers in the roof material.This was on a new car,and if a trimmer gave the car back to you like that you wouldn't pay him.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Originally Posted by Great Lakes Greg

I have no affiliation with this listing. Ebay #290544719948 has a top that is unfinished with seams showing everywhere. Is this what it looks like under the top material of a Special Coupe?

Yes, that looks like a genuine Special coupe. Obviously it needs new topping and is missing the rain gutters and mouldings. I did my 29 Special Coupe back in 1980 and with the thickness of underpadding I don't think it's necessary to fill all the seams or screws as they won't show over the vinyl with the padding. They are a handsome coupe if done right and look good with all the top trim in the right places without major wrinkles. As Rusty says, put the topping on on a hot sunny day.