1912 Torpedo side curtains!

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: 1912 Torpedo side curtains!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg sarky K on Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 10:50 am:

During the last several months of my ground up restoration of my dad's 1912 Torpedo, I have been anguished that I could not get the patterns for the side curtains. I tried everyone and the Benson did not have them either.

I could not find anyone who had them for their 12 Torpedo, runabout or roadster either so that I could at least get some idea of what they looked like so I could give them to the upholsterer so he could make up something close. I could not even find a photo of a runabout or Torpedo with side curtains.

I thought my late dad ,despite all his knowledge of Model T's, his lifetime of collecting and thousands of parts, must have also been stumped by the side curtains also. I was even skeptical of all who knew him who would tell me, 'he must have them, he has everything, you've got to keep looking'.


Well, I was in his garages the other day and happened to look up in the rafters, (which are just filled with parts and I thought I saw what appeared to be the holster for a rifle(he collected guns also). When I pulled it down I saw it was the side curtains, rolled up neatly.

I couldn't believe that I finally found them and they were in such good condition. It was like finding a treasure. You could almost use them they they way they are they are so fine. One of the windows is still in place and the brass clips that go to the windshield still intact also.

Now I swear that I had looked up in that area many times before. Maybe dad in heaven was playing with me and causing me to be blind, who knows...But I wont bet against dad again...

Anyways, I thought I would share the photos because I know I could never find any patterns or photos of the side curtains for the 12 Torpedo. Maybe this will help someone who needs to have some made.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith on Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 11:03 am:

I have made side curtains, using Ford prints, and originals too. You are fortunate to have the originals. We now have top material that is very close to the original, available from Langs. I use convertible plastic window material for the windows, but thicker than what Ford used. As far as I know I'm the only one who has the correct binding for them. Check yours to see. From the pictures, the binding could have been sewn in from the inside. It appears some of your common sense grommets are different than anything I've come across. I would make paper patterns of your curtains, and use them to fit to your car. When satisfied, then you can make new ones from the paper patterns.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jack Putnam, Bluffton, Ohio on Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 12:19 pm:

Greg: You are so lucky to have located original side curtain. I hope you will share more photos and dimensions. I know there are several of us '12 Torpedo owners in great need.12 Torpedo


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 02:45 am:

Greg, I agree with Jack, We certainly could have used some side curtains on our Torpedo this last week on the Cal Dreamin tour during the rain and cold weather.
Be sure to post a picture with the new ones installed.

Also let us know who is doing yours as I am sure some others may also want some.

Thanks for Posting
Gene


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 11:32 am:

It would be nice to see some inside shots of your side curtains. It would appear the eisinglass was sewn from the inside?


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