Guys,
My mother and I are wondering if there are any secrets to lowering the top on our 16 coupelet. I'd prefer to do it when we prep the vehicle for transportation to California.
We are going to try to re-hydrate the leather before hand. I know for sure I cannot drive the car with the top up due to the condition of the material so I'd prefer to lower it until I can get the top restored.
Pictures would be helpful if you have them.
Thanks,
Philip
Anyone???
It is a two person job. I have only had mine down once. I will have a look when I get home.
Or you can come to Nebraska next week and have a look.
Sorry Phil, I have no idea. I have never had the privilege of owning a couplet, nor have I had the opportunity of playing with one as there is not one in Adelaide. Please post more photos when you can. I for one am very interested in this rare body style.
There was a lovely maroon 1918 coupe at Windsor and I seem to remember a lovely brown 1915 coupe at Echuca. Maybe these guys can help.
Philip
As the top hasn't been likely down in many years, all the metal joints should be soaked in penetrating oil, and the top fabric treated with Luxol or leather treatment to reduce cracking, and then perhaps lay firm supports of long 2x4s or 1x4s wrapped in towels between each section to give support to the fragile irons and fabric.
Never seen the top lowered in person, only seen real Couplets with tops up. But here is a picture of a top down to give you an idea of what to expect. Good luck.
Bill Barth had his wife's '16 Coupelet at the Centennial. It was the only one there. He had the top down most of the time that week. This email address was given for him in a post here on the forum from '09. modeltmom@wmconnect.com I don't know whether it's current.
I haven't had the privilege of folding one down myself -- yet -- but it looks like after you loosen the clamps at the windshield, it should be pretty straightforward, probably easier than an early Touring Car top. Dan's advice seems sound -- I'd enlist the aid of a helper, then do as he suggested. BTW, the leather treatment is Lexol.
As Chris mentioned, he will have his restored Coupelet at Lincoln for the Heartland of America Tour next week. You and/or your Mom could look up Chris and his car and get a personal demo.
I'll be heading through Nebraska on June 28th on our way to Omaha. Looks like I'll miss the tour by several days. Got plenty of helper so that won't be an issue. Will email my mom to have her spray some penetrating oil on the hinges to get them soaking.
Thanks for the pictures.
Philip
Chris,
Who restored your top while we are on the subject?
Thanks,
Philip
Philip
Might add about support on the top, using some padded boards between the bow sections. When hauling on a trailer, the Model T will bounce and bounce, and things you usually don't think about when the car is static in a garage will move on you.
The top bows when lowered will bop up and down, and really cause some added wear to the old frail fabric. Originally the top was held down by leather straps, but at low 20-30mph Model T speeds the top can make it.
Same with floorboards, fenders, hood, everything, will be shaken on hauling.
There can be significant damage done when hauling at freeway speeds on an open trailer.
An enclosed trailer would be my only option for such a choice rare bodied early Model T.
Was told about a fellow who bought an early T , and had it shipped on an open trailer, when it arrived, a lot of the old wood body pieces were lying on the trailer floor, some blew off, as the body was just shaken apart.
A friend had seen the car before it was shipped and was surprised about the wood lost, but the new owner didn't think much about it, was happy to get the car. He had bought it sight unseen, and it must have met his expectations on delivery.
Car will be hauled back to CA in an enclosed trailer. Prefer the top to be down while I preserve.
Philip
Philip -- I'm not Chris, but I can answer your question about the top. Chris' Coupelet was restored by Rollie Wrightman in Arizona, from whom Chris bought the car. The upholstery and top were done by Ernie Romero in El Cajon, CA. Ernie does superb work.
Here are a few pics of it which were sent to me by Rollie back when he had the car:
Mike, that car is beautiful.
Stephen
Oops -- I posted one pic twice and missed this one:
Philip, Please think twice about putting the top down, im afraid it will get damaged. My 13 touring was towed on an open trailer by a previous owner and the top was destroyed. Kim
Mike, thanks for posting the photos of Chris's Coupelet it's a real jewel!!!!
Car will be towed in an enclosed custom trailer.
Kim, the top is already damaged beyond use with it up. If I need to keep the top up to have a new one made (for dimensions etc) then I will leave it up.
Who has Ernie's phone number? I want to call and talk to him about a new top.
Thanks,
Philip
Will the couple of inches clearance you gain top down really matter? Don't forget to strap the suspension so the car can't bounce up in a hard bump.
rdr