This group has baled me out before so here I go with more questions. I need to know the size and shape of the back window on a 1915 touring car and also what to use for material[glass-plastic or etc.] Also what material do I use for the straps that hold the top bows to the windshield and the back of the car[leather-nylon etc.] This is a late model 15
I will need to know also. Although it should be two years before my runabout is that far along. I will "file" it and hope to not have electronic meltdowns.
Thanks!
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Mac's catalog has a good pic of back windows on pg 253. Straps--some vendors say "original" is leather while others say cotton. I used the leather so the color wouldn't fade out as quickly.
Ref: http://mtfca.com/encyclo/S-T.htm#top that says:
1913
Rear window now curved on top, measured 16-1/2 x 7-1/2” at the sides, with the curve rising about 1-1/2” more at the center. New bows and top to match sloping windshield. Front straps to bracket at the windshield hinge.
Ref: MTFCI Judging standards the have the width as 16 inches.
Same style rear window 1913-1916 (there would have been a transition time). 1915-16 did not have the roll up rear curtain – (which is nice but not authentic on them). And there would have been some variation between tops -- different makers, installers, etc.
The “Model T Ford Restoration Handbook” by Leslie R. Henry has a good article by E.W. Stitts on replacing a touring top. They illustrated it using a non-Ford car equipped with a one man top – but still helpful information. Pages 86-91. That article may be in one of the Model T magazines – I don’t remember for sure.
You may want to consider purchasing a copy of the MTFCI Judging Standards as they have a lot (but certainly not all) of information on the various years. Available from Russ Furstnow (chief MTFCI judge) see: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/229859.html?1314075351#POST360961 also available from the vendors (Russ has a lower price).
Also search our forum (the one you are currently on) for additional details on tops bow spacing etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
A word of caution on the straps: cotton or leather, OK; nylon or other synthetic, NO. It won't stay adjusted. The only way to keep it from slipping is safety pins. VOE.
Mr Frugal ;o)
Nylon only has about 5% stretch. Suspect your problems with nylon straps relate to the buckles.
I am using nylon until the budget permits leather. No problems staying in adjustment with good metal buckles. Darn plastic ones tend to slip.
schuh
I've always understood that the windshield straps on 15's were to be leather, and the ones at the rear of the top were woven fabric originally. I don't have any documentation handy.
RV Anderson would probably be the best resource regarding top straps.
He sells accurate reproductions and can tell you what is correct for your car. I thought he had a website but I can't locate it.