Who is the company that makes the tops for the touring cars? I'v seen them mentioned a few time here.
Classtique? Cartouche? both are mentioned....
Check the MFTCA vendors section. They are mentioned in that area.
I haven't tried any of them, but the one that gets the most raves on the forum is http://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/.
I had a guy, in the Fun T's Club, down here in Spring Hill, Florida that makes the tops from scratch. He says, the people that makes the tops make them too short on the sides.
He did a beautiful job on my '14 Touring.
The key is to have the top irons and bows correctly positioned at the proper dimensions before you top the car.
I replaced all four wood bows and a top on a '14 touring over two weekends and then took it on a tour. The bows that came with the car were not the correct dimensions and there was no top on the car.
I thought it looked very good and fit the irons well. Also, I did it by myself.
It takes longer if you don't have someone to help but I used the small clamps (8 does it) that can be had at Lowe's to hold each position. A lightweight 2" poly webbing is real handy while you are checking bows and their positioning. The '14 has belts front and rear so the webbing let me check the profile of the top and hold the irons to check the measurements.
The Ford schematic that has been posted often ('15-'16 I believe) has a couple of errors in it but the relation to the windshield and rear of the car can be set up with it. I couldn't find a drawing of the '13-'14 Tourings so I calculated it myself. They are a little different than the '15. Bows 1 and 4 are different but bows 2 and 3 are the same.
I used 20" saw-horses to set scaffolding around both sides and rear of the car. Most useful while you put on the top pads, straps and main deck.
Both suppliers mentioned have very good directions.
Ken in Texas
JV Group made mine and is the best in my opinion. Not sure of the current status of their operation.
JV group no longer exists. the owner passed away...
Partly true, Roy. Last I spoke with them, they were trying to relearn how the owner made the kits and were still more than willing to help out if you needed any pieces parts to kits. I think their goal was to keep the business going, but I haven't needed anything from them so I've kind of lost track.
I purchased a top for my touring from Clastique. They get fantastic reviews from the people in the Model T club here and I thought the price was more than fair. The other thing that impressed me with them is the lady that owns the company is more than willing to accept phone calls to help when you get around to installing it. I've been in the process of rebuilding my bows however I'm very slow. But I feel when it's time to put everything together I'll have very few problems. I've seen several of Clastique's tops on cars in the club and have yet to hear anyone complain. And one of the things I always hear is how they like their top better than any that have not been purchased from Classtique.