Could someone please tell me what lengths the wooden bows are suppose to be in my 1924 touring. That would be the distance between the irons.I found measurements for 1926 and 27 but dont know if they are the same. Pretty sure it is a one man top.Thanks!
Kenny,
Please see the photo below:
#1 bow is the front bow.
Please see Tony Cimorelli’s excellent photos on rebuilding the 1923-25 touring top (includes the photo above) at: http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/projects/bodyopen/23-touring-top-web/index.htm and http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/projects/bodyopen/touring_top_rebuild/index.html Tony did a lot of documentation when he rebuilt his 1923. It may or may not be exactly what the factory used – but it looked good when he was finished. If anyone has more accurate or better documented information, please let us know.
Tony discusses replacing the top socket wood at: http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/projects/bodyopen/replacing_top_socket_wood/index.html
You will see other photos that have the measurements on them at his web site. If you write those down and send them to me, we can post them the next time someone has this same question, as the photo is a little hard to read. You mentioned you had the measurements for a 1926-27. If you could share how they differ from the 1923-25 that would also be helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
here are measurements I have,taken off of original bows.#1 34- 1/2",#2 35-1/2",#3 36-3/4 ,#4-36-3/4" . All are metal to metal.You must add about 2-3/8 on each end to stick in the curve part of bow.
Jack,
Thanks. Your measurements and Tony's are exactly the same for the front bows and his are 1/8 inch shorter on bows 3 & 4. So clearly in the same ball park.
I don't know how much wood expands/contracts with moisture and time. But I would think 1/8 inch on a top bow would not be noticed by anyone without measuring it.
If anyone goes to the Benson Ford and/or has access to one of the factory drawings, if it is available, it should state the original size. And the change card and/or the drawing would reflect if they changed the dimension at some point during production.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Thanks for everyone's help. Some things are almost impossible to find in the books.