I just ordered new top wood for my 27 coupe and oh boy what a jig saw puzzle. does anyone have any pointers on how I put this thing together without going completely nuts. shame is I took the old wood off nearly 15 years ago and I cant remember it exactly

Here are some threads that should help.
They are all Tudors but the process is similar if not identical.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/356138.html?1380406044

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/433096.html?1396143530

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/506218/580946.html?1445627947

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/494765.html?1416435981

Great threads Craig. Michael, here are a few pictures of my factory original sunvisor and how it is attached through the lip above the windshield into the wood framing and what type of wood screws are used. Jim Patrick

Mike I feel its easiest to start at the front of the car and work back. The corner pieces will have gaps that will need to be filled in. Don't be surprised if things don't quite fit like they should. The top kits can vary in shape. Also, be aware of the rear corner pieces, they may be cut wrong to the grain which makes them prone to breaking apart. I recommend using a marine product 3M 5200 on all the joints. It will make a very tough but flexible joint that will not fail from road shock.

more...

Michael, I used the pictures and advise from Mr. Don Booth and the top went on easier than I expected. Harv.

Mike. Once it is all screwed, glued and finish sanded to shape. you will need to remove it as a single unit to install the head liner. I've done a 26 coupe and it wasn't very difficult. Call me if you need some support. Bob 731-618-1595. Best times are AM and weekends.

Some good stuff here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKP4JvyUB9Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN7Jj2OER2k

Don: Thanks for posting the top wood details. Jim P: Are you certain that visor is factory original? My 26 has clips on the underside in the corners to keep the fabric against the frame? respectfully, jb

Yes it is original. I spoke to Bruce McCalley about that and he said that like on any constantly moving assembly line, where time is of the essence, sometimes steps were skipped to make up on time. It could also be that when this particular car was passing by, the corner clips were not available so the worker simply let it pass without them, as they were not essential to the mechanical or structural integrity of the car. Jim Patrick

Thanks, Jim. jb

Harv, your top wood looks fantastic !! Nice job !

Thanks for the kind words James and Harvey it is appreciated...

Another point to consider is the wood may not (will not) join perfectly together at the joints.
Get things screwed down and use a rasp to "clean" them up.
I can't stress strongly enough that when you are ready to install the vinyl to lay it over the top and leave it in the sun for a bit.......inside a half hour it will probably be too hot to handle with bare hands but this is what you want in order to get a tight top on which you can bounce a quarter....... :o
You can't believe how much the material expands!

thank you every one for you advice and help... well here goes weather is beautiful here in Jersey I will update later on how it goes....