I have this old 1924 top that I cleaned and patched to use as a pattern. The only thing is thT the sides are incomplete. Anyone have pictures of the sides in good condition?



Below: the side pieces I can't figure out.

Mark, I can dig out a old top from one of the 25's that you can use as a pattern. That way you can trace out the top and rear curtain dimensions.

I don't have any good pictures of a new top kit laid out flat, perhaps someone else can help.



A 1923 roadster rear curtain should have two rear windows, spaced like so (upper RH corner drawing):





Note that the window spacing for roadsters is different than tourings, here is a pic for tourings (left hand drawing):

This might help;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/338749.html?1359686219

I would be very careful before using that top for a pattern!

One other thing - as I recall, the main top from my Classtique kit would not lay out flat on the floor, the seams were sewn such that the top naturally sat in the correct shape on the bows.

Also, note that the front tension straps are narrower than the rear straps. The rear straps are somewhat "splayed out" from vertical and are placed so that they cover the seams of the rear curtain so that the rear curtain seams can't be seen from inside the car.

Mark Osterman

That old '24 top doesn't look like it would fit a Ford. The Ford tops for '23-'25 have one piece rear curtain with gypsy sides. That covers the rear and sides. Then the top cover goes over the rear curtain and gypsy to make the full top cover.

Here is an older aftermarket '23-24 runabout rear curtain and top cover laying flat.

Straps and pads in place on the bows.



Rear curtain placed and now tacking cover over the rear curtain.



Finishing install by tacking the rear curtain and top cover on, prior to welting to cover the tacks.

Hey Tex,

I remember you saying you had a vintage top you could loan me. Let me know when you you find it. I'd like to see the differences between that and the one I have here. It actually came off a T but is probably from the 1960s. So, there were probably design differences.

Mark, pulled the 25 runabout top and rear curtains from the barn. They are perfect for patterns. Heck a little needle work and they could be back on the road again! Let's catch up this week.