I am about ready to install the main top on our 13 Touring. How are the ends of the welt finished? Are they just turned under or do they have metal ends to cap them off?
I have read a ton of stuff on the forum and cannot find an answer to how to finish the end of the top trim.
They are finished off by tucking the ends under. I usually remove the welt from the part I'm going to tuck, for a more finished look. In addition, I usually use one size bigger upholstery nail on each end.
This photo of a brand new 1913 touring shows as Larry describes. Looks like there is an extra tack in the middle of the last "3" space" to catch the tucked under end on the rear bow.
The trimmer also tacked the top on the #2 and #3 bow near the edge with what looks like a larger single tack. Larry probably knows what should be there. I wasn't sure so I left it not tacked.
I folded under the end of the front welt on #1 bow to a "point" on the tops edge and held it, and the top edge, with the last tack. No issues with the top and I drive the car often.
Ken in Texas
This is a rear oval bow. Probably '15 or later. Just for reference. 2" tack spacing.
The spacing on the upholstery nails is 3". The photo above is not correct. The upholstery nails used at the end of each bow have a 9/16" head. I haven't been able to locate those. Witmers has 5/8". I haven't even seen any 1/2".
I love that factory photo. We all strive for perfect, Wrinkle-free top installations, and this photo shows that our quest for perfection to be in error.
OK, perhaps these were correct. They measure 9/16 and seem to have rusted out to reveal a tack underneath. They would have gone in the hole in the iron in the above photo. The materials there would have been a replacement.
James,
Yes! Check it out. Brand spanking new with the tags still on it.
I just noticed that the hub cap logo is painted.
Looks like a Victor No. 2 or Corcoran tail lamp. Can anyone confirm which one? It's not a John Brown 115 or E&J.
Ken in Texas
THanks for the help. I think I will attempt the top tomorrow.