A few questions about 12 Touring Top

[49willard]

I am in the process of having a new top built and installed. I have tuned up the top irons and fitted new bows. I have a friend that has done 2 tops for my brass Buicks but he has never sewn up a T top. I would like to be reasonably accurate on stitching details for the new Touring top. I decided against the top kit route and purchased the necessary fabric for the new top. I would like to be as correct as I can with the top details.
Can someone with a 12 Touring top that you believe to be accurate take the following measurements for me:

1. What is the cross body width for the front to back sewn seams that is the wide center top Fabric (about 40 inches?)

EDIT: IS THE WIDE CENTER TOP FABRIC THE SAME WIDTH FRONT TO BACK?

2. Is the sewn seam on the lower edge of the top (front to back) single stitched or 2 rows of stitching?

3. How many murphy fasteners are on each side of the vertical edge of the roll up rear panel/window? I have seen pictures with just 2 per side including the bottom double Murphy style fasteners or 3 or 4 per side including the double fastener?

Any assistance much appreciated.
Bill

[Allan]

Bill, you may be able to get those details from the makers of the top kits. They will have done it before.
I bought a top kit for my Canadian bodied tourer to tap into their knowledge. Then I had a motor trimmer fit it. I did order it with no fittings in the side curtains so we could put those in just where the body and top irons indicated they should be.

Allan from down under.

[49willard]

Allen,
I have thought about making such a contact however it is asking a lot when I did not order a kit from them. Which is why I ask on the forum.

[49willard]

Bump, Who has a 12 Touring?

[Stu Tomlinson]

I just measured mine and they are right at 47 inches. Let me know if you need more info.
Stu

[49willard]

Stu,
Thanks for replying. Can you provide responses to my #2 and #3 questions in my original post?

Thanks,
Bill

[KWTownsend]

Bill,
I am away from my computer right now, but will be happy to share with you what I can about my late 1911.
I think the tops were the same for '11 and '12.
Keith

[49willard]

Keith,
Thanks for responding. I will look for your measurement/answers. Timing is appropriate. I am working with my upholstory/top guy to cover the new bows today.

[JTT3]

Hope this helps a bit.

[Allan]

From reading reports on the forum, those supplying top and upholstery kits have a really good reputation for quality products. Way back in 1990 my Carter's Cut n Cover kits worked a treat on my 1915 tourer. I could see no good reason to re-invent the wheel by starting from scratch with a custom made trim set, and schooling up a trimmer to make same. The time and angst finding all the parameters for the build, and then having a one off top made, was something my trimmer was reluctant to undertake, but he welcomed fitting a ready made kit. At the time it cost me way less due to the time it didn't take to design it form scratch. A big plus was it was made from materials which were not readily available here in Australia at the time.

I would go the same route in a heartbeat if I had a Ford factory car to work on again.

Allan from down under.

[Stu Tomlinson]

Yes the sewn seem is the same width front to back

[KWTownsend]

Hope these help:

These are the dimensions on my top.

Note the vertical bows should be close to the same height.

-Keith

[Stu Tomlinson]

I just saw the attachment Keith sent. That nailed it exactly

[DHort]

John

Did Vince make diagrams like that for all years?

I have his video on DVD

dave

[JTT3]

I can’t say definitely but I have seen 09/10 & a 15 touring. I lost all that several years back when the shop was destroyed along with a table top computer unfortunately.

Best John

[49willard]

My thanks to all that responded. Keith Townsend established contact and with his Late 1911 touring has provided great photos and responses to my questions. I am off and running now with my trimmer making the new top. I am new to T's and this forum, what a great forum with helpful folks!