Loose Top Bow Repair

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GEmering
Posts: 339
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:47 pm
First Name: Gene
Last Name: Emering
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring and 1924 Touring
Location: Newton, New Jersey
MTFCA Number: 49671
Board Member Since: 2018

Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by GEmering » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:09 pm

The front top bow on my 1913 touring is not tight in the sockets and can be wiggled up and down by hand.
The curved part of the bow shows cracking.
What is the best way to reinforce the bow and tighten it in the socket?
Would something similar to J B weld or epoxy help?

Thanks for helping someone who’s a mechanical work in progress.

Gene
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Gene Emering
Newton, New Jersey

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DanTreace
Posts: 3285
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 cutoff, '25 touring, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
MTFCA Number: 4838
MTFCI Number: 115
Board Member Since: 2000
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Re: Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by DanTreace » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:30 pm

That front bow gets the most weather, and takes the most beating, needs to be strong for the load when pulling back the top to lower it, and when fitting back.

IMO that front bow has seen its useful life. Better looking top cover would require a replacement front wood bow.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford

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Oldav8tor
Posts: 1915
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
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MTFCI Number: 24810
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Re: Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by Oldav8tor » Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:04 pm

I found something similar when I looked at my top bows although I think yours is worse. If the bow fails you could damage your top and who knows what. I suggest you replace it and perhaps others. Jonathan Anderson<jpautowood@gmail.com> makes beautiful replacement bows. I replaced all of mine and as we speak am in the process of installing the top.
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1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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Topic author
GEmering
Posts: 339
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:47 pm
First Name: Gene
Last Name: Emering
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring and 1924 Touring
Location: Newton, New Jersey
MTFCA Number: 49671
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by GEmering » Sun Sep 06, 2020 11:15 pm

I see that Snyder’s Sells a set of 4 1913-1914 Touring bows for $310.
Has anybody here used these?

Gene
Gene Emering
Newton, New Jersey

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Rich Eagle
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 TR 1914 TR 1915 Rd 1920 Spdstr 1922 Coupe 1925 Tudor
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Re: Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by Rich Eagle » Sun Sep 06, 2020 11:20 pm

When did I do that?


Ken Buhler
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Roadster 1927 Coupe
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Re: Loose Top Bow Repair

Post by Ken Buhler » Sun Sep 20, 2020 1:07 am

How about buy a new one and support the one who makes it?
Work honestly
Stay true to your word
Get the job done right

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