MTFCA Forum

I am working on a 1914 Roadster top and I have a question. This relates to the rear top bow position. Is it exactly above the rear seat back or does it go back farther than the seat back, and if so how far back? I know on the touring bodies I have seen the back bow is a few inches farther back than the back of the seat. I am not sure if the Roadsters are the same in that regard. I would appreciate any input.

http://mtfctulsa.com/Tech/roadster_top.htm

John,
The back of the top follows the trajectory of the body. The image shows a 1915-1922 top, but only the front bow is different.
Keith

Thank you Keith!

Thank you Ed!

That diagram above is no 1914!

John,
Don't forget to add the "wedge" on the last bow.
Do a search of old forums to see details...
Keith

You're right Larry. That illustration does not show a 1914, it's a '15 for sure. You can clearly see the line drawing shows the top of the stamped sheet metal cowl used on the '15s.
However, since a dimensioned illustration such as this could not be found showing the wood firewall, slanted lower windshield on a '14, we used the dimensions from this illustration to install the top on John VonKavarly's 1914 Roadster.
We carefully measured the car and compared it to the illustration. We determined that the slanted lower half of the 1914 windshield gives the same setback to the upper half of the windshield as on a 1915 which uses a completely flat upper and lower winshield.
We installed the top, making sure not do any trimming or tacking of the top material at the front bow until we were positive that the top not only looked right, but fit right also.

The diagram shows 3 1/2” rear bow overhang behind the seat sheet metal. It’s correct. When I installed the top on my ‘14 runabout, I took great pains to make this ‘overhang’ 3”

I don't believe the rear bow's on roadsters use the wedge.

Does anyone have the dimensions like this for a 1909 roadster? Rudy

I must have asked a question that nobody knows the answer to, at least they are not telling me. O' well I will just do it my way and the critics will straighten me out. Rudy

Rudy

you asked a new question, about an entirely differently equipped car on someone else's topic.

Why on earth do you think someone opening a link with a question about a 1914 top is going to expect to find your request for info an a 1909?

Start a new topic and get your answer.

Here's a start: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1320363549 and know that in 1909 there were variations that are typically undocumented or underdocumented.

I don't know if all 1914's had the same design as the 1913's, but I know the early 14's did. Both these photos were taken before I restored the car.
I also have a photo of the original top, but don't know how good it is.