MTFCA Forum

Does anyone have a picture of the straps that go on top of the top bows? Mike at Classtique made me a set and I would like to see how they go before I remove the deck. Thanks.

By any chance did you try asking Mike? He has quite a bit of knowledge of the years, or maybe even has specs somewhere in his shop.

Mike made these for me. This is my 11. Art

Here is another picture showing the black rivet where the straps cross. Art

Thank you Art. That was exactly what I was looking for. When I Talked with Mike at Hershey, I asked for a set for a set of straps like he had made for you.

Check with Keith Townsend in Gresham, Oregon. He's really knowledgeable on that stuff.

Art knows his stuff. Everything looks right.
: ^ )

The important part is the bow alignment.

Here is my car: Here are the dimensions I used: These measurements are in a straight line, from the center of the pivot points to the ends

Unlike later cars, bows #2 and #3 are about the same height.
When the bows are down, #1 and #4 should match up and #2 and #3 should match up.

Here is a diagram chock full of information that you will need to print out and study: All these measurements is very tedious work. When you get frustrated, take a break. Have a friend help you hold parts together as you measure.
C-Clamps, ratchet straps, and lath are your friends.

Keith

KWTownsend wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 02, 2021 11:57 am

The important part is the bow alignment.

Here is my car:
1911 top bow alignment.JPG

Here are the dimensions I used:
1911 top bow dimension I used.jpg
These measurements are in a straight line, from the center of the pivot points to the ends

Unlike later cars, bows #2 and #3 are about the same height.

1911 top bow wood Fred.JPG
When the bows are down, #1 and #4 should match up and #2 and #3 should match up.

Here is a diagram chock full of information that you will need to print out and study:
1911 top irons.pdf

All these measurements is very tedious work. When you get frustrated, take a break. Have a friend help you hold parts together as you measure.
C-Clamps, ratchet straps, and lath are your friends.

Keith

All great advice!

I'll add 1 more suggestion.
- When fitting the various top components, there is the tendancy to pull each piece taught. Who wants a saggy top? However, with free standing top bows, (i.e. not rigidly attached to the windshield frame, as with later T's), the additive effect of pulling each element taught may tend to pull the top bows off location and also result in the bow pads & straps hanging loose once the topping has been installed. Whenever you add pieces for the next step in the process, stand back and look at your previous work to see if it's still in proper form. (Also, always do your work with the car parked on a flat & level surface. A body twist while installing a top will result in a skewed top when the car is moved to a flat surface.)

I put a new top on our 1911 touring about 10 years ago. I was never happy with it as it was cut too wide in the front. Also, the top is not symmetrical. Looking at the car from the front, one side is two inches further from the windshield than the other. Mike Francis of Classtique said he would make me a new deck. He has already made all of the straps. I want a good foundation for the new deck. All of the information provided by Art, Keith, and Jerry will help tremendously. I really appreciate the assistance. I think that's what the Forum is for. Dave

Dave, My 1911 top seems too narrow at the front. It does not come down far enough across the sides of the front bow so it appears to go uphill from the rear bow. The top was a kit that came with the car, it was not made by Mike but by a very well known man who has since passed away. Mike said he would make a custom top deck but I am not sure what to tell him to do. I think making it 3 or 4 inches wider at the front would work, and have thought about making a sheet pattern first. I have pulled it so tight over the sides of the front bow to make it look level or straight from the rear bow that it actually created a valley between the first and second bow. I spoke to another 11 owner with the same problem who described his as looking like a minidress. Has anyone else experienced this? Art