MTFCA Forum

I need a whole new top for my 15 runabout. Currently there is nothing on the car. I have a vendor in mind for the top material I just cannot figure out who makes a decent set of irons (metal structure). Any suggestions?


Brian

John Boorinakis in Auburn, California makes sockets.

I don't know how confidential he likes to keep his contact information, message me and I can give you a phone number.

Irons are what the top bows/sockets get mounted to on the body. Chances are, any used top assembly/bows/sockets will need wood replaced anyway. You could start by placing an ad in the classifieds. Don't know if all the sockets are made by the same person/company or how much difference there is between the ones listed in the parts suppliers catalogs.

I am very happy with the new one-man reproduction top sockets and bows that I ordered from Lang's for my 1925 touring body. I don't know who their supplier is. As Mark G. said, the sockets fit onto the irons, which are mounted onto the body. The bows are the wood parts that fit into the sockets. If you don't have the irons, you'll have to do some research to find out what they are supposed to look like for the year of your car, then place a wanted in the classifieds or keep an eye out on eBay for a set.

Larry Smith has mentioned in the past that original sockets had slightly raised dimples on them where the side curtain fasteners fit. The reproduction sockets lack that feature. If you want that feature, you will have to hold out for a set of original sockets in good condition.

Steve Jelf has a 1915 Runabout - Steve, do you have pictures of what your top irons and sockets look like?

Nice job Mark! My '17 bows were a little more of a challenge because the wood bows are steam bent, not straight pieces like the later cars. Brian, if you buy a used set of sockets you'll likely want to dig out the rotten wood inserts and replace them with poured-in resin. I think the new ones come that way. Jonathan Anderson made my bows and did an excellent job. He marked each one showing how deep they needed to be inserted in the sockets leaving it to me to shave them to fit. A spoke shaver and a good sander does the job.

My wife sewed the fabric for the three rear bows into a tube which made it pretty easy to put it on. I sprinkled the fabric with water then used a hair dryer to shrink it. You can see the results.