MTFCA Forum

Good Morning MTFCA ! I would like verifications on the following dimensions on installing a top on the 1914 Roadster. I understand that the center bow needs to be 25" between the bow and the back of the windshield. Currently the measurements I have are 24" with the center bow "plumb" with the car. Should I disregard the "plumb" and go with the measurement ? Also (according to the drawing I have) the front bow should be 3 3/16" from the front of the bow to the front of the windshield ? I assume this is correct for a 1914 Roadster ? I have noted that the front socket should be 22" long verses the 20" long socket I have on the 1914 and also my 1917 Roadster. Given the readings I have read, the distance between the socket and top of the bow are to be about 7". This worked well for the 1917, however, they don't work on the 1914 ! In order to get the "required" measurement between the bow and the windshield, I would have to increase the bow length from the socket to about 9" instead of the recommended 7" ?

Any help from My fellow MTFCA Folks is greatly appreciated !!!!

Merry Christmas

Steve Meudt

Don't give up doing research. Original photos are great, and there are lots of them on the forum.

I believe you want the 2nd bow straight up and down (plumb). Without this bow plumb it will be harder to fit side curtains, should you desire them. I also believe your dimension for the distance in front of the windshield is correct. You need this distance for the storm flap.

While the 14 top may be basically the same as 1915 -1917, I do believe the combinaion length of the bow + socket is longer on the 1914 because the 1914 utilizes a different cowl / firewall.

I believe there were previous forum discusions on this topic. You may wish to google "mtfca top bow" and see if you can located a previous discussion.

This may help https://mtfctulsa.com/Tech/roadster_top.htm

Mike Spaziano & I (98% Mike) did the top on my early 15 (wood cowl 14 style body) We couldnt find dimensions for a 14. I compared the location of the 14 windshield upper to a 15 & found the location the same, so we used the 15 dimensions & Mike carved the front bow to fit those dimensions.
Currently the front bow front edge is 3.5" from the front edge of the W/S frame & the bottom of the bow is level to the top of the W/S frame.
The center bow front edge is just under 24" to the rear of the back of the upper W/S frame. It came out very attractive. My irons were new repops.

Issues:
Keep in mind , there is variability in the upper W/S location/position due to the adjustability of the W/S struts.(mine are all the way up for a most vertical W/S, but it still is not perfectly vertical.)
We painstakingly made the center bow plumb. I should have tipped it forward 1/4 - 1/2" to compensate for the inevitable top shrinkage that pulled the bow back from plumb not long after being in service. This really irks me.

John has hit the nail on the head. It is better to have the second bow just a little of forward of vertical to allow for any shrinkage over time. Even in its first application, the forward lean is more acceptable to the eye than any backward lean.

Allan from down under.

Allan wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 22, 2024 5:18 pm

John has hit the nail on the head. It is better to have the second bow just a little of forward of vertical to allow for any shrinkage over time. Even in its first application, the forward lean is more acceptable to the eye than any backward lean.

Allan from down under.

Amen. "acceptable to the eye". The rearward slant sticks out like a sore thumb.
Like phillip screws or varnished wheels. I'll duck now.

To all You kind Folks who took the time to help me out with Your helpful wisdom, your advice will be used faithfully!!! Times like these makes being a member of MTFCA a great asset!!

Many Thanks!!!!

Steve Meudt