What did Ford do here on roof irons?

[Fozz71]

I am fairly sure there should be screws or tacks holding the roof to these irons, can anyone verify what Ford's process was for the 2nd and 3rd bows from the back on the Touring cars? It is a 1916 model.

Thanks,
James

[Colin Mavins]

on my 1912 touring they used tacks under the flap so they are hidden but they are there. cheers Colin

[Colin Mavins]

what you pictured should be a channel this is were the side curtains goes, so your attachment goes to the inside allowing the side curtain to go under the outside part of that flap. I hope I have explained this clearly. Cheers Colin

[KWTownsend]

James,
For 1916 a large head (9/16") tack holds the skirt of the top to the bow. Unfortunately those smooth shank tacks often come out. On my 1919 I attached the top skirt with a screwed-on snap base, then attached a snap top and cover on it. It will never pull out and looks the same as the large head tack.


Colin's 1912 top has a different construction than 1919.

: ^ )

Keith

[Erik Johnson]

See my posts and photos in this thread:

viewtopic.php?t=32994

[Allan]

Ford used a single upholstery tack with a larger head than the all the other tacks. It is better to drill the socket, but often you will find the nail on the tack has been driven through the metal socket. Driving a new tack into an existing socket hole may not work well. The hole in the wooden bow is likely oversize due to previous nails and rust around the nail. If your new top dictates that a new hole is required for a good fit, you are in luck because you will be driving into undisturbed wood.
On our colonial bodies, two ordinary tacks were often used, one one each side of the wide sewn edge of the top material.

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.