Top bows-what do I have here?

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Angmar
Posts: 341
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:11 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Bailey
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 Roadster P/U
Location: Colorado
MTFCA Number: 50335
Board Member Since: 2016

Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Angmar » Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:02 pm

Hello guys,

thought I would work on the bows today and I discovered some things that don't make sense. Mostly they look like 18 roadster parts but as you can see when set up there is something not right. Note the middle bow has to tabs but only one will allow the bows to rest correctly when folded up. In the position shown there would be no room to enter and exit.
Also the center bow should measure 17.5"from the body at the pin but only measures 11.5" otherwise everything else seems to be close. Thoughts?

thanks
Attachments
top bows b.jpg
top bows a.jpg
Still crankin old iron


R.V.Anderson
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914, 1920, 1923, 1923
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by R.V.Anderson » Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:22 pm

The front socket assembly should have two pins in the ends that fit into the upper hole on the upright socket. The pins should each be drilled for a key strap which holds them in the hole when in the upright position. The position that the front socket is in now is correct for when they are folded, or "stacked," as Ford called it.

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Topic author
Angmar
Posts: 341
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:11 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Bailey
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 Roadster P/U
Location: Colorado
MTFCA Number: 50335
Board Member Since: 2016

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Angmar » Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:28 pm

Ok so if I move the front bow up to the top hole it will work when open but not sit in the little support nubs when closed, is this correct?
Still crankin old iron


R.V.Anderson
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by R.V.Anderson » Thu Sep 26, 2019 9:12 pm

To fold the top, you pull out the key strap, then remove the front bow assembly from the upper hole and place it in the lower hole, then replace the key strap and drop the whole works down onto the saddles.


Norman Kling
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Norman Kling » Thu Sep 26, 2019 9:14 pm

That's why it's called a "2 man" top. When you put the top down you need to move both sides from the top hole to the bottom hole then it will fit together when the top is down. One man can do it, but it is very easy to scratch up the car because you really need 3 or more hands to do it easily.
Norm

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Topic author
Angmar
Posts: 341
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:11 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Bailey
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 Roadster P/U
Location: Colorado
MTFCA Number: 50335
Board Member Since: 2016

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Angmar » Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:02 pm

Thank you guys, new stuff to me. I appreciate the information. I do have the original pins and everything seems to function well.
Still crankin old iron


Erik Johnson
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Erik Johnson » Thu Sep 26, 2019 11:24 pm

1918 through 1922 roadster tops have square sockets and do not utilize leather straps with t-head cotter pins, or "key straps" as R.V. Anderson called them.

Instead, they utilize these clips/pins which slide up and down the socket:

https://www.modeltford.com/item/3314CSB.aspx

I do see what appears to be the above clip in Mark Bailey's photos.

Note that with round sockets used through the 1917 model year, the pins on the bottom of the sockets face outward and enter the corresponding eyelet from the inside. Pins on the bottom of the 1918-22 square sockets face inward and enter the corresponding eyelet from the outside.

Hope what I wrote above makes sense to you.


R.V.Anderson
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by R.V.Anderson » Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:05 am

Erik is correct. I'm accustomed to dealing with the earlier sockets which use the straps. I apologize for causing any confusion.

I don't see the clip; your eyes must be better than mine.


Erik Johnson
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Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Erik Johnson » Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:08 am

Arrow pointing at clip....
Attachments
top bows clip.jpg

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Topic author
Angmar
Posts: 341
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:11 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Bailey
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 Roadster P/U
Location: Colorado
MTFCA Number: 50335
Board Member Since: 2016

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Post by Angmar » Fri Sep 27, 2019 12:17 pm

I am always amazed at the knowledge here and thankful for the help.
Still crankin old iron

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