Hey guys. Wanted to get a few opinions on the top for my model A. I'm going to replace it with another vinyl top or whatever it's made out of, but there is a long grain & a short grain. In your guys opinion what is the better of the two, or is there a better option that will weather better than the original style? Pictures of what has been done to your rides would be great too!! Thanks Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I did a non-stock vinyl top tht snaps in but may redo it with some black canvas type material. Are you going for a stock look or some type of a custom thing?
The short is the better looking choice. Both are "correct" as it was dependent upon where it was built. The long has more gloss, looks a little cheap in my opinion. I use the short even on Packard inserts.
here is a photo of the long grain not a very good shot but its all I have. the long grain I believe is what they originally used on these cars and that was the look I wanted.
My 30-31 A Roadster has a nice original style LeBaron Bonney top. The quality is first rate and the fit is right on. Probably not the least inexpensive way to go, but it is the best. I run the rod with the top in the summer to keep sun out of the compartment and topless in the winter when it is cooler. Check out LB and see what they have. JWL
I had a off white top insert in my '33 coupe, it was much cooler inside the car than when the top was black... much more so when stuck all day on a tar/black parking lot... the black top will expand and contract with sun and shade... top material takes a beating...
Use the short grain....buy the kit and install yourself...I did mine on a weekend and came out very nice....anyone can do it, just take your time. Stretch end to end, then side to side then the four corners. Weekend job for two semi handy guys.
Ok. So I'll probably go with the short grain. I like the idea of the pleated top too. Looks like it's removable for the summertime???? If so how to you keep it on place while driving? Thanks for all of your suggestions fellas. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hey Ron. I read your thread on lowering your car. Great info. Thanks for posting it. I may end up using some of your ideas. Very cool looking car. I'm kind of partial to fenderless high boys, but your lowered fendered car is very cool. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hey Visionary. Beautiful Car. Is it a 31? I want to take off my fenders & get my car sitting like yours. Did you change out the rear end/what rear end are you using, Wheels, Springs, axles? What's your set up. I've got a stock 31 right now & I'm trying to get ideas on what people have done to there's to get that look. Any info would be great. Thanks!!! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
thanks....im big on hi and lo boys as well my first hot rod built from ground up early 70s....started with only a $1200 frame and body built entirely in my one car garage.
I am probably going to do this kit at some point. https://www.sunroofsource.com/28-31-ford-model-a-sedan-tudor-sliding-ragtop-40x70/
Hey scrap metal. I'm thinking about doing something like this. Is this your car? If so why did you split it in the middle? Also can you explain what you did & how you attached it so it doesn't come flying off? Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Here's a bit of a conversation Scrap Metal & I've been having. Thought it would be good to add to the Thread. "Hey Scrap Metal, I just wanted to pick your brain on how you went about making the vinyl top for your sedan. Why did you split it in the middle? What did you use under the vinyl? How did you attach it so it doesn't fly off while driving? Any other info you can think of would be great. Thanks Josh "Hi Josh, I wanted the pleats to run length wise and they only make the vinyl in 60" wide.. If I wanted them to run across the top I could have done it in a continuous piece.. On 28/29's there is a 1" deep lip around the inside opening of the top.. I laid 3/8" plywood on this lip.. I took another 3/8" piece and laid on top and drilled holes through both to bolt the top piece to the bottom piece.. I secured the bolts in the top piece and glued and stapled the marine vinyl to it and then bolted each piece through the bottom layer.. I then caulk around the edges of the vinyl and was done... Hope this helps.. I had less then a $100 in the project... Milo" "Thanks Milo. That's great info. I have a 31 Fordor. -Do you think the 3/8 plywood will shape to the rear slope of the roof? If not how do you think I should handle that? -How did you attach the 3/8 plywood lip to the car? -Are you able to unbolt the panels & remove them for a sun roof. Thanks Josh P.S. you should do a tech/how to article about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one that would like to know how this is done." Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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