was wondering something, bit of an obscure question but here goes, I was wondering about Carson Tops the other day and wondered how they were perceived back in the day. Mainly… Who - Was the guy to go to What - Material(s) used Where - Location biases When - Time frame, years or eras Why - Where they popular or not How - what body styles were most popular I have a 50 Shoebox Ford 4 door sedan and can’t get the idea of a chopped Carson Top on this ride out of my head. Albeit with a lot of other build ideas… Any input or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced
All you need to know: https://www.customcarchronicle.com/cc-builders/carson-top-shop/the-carson-top-shop-part-1/
There is a thread about these on here somewhere, I'm sure someone who does computer way better than me will post a link to it.
Hey thanks guys. I’ll have to give that a read, thanks X38 36roadster, I looked but didn’t find quite what I was looking for How about we post up some 4 door with Carson tops turn this into a picture thread??
Try these https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/carson-tops-and-other-kinds-as-well.1135358/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/carson-top-upholstery.1034165/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/carson-style-tops-lets-see-what-ya-have.248788/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/padded-top-carson-top-build-photos.528022/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/carson-top-how-to.144365/
Here’s the best example I have found, of a chopped, four door, Carson top. 1950 Lincoln. The doors open differently than your Ford, but the concept is the same. You have to reinforce the hell out of the center post.
Hello, I built one in my project and it was a project but well worth the effort. My Merc is a 2 door but the concepts would be the same. You can see this on you tube under 1951 Mercury Lead Sled Project, Episode 5, also here in the H.A.M.B. hope it helps
My Carson Top Tub that I chopped 3 inches and built the Carson top frame for, upholstered by North Hollywood Upholstery in So Cal.
Same deal, on my 51 Merc. I built a rear seat back with round tubing inserted inside the original B pillar to give them strength along with a brace between the B pillar and the back seat floor. The main thing is to get the windshield posts reworked to look like a real convertible like I did on my car below. You'll have to brace the rear body section all the way around with square tubing or round rod . Do it, the hard work will pay off with a cool 50's style car. 51 Merc
The main thing is to have the upholsterer go by original 40's 50's pictures of Carson style tops such as the string sewen in to form a line above the side windows
Some of the shops were, Hal, Carson, Martenez, Sardos and North Hollywood Upholstery who is still in business.
How I did my tub carson top frame, then covered it with sheet aluminum one section at a time and took it to be upholstered.
I see that you're in Utah. Find the oldest trim shop in your vicinity, and pay them a visit. If they don't have any old guys there, ask 'em if they know of any retired or semi-retired trimmers that might enjoy working on old stuff, or on the side. Look specifically for convertible top shops, too. Might not be any in Utah anymore, but do some research and ask questions. Several years ago I found a guy that had been a trimmer since the late 40's working at a canvas shop! If you're anywhere near Lake Powell, I'd bet you can find someone who could help you out. The boating community probably uses more canvas than anyone else. I've had a couple of original Carson tops redone in the past, and if you find the right person, they absolutely LOVE working on them ...
For a complete review/ step by step on how to do a carson top google in ..........Ralph Jilek's 40 Ford restoration...........it is the Rix Hoving custom car page. It is 254 pictures how to do a carson top...........Fascinating to say the least
Thanks for all the input everyone! I read the article on the Carson Too Shop and man, I am liking this route more and more.
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