Technical Building a '29 A roadster top

I didn't start this thread at the same time that I started the project because I had no clue as to whether it'd turn out good. I'm far enough along that I think it'll work out so here it goes!

My dad has a '29 roadster and he wants a top for it so I offered to make him one... here's how it's gone so far.
The shape of this top was kind of Inspiration


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We had a friends roadster top that didn't fit our car, but it did have some brackets, so I in one way or another copied them. I made these out of 1/8" x 1" strap. I pie cut the one, welded it up and ground it smooth. I'll give everything a better finish when it's all done.




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I tried bending the "hoops" out of some steel tubing that we had but it just wasn't wanting to cooperate. The fall back plan was to use EMT conduit and it worked much much better



I also chopped the windshield another 1.5". It was already chopped but I can't remember what the initial chop was.



I misplaced a few holes, but they'll be covered up by the canvas eventually so I'm not gonna worry about it too much... here's the most up to date picture.






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Sweet! Nothing wrong w/ conduit... it's just what dictates the shape of the top. Plenty strong, I've done several that way...

 

I'm liking it so far. Looking forward for more progress. Bill

 

A big piece of raisin pie to you sir..

 

Cool! I need to make one for my '31. Keep going!

 

Nice job! Looks fantastic. Gary

 

I toyed with the folding top idea for a long time on my RPU but could not work out how to do it effectively. So I took the easy route and made a fixed ‘soft top’.....

I built the steel frame and then some local guys sewed up the vinyl. Not quite show quality stitch work, but what else can you get for $125 nowadays......

 

Keep the progress posted as I'm thinking of building one. Can use yours as insperation

 

Looks good! I put a modified Carson top on my son's 32 roadster years ago. That was a bit of a challenge so I know what your challenge is.
I might suggest that you consider changing those bolts out to button head pieces. They would be a bit smoother if the fabric comes in contact with them.

 

Thanks for the kind words. I won't be making the actual top myself. The guy who did the interior will probably try to pull that off. The material for the top is painters drop cloth.

Yeah, I will change the bolts out to some carriage bolts or something.


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I started this thread because I couldn't really find any tutorials on anyone else doing this. I'll post progress as it goes but it'll be slow with Christmas this week!


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Heres mine ,made It so it would fold down. I got an upholstery shop to cover it.

 

I like it!! I'm questioning how necessary the bar that runs horizontal between the windshield stanchion(?spelling?) and that first overhead loop. I've seen them with and without


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Enjoyed the nice top work by every one.
I had done a Top DIY tech some time back 3 years or so,and went what I thought was a EZ way that I designed;
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...top-a-how-too-do-it-tech.857951/#post-9479688

 

Folded down,n up !
For tech on how this was made;https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...top-a-how-too-do-it-tech.857951/#post-9479688
Still working good after 3 years.

 

I used tubing for a deuce roof I built. Cut a wooden header for the window . Machined aluminum blocks for the top of the windshield that the tubing butts up to. see pics

 

That looks very nice. Is there any way to make the header with steel? Should I just try it with wood in the first place?


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Wasskawwy Woofs......just pulling your leg great stuff...

I make tons of typos and am constantly correcting them as I find them...
and some bring a little smile to your face.

Nice looking Hotrod coming together there...​

 

Man I can't type tonight... tru that again, I edited it haha


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I better be careful what I'm typing too......your doing just fine
​

 

Just me...I think a bit of wood in the equation is somewhat traditional and with a bit of stain looks real nice too. Maybe easier on those shiny surfaces to with the abrasion factor.​

 

Here are a few shots of the top frame I just finished for my roadster, don't think it cost more than $130.

 

I remember sitting in mine with bits of plastic and wood clamped up, with the wife taking photos, trying to work out what height and shape I needed, low enough to look cool, but high enough to be comfortably clear of my head.

I think it worked out okay. I also added a bigger bed as the original I built looked terrible with the roof on.

 

Any info on how you did the wood work? That's pretty impressive fab work you've got going on.

 

The bows are laminated 1"x6" oak, rather than steam bent, with the joints staggered for support. The header was done the same way using the windshield as a pattern.

 

Well done! Can you show a pic of it folded please?

 

It does fold down but only for removal, not planning to drive around with it folded.

 

I'd be interested in some pictures of the headed with the top material on it!


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