Technical Home built top bows

I built my non-folding top bows using steam bent white oak. I couldn't find green lumber so I decided to laminate 1/4" strips of dry oak that I could easily steam.
My home built steamer used 3" PVC pipe with rags stuffed in the ends.
I built a few mock-ups before deciding on a final shape. I then built a fixture to clamp the steamed oak (over bent to allow spring back when cooled). When I glued it up I used the original shape I wanted, the glue keeps the oak from springing back.
I used 1/8"by 1" stainless for the framework (easy to weld and polish).
I'm pleased with the way it came out.

 

Gorgeous.
Woodworking by trade??

 

Very nice...

 

Fantastic job.

 

Me too, bent mine up out of 1/2 inch emt, electrical conduit.

 

Simple folding top whittled out here in the garage.

 

Great job! Looks amazing


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Well, dang! Those look fantastic. Thanx for the thread. Gary

 

Great craftsmanship. I think I'd went ahead and made it a folding top though. A lot more work, but more fun with the top down!

 

Pure awesomeness!

 

Really nice job, great workmanship.

 

Great work guys, I've messed around to see what it'll take to make one for mine and know enough to appreciate how much work it is.

 

Dude, you are an artist'.
And I love your truck

 

Very informative post....Thanks

 

That is Beauty in mixed media right there. Well done.

 

I wish I possessed 1/4 of your ability.
Need a top made for my wife's roadster but no clue how to go about it.


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Gorgeous work on both the wood and the stainless.