Tom M Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Hello,This question was asked on another forum"does anyone know of a service bulletin pertaining to the replacement of the fabric top insert on closed cars though 1939?"I will be in that position in a few months. I have order my material from LeBaron Bonney and they don't have instructions for Packards "Fords only" They did not want to send me the instructions for the installation on Fords for liability issues.So with that does any one have instructions?Here is a list of materials I purchased from themDenimCottonBlack colonial grain (T-5)Wire-onNailsAlso purchased Rain Gutters, Fender Welting and Split Rivets from themThanks for you time and input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 This may help:Model A Ford Closed Car Roof - Installation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom M Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 Mat,Thanks for the link that will most diffidently help. I will pass it along Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I replaced the roof on my Franklin last year. It's a fairly straight forward job that can be done in a day. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom M Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 Steve,Did you use wire-on if so do you have any close-up pictures of installation?I purchased wire-on because I could not find a place that carries the Aluminum molding. Hope I made the right choice there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I did not use wire-on. I carefully removed and cleaned up the original molding. It was the hardest and most time-consuming part of the job, but it's the only way to do it correctly. I will post some photos later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Here are the only photos we took. I started by carefully cutting out the old fabric with an utility knife. Then came the hard part, carefully removing the old molding and the 150 or so nails that attach it to the car. The molding had 75 years of accumulated tar and top dressing that I Removed with paint remover and a wire wheel. This was the worst part of the job. I repainted the aluminum molding with black Rustoleum.I replaced the batting with some stuff from LeBaron Bonney. The original stuff was cotton, the new stuff was something synthetic.The new fabric was attached with upholstery tacks. Don't use a staple gun, and don't drive the tacks all the way in as you'll have to remove a bunch to adjust the material to get all the wrinkles out. The tacks are recessed in a groove in the wood frame of the body and later get covered with the molding.After you are satisfied with the installation of the fabric, lay a bead of black silicone caulk in the groove and install the molding. Don't scrimp on the caulk or it will leak. If some oozes out, it can be cleaned off rather easily.This was a job that I put off for many years. After doing it for the first time, I wish I had done it sooner. It was an easy and satisfying job to do, and we don't get dripped on when it rains.BTW, after I finished the job, we left on a 1200 mile trip the next day. One thing I learned: the nails are not galvanized or stainless and they will rust if not protected. I left them bare, and they rusted. Now I need to brush them off and coat them. I plan to put a coating of black caulk on them to keep the rain out.I'm no pro at this, but I am very happy with the results I got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom M Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 (edited) Steve,Thank you very much for taking the time to post your explanation and pictures. That sure looks easy enough for me to do I like your little helper in the last picture. Is he or she pushing out the wrinkles As you see above I purchased some wire-on since my molding was in pretty bad shape. Hopefully mine will turns out as well as yours and the one in the Model A link.Thanks all for your valuable input. This is what it is all about makin friends as we go along. Now it is almost time to get home. Have re prep the left rear quarter for paint. Was a little to aggressive with the wet sanding the other night. Edited July 17, 2009 by Packin31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Tom,Here is a set of instructions that have been published on the Franklin Club web site, they are very generic, and I found them usefulhttp://www.franklincar.org/FAQ/TopInstall/Completedoc.pdfGood luck on your project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom M Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 Steve,Thanks. Have printed it and added it to my folder for top installation.See I am trying to get myself more organized when getting info. I started to make folders and when info comes in I print it off and place it in the folders. Just thought I share that little tidbit, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Bobs Automobilia has the aluminum moulding and the eaves trough for Buicks. The aluminum moulding from a different make might be more desirable than wire-on. When I did mine I used aluminum halfround moulding from a metal shop. At that time I had never heard of Bobs. I now have a set of both to put on my car when I replace the top later this year. Since my car is out in all kinds of weather every day of the year I am going to cheat and glue a piece of sheet steel in over the padding and then put glue the fabric to that. I'm tired of having to change the top material ever ten or twelve years. Of course my car is not now nor wver will be a show car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friartuck Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Bob's Automobilia no longer carries the aluminum molding. The vendor didn't want to make it anymore, destroyed the dies and Bob's doesn't want to invest in a new set of dies.Other than Restoration Supply Company, is there a source for either 8 or 12 foot long lengths of half oval aluminum molding about 3/4 inch wide??Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Chris, Google Taco Metals in Longwood, Florida. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friartuck Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Taco Metals has the molding I'm looking for and in 12 foot lengths, but the shipping: $46 per length, $115 shipping. The hunt continues..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom M Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Fiar,That was the same issue I had with some of the longer pieces. A $5.00 piece cost you big $'s to ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 We used 12 strips of it on a funeral vehicle we restored. The shipping wasn't so bad spread over 12 pieces. They have to be 12 ft? 8 ft pieces can ship UPS or FedEx, 12 footers have to go by truck. Maybe order thru a marine supply house? Free shipping? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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