1920s enclosed body roof restoration questions

[Frantz]

I'm going to look at a 1920s Jewett this weekend. It's a restoration project that looks like most of the work has been done but needs to be put back together. The one area I know I'd need to do is the roof. I've never owned or worked on a car of this vintage. I don't even know what the style of roof is called! What's typically involved? Wood bows and a top I take it? If the originals aren't around, how hard is it have a good guess on making a pattern up?

[Spinneyhill]

There are a number of threads on these fora of roof insert builds. You should be able to find some for an overview at least.

[Frantz]

Roof insert.. thanks! I wasn't sure what it was even called.

[Pancho's ride]

Did you purchase the Jewett?

[wayne sheldon]

Do we know what the body style is? Touring car? Sedan? Coupe? Roadster? Makes quite a difference on what needs to be done to repair or replace it. And the year may make a difference. Jewett was built from about '21 to '26 as a "companion" car to the Paige. I have a '27 Paige 6-45 which was the car planned for Jewett for '27 before efforts to sell the Paige Detroit company pushed them to bring the Jewett up and call it another Paige to boost sales.

[Restorer32]

You are only a few miles up Interstate 83 from us. Stop down and we will answer your questions and show you how it's done.

[Frantz]

3 minutes ago, Restorer32 said:

You are only a few miles up Interstate 83 from us. Stop down and we will answer your questions and show you how it's done.

Thanks for the offer I had you in mind if anything came up!

It's a 2 door sedan... or that's what I'd call it.  

[Restorer32]

Two door  sedan.

[jan arnett (2)]

I would start with getting a Model A restorers handbook.  It may not be absolutely identical but probably close.

 

[J.H.Boland]

Here's a few photos taken during the restoration of my '29 McLaughlin-Buick. Almost every piece of wood was replaced on this body. It helped that the owner/restorer was a master cabinet maker by trade ! Took him 10 years.

Jim

Edited September 10, 2019 by J.H.Boland (see edit history)

[Graham Man]

If the wood is good it might not be a big job.  The top is identical to a Model A Sedan, video's on utube.   Just make sure the wood is solid.  Any Model A club member should be able to help.  With the original fabric still in place I would bet the top was all in place before he started the restoration.

[60ch]

Saying that any Model A club member should be able to help is a stretch.  Many members know nothing about replacing a closed car top because they do not do their own work.  It works the same for any hobby.  Cars,  motorcycles, boats or airplanes it makes no difference,  Some people are mechanically inclined while many are not. There are books and the internet, seek the information and learn.