1928 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster Top Rests and Strap Saddles ???

[leomara]

I'm trying to figure out the use of these pieces because I've seen several restored examples with and without them.  All the roadsters I've seen have the top rests but not all of them have the strap saddles.  Some of the top rests have openings for the saddles as a separate part as seen below and some have the strap saddles cast as part of the rest.  What would be correct for my 1928 Model 72?

[31 LaSalle]

As shown in leomaras top photo my 1928 Chrysler 72 convertible coupe has the same saddles

I assume there for resting the hood on when folded down 

but have no Idea what keyhole in the outer two is for

would love to know 

[richasco]

The keyholes are for the removable top rests. 

[31 LaSalle]

32 minutes ago, richasco said:

The keyholes are for the removable top rests. 

what  do the top rests look like

[keiser31]

The items that go on the rests in the top photo look like this....

 

Edited November 17, 2022 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[keiser31]

I am thinking the items with the molded rests go on the 1928 and '29 and the two piece items go on the 1930 and '31. Just a guess since yours have the grooves.

[richasco]

You can just make them out in John’s picture. I can post a close up picture of one next week. The only way to determine which style goes with which years is to dig into the parts manual. The two piece style is original to my DeSoto which shares many parts with the Model 65. That’s as much as I know. The change over could be from 28-29 or the step up from the 60 series to the 70.

[keiser31]

1 hour ago, richasco said:

You can just make them out in John’s picture. I can post a close up picture of one next week. The only way to determine which style goes with which years is to dig into the parts manual. The two piece style is original to my DeSoto which shares many parts with the Model 65. That’s as much as I know. The change over could be from 28-29 or the step up from the 60 series to the 70.

Yes, it seems there are quite a few combinations.

[leomara]

That photo keiser31 posted has to be later than 1928 because there is a T handle for the rumble seat lid.  The 1928 Chrysler Model 72's had a U shaped handle much like an inside door pull with a separate lock.

[leomara]

richasco, I'm still not sure that all late 1920's Chrysler cars had them rests with saddles because many of the restored cars I've seen photos of on line do not have them.  Maybe an oversight during the restoration?

Edited November 18, 2022 by leomara (see edit history)

[Gunsmoke]

This factory photo of a 1931 Chrysler CD8 roadster shows the 2 outer deck cleats have the keyholes (in this case simple rectangular slots) that receive the clips for the 2 straps holding the folded top cover(tonneau?) in place. The photo posted by 31 LaSalle above I suspect has the deck cleats incorrectly installed, as the keyhole slots should be at back end of deck rather than forward end. I've never seen the strap hardware for a top cover, so cannot advise on just how the securing was done. This pic off internet shows where the slots are for 1931 models. These cars also had footman loops on edge of tub behind front seat for securing folded top in place.

[31 LaSalle]

On 11/17/2022 at 10:52 PM, keiser31 said:

The items that go on the rests in the top photo look like this....

 

does anyone have a close up picture of the two parts that mount in the keyhole slots

so I can make or find a pair for my 1928/ 72

 

[leomara]

I may have a photo coming soon.

[viv w]

These are some pictures I have taken off the nett over the years. From all the pictures I have seen there are a solid version as shown in the following 2 pictures and a two piece version. Knowing Chrysler it is possible that cars of a series may have used both types during production.

 Sadly these parts are NOT listed in the pre 34 parts book.

 

 

 

[richasco]

Here is the one that I have. The slot for the strap was filled in for use as a pattern. 

[Narve N]

On 11/24/2022 at 9:49 PM, richasco said:

Here is the one that I have. The slot for the strap was filled in for use as a pattern. 

 

 

 

That would likely be correct for a 1928-1930 Mopar. It is the same style that Verdone cast for my Series 65, and then decided not to run with as I discovered period photos of c1929 Chrysler with no saddles. (I sold on those saddles before anyone asks.)

[leomara]

Hey, thank you all for this valuable input on this not so well known topic.