Hot Rods Model A Roadster Roofs/Tops

I'm getting to the point where I need to order a roof kit from Macs for my '29 and I was planning on modifying a 30-31 style roof as I think the rear lines are different, perhaps a bit nicer. I notice they have the '30-31 style in both standard and deluxe, is anyone able to explain the difference and perhaps some shots of later style tops on earlier roadsters for ideas.


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Be aware that 30/31 tops are wider than 28/29 tops. You'll have to narrow the bows to fit the '29. Then the top material won't fit the bows. I had my own idea of how an RPU top should look, so I scopped my windshield 2 1/2" and welded up a top frame from 3/4" square tubing. As I was building the frame I kept laying a bed sheet over it so I could get a visual on the finished profile. It took a whole weekend to get the look I was after.

 

The Bishop/ Tardel roadster book has a pretty good chapter on how to modify a 30/31 deluxe top to fit a 28.


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Yeah, I'm always going to the Tardel/Bishop bible for reference, but it doesn't mention anything about the difference between standard and deluxe roadster tops. Thanks anyway though.


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I used a set of new 28/29 top bows and cut the hell out of them to get the look I wanted. used 3 rolls of 3 inch wide tape until I got it the way I wanted.
Also the top will make or break the car.

 

Not sure on copy of Tardel/Bishop A-V8 you have but mine (1998 cw) on page 186 states used stock '30-31 Deluxe roadster top because the frame is solid that can be re-drilled or cut/welded. It goes on to state the 28-29 and 30-31 standard roadster has conical sheet-metal bows that are difficult to chop..
Couple of pictures on page 187.

 

The differance is easy to see if you had a them side by side. Standard 30-31 have top bows that fit into the irons much like the 28-29, Deluxe have a lot of flat irons riveted together and the wood bows fit over them. I'll post a photo of a set of Deluxe bows later. Bob

 

Thanks heaps for the info, seems my memory let me down again. Problem solved, deluxe it is.

 

I used 31 deluxe on my 29. Was easy to chop the irons but they are a little difficult to weld. I ordered a set of wood bows from Bent wood bows and then modified them to get the right look. The top folds and lays down just behind the bussel.
Walter