Technical Model A wood replacement

Hey guys, I'm looking for a little help. I recently purchased a 30/31 model a coupe that came with a fair amount of extra parts but not every thing I will need. I am a little unsure about the windshield header area and the wood replacement Does anyone know of a thread covering these topics. ( lots of pictures)

 

I just did it. It seemed daunting when I had the entire roof off and thought I had ruined my truck. The assembly was pretty easy, mine needed minor grinding in a few areas. The wood fit great! I got it from mikes a fordable. I don't have that many pics but would be happy to answer any questions you have. God bless flathead screws!


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Another good source is Bert's in Denver. Closed Monday's 800-321-1931

 

Book by Les Anderson- has chapters devoted to wood replacement and tons of pictures.
He has 3 out all about "A"s- I think it's the green one.

 

Thanks for the input. Any info on the area where the windshield attaches? The body I bought had only a visor tacked in holding the A pillars.

 

Amazon...green edition #2 $658.53 + 3.99 shipping !!!! ...Must be a helluva book !!!!!
For that price ,it had better be able to cook my dinner and make a decent banana pudding !!

 

At that price I guess I'm gonna dumb my way through it......Hell, its worked for 50 years!

 

Here's pics of one I chopped and put all new top wood in, If you need more pics or help let me know

later kb

 

Just did 31 Victoria using a Cubel wood kit. The header is very tight, and rather than trim a bunch of wood from the corners, I cut the inner lower metal part of the header, installed the wood, and welded the corners back in.

 

The windshield hinge screws into the bottom of the header. The sheet metal header cover has holes below.

 

Thanks for the pictures, they clear a lot of things up. I will need to buy the windshield hinge and the metal that covers up the wood. I want to make sure I get what I need, not the whole catalog. Don't want to make someone a ------- Model A parts store, salesman of the month.

 

I actually paid around $30. bucks from Mac's A Parts around 12 years ago. I know inflation's bad, but had no idea it was THAT bad!
Check again through one of the Model A parts outlets ( Mac's, Tam's, Lebarron-Bonney, Snyder's, etc.)

Looks like those pictures will help a lot. Mac's has the windshield header brackets now ( that the heavy side rails tie into) ; they weren't produced until a couple of years ago.

Good luck with it!

 

Wonderful pix and info - stuff I'll need to know, no doubt. Thanx from me, too. Gary

 

Looked for a book by Les Anderson - found one by Les Andrews
Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook Vol. II (2)
Is this the one?

 

Check or test fit the windshield frame. For some reason it seems easy to get the mounting surface too low. I've had 2 As in my past that the new wood made putting in the frame in a challenge. Too low and it won't close. No, I didn't do the wood repair/replacement on either. From experience, doing various wood repair on Packards, take a lot of dimensions before you start and write em down. I'm a "one side at a time" type. Leaves me OEM fit/dimensions available to copy from the other side. Tops are a different story. Sort of all or nothing. Lots of Model A wood guys/kits, it shouldn't be rocket science. I'm currently doing roof wood in the shop on a Packard limo. Not all, just a few soft spots, but it means a lot of R & R of the existing to fit new.

 

http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...ide-for-installation-and-assembly-387117.html

$32 buckaroo's, ordering one right now.

 

It's the green book. ( I think there's 3 all together, I have the green and the maroon cover ones- GOOD STUFF! LOTS of pictures.)

Sorry bout that! Thanks for the correction.

 

I purchased my Model A top wood kit from Snyder. I am very happy with it. It's amazing how much more sturdy and rigid the body became with the new wood. It took us a little fanageling to get it in correctly as we had to trim just a little from each side. Also, there is a steel header that goes in front of your wood header. As mentioned above, make sure you test fit to ensure your windshield frame will fit properly and swing in and out properly.

 

Just ordered the green book from Mac's, Merry Christmas to me!

 

I'm looking at your old thread on chopping the "A" with new wood. Could I get all the pics and how many inches did you chop your car

 

When you get the wood pieces, before assembly, soak everything in a 50/50 mix of turpentine and linseed oil for a week or so to avoid cracking