Hot Rods '29 cabriolet build, better late than never

As Mr. Bench got famous for saying, "No drips, no runs, no errors." Nice job. Gary

 

The fabric-covered bows are really impressive. Were stock bows covered in the same way?

 

It is an essentially stock top kit from leBaron Bonney. The original tops were padded and bows covered. Roadster tops were also apparently covered bows at the top but not sides. My top fabric is not the original color and some cabriolets used a darker binding than the top fabric. ...and my package tray fabric was chosen to match top and seats. I have studied a lot of top photos from supposedly restored cabriolets and a lot of variation exists. Many are clearly wrong, and some of the finish hardware L-B supplies in the kits is also apparently incorrect. I believe we are doing the top installation close to how it was originally done. I am not sure if the bow notching was originally done, but the top shop suggested I do it to make the finished top less lumpy, and I was happy to do that.

My back bow is in a slightly lowered position from stock which looks better with the rake of the car. And the backlight/rear window position is also lowered just a bit for better rear visibility from the inside rear view mirror, as I also lowered the seat a bit for better stop light visibility. My extended shakedown period helped me make these decisions.

I am hopeful the finished product will be of the design quality I am expecting. Getting closer.

 

still slowly progressing with my top

Getting close. a lot of work goes into making a convertible top smooth. I helped on the job with a hammer and chisel, and also shaping filler pieces where needed.





Today, I cut the cloth and wrapping tape away from the rear window. I have a number of my own hours in the top job as an ***istant and can better appreciate the difficulty of properly fitting a convertible top.

 

nearing the end, fitting ends to the Hidem







Almost done, will pick it up on Monday.

still some more fit work and cleaning.

 

Boy this thing is a beauty

 

Got the car out of the upholstery shop this morning.








I'm pretty happy, plenty to do still, but mostly I will be able to drive it regularly again.

 

Beautiful car, Russ. You should be very proud.

 

Anymore story on this one? Just read the whole thread and really enjoyed seeing your craftsmanship.
The car is as amazing as its history!
Great job in the details!

 

small update:
since roughly finishing the car, I have made new switch bezels, changed the head to a Thomas finned aluminum head, and done additional gas line plumbing to add a shutoff coming out of the gas tank. On a 500 mile trip I realized the 40 Ford brakes were inadequate for freeway driving, but have yet to change them.