Technical Explain this top treatment to me

I’m thinking of buying a 1928 model A coupe with a top treatment that I just can’t stand. The black vinyl covering goes across the top and down the back and surrounds the rear window. Was that a “deluxe” option? Were all 28-29 coupes fitted with that all-over vinyl? What will I find if I remove the vinyl? Is there just the usual steel top that can be painted body color?
No, it’s not a cabriolet, the top is not canvas or other fabric, it’s steel with the wood supports over the passengers and a black vinyl cover. I would like to remove the current vinyl, paint the back and sides and have a standard top insert installed. Can I get some help from the model A experts? Thanks. Bob


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I’m interested in the explanation too.

 

Funny, I think that body style looks great Stock or Modified. There is a lot of wood around the rear window, no metal unless you add a window from an all steel A body of some type. Bob

 

Here’s a picture (if I can figure out how to post it from my phone)


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Heh, heh,heh.... I did it!!
I like the car, I think I can de-street rod it but I’ve never dealt with a top like that.

 

There were several versions of the coupe, sounds like you're describing a special coupe. There is some tin underneath, on some of them, but not exactly like a standard coupe. Clear as mud, I know. Google special, sport, standard coupes.

 

I googled a bunch of things but none show the cars without the covering. I thought just maybe a H.A.M.B.er might have a picture of one that’s scalped.


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I guess the top originally blended in better on a black A. It was probably considered very swanky.
I'm guessing what you find (rust wise) is going to be very different from car to car. You won't know until you peel it.

 

Bob..its known as a leatherback...dont understand it either...other than it looks like a cabriolet...which was probably the intent. Dont think there is a solid steel structure under the covering. If memory serves the rear part of the roof sides looks different from a normal coupe. I believe most of the area around the rear window might be woodwork. If you look at unrestored leatherback coupes on the net...they tend to look like this.

Btw...about the coupe you posted...its about the coolest leatherback ive seen!

 

Factory Fresh Special Coupe 80+ years out in the open Special Coupe showing the missing wood under and around the rear window.

 

Like others have said, it's just the "Special Coupe" model. Basically the prerunner to the vinyl top option. If you hate it, pass on it because you'd have to find a coupe roof and do a ton of metal work to convert it. They are not just a coupe with a vinyl cover.

A leatherback was a sedan, not a coupe IIRC.

 

That belt line piece is a hard to find item, as badshifter just said swapping it for what you want could make two people happy. Bob

 

Oh damn. I hit “like” on the above post but I really don’t “like” it at all.
I really like the car but if that’s what’s under the cover it’s a deal breaker. Lord knows I do NOT need another project and the cost of the car plus the cost of a major mod doesn’t add up well.
I felt around the back and thumped on it but couldn’t get a definitive read on what was under the covering. We are supposed to meet up this coming weekend for a test drive and to put it up on my hoist for a thorough inspection. I’ll take another gander. Maybe I’ll try my big magnet. Deep down I’m hoping it’s just a standard steel top coupe that someone tried to make look like a leatherback.


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This thread should tell you everything you want to know. Post #6 speaks to the top construction and has disassembly pics.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1928-ford-model-a.1086996/

 

It's been quite a while since I've had a Model A...couldn't remember if it was a sport coupe or special coupe. I Googled leatherback coupe and got quite a few pics to choose from...probably people just call it that as shorthand.

 

The whole deal is creepy. I have a horror story that involves a Nova I bought with a vinyl top with the idea of stripping it off. To tell the truth it was like falling in love with a Vampire, and of course in a story like that there is no happy ending because of the choices you have to make. I would advise you to shudder and move on into the sunlight and be glad lightning didn't strike. Save your money for more of that California Dreaming we used to hear about.

 

Boy I’m getting quite the education here. Thanks to all.
I followed the link and that’s a helluva lot of sheet metal to find and fit together.
I’ve seen the vinyl top Nova story play out many times so I would be expecting some rust repair but if this car is a real Special I’m going to have to like it as it is or pass on it. Too bad, because ugly top aside, it’s just what I’ve been looking for, a nice solid older build. No Mustang II, no Jag IRS, not a rickety hack job from the 50s or 60s needing complete reconstruction.
I guess my mega-magnet will give me a final answer. Thanks again, you all just may have saved me a ton of aggravation and money. If anyone has a photo of one ready to have the covering installed it would help me know where to apply the magnet.


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Thanks for that. I've always been amazed Ford built so many different models between 1928 and 1931. And he continued do the same thing until WWII started.

 

This is the best picture of my 28 Special coupe showing the structure of the rear window. The large part of the top above the belt line is wooden much like a Model T coupe. Most of the sheet metal is racked and screwed in place

 

More trivia re the special coupe body style. The special coupes were produced for about one year between June of 28 and July of 29. They are not numbered differently than a standard coupe so there aren’t good records on the number actually produced.
I’ve seen one chopped which looked good. The wood structure gives some freedom for redesign as there isn’t a lot of welding besides the door frames and windshield posts if a haircut is desired

 

As suggested.....if you can't stand it......keep looking.
At first, I didn't like the look of them either but after awhile you get use to it.
That red really makes the vinyl stand out.

 

Some info I've seen says they were produced from March '28-July '29 and other info says June '28-July '29.
I am pretty sure the owner of this one is on the HAMB.

 

Another one with an active member (@millersgarage) totally rebuilding the roof and ending up with a really nice car. I'm sure he could give you the info to base your decision on.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/model-a-special-coupe-roof-photos.392165/

 

Another HAMBer with a Special
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/albums/1929-model-a-special-coupe.1054/

 

I have one that I converted to a regular coupe. If you can find a standard coupe top it bolts on. You need the pieces from the door posts back. The door posts are the same. I am sure that it is a special coupe. Every 1928 to 29 coupe I have found that was built in Canada was a special (you can tell because the use of Robertson screws). You tell that one is a special because of the body line and how the fabric meets the quarter windows.

 

There is a current build thread on one by Reyn here on the HAMB. Really good read.

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The special coupe is a rare car. Being a Model A fan I'd hate to see it modified. You could have it re-covered by a good upholstery shop to have a more pleasing look.

 

bchcity... maybe if the coupe was black it wouldn’t be such a big deal. Not a model A guy but I’ve never seen one.

 

Honestly, I don’t remember ever seeing one before so this has been very interesting. I’m with Glen above, I wouldn’t want to mess up a pretty decent, unusual Model A. I guess I’ll call him and let it go.
I’ve had a Model A (or ‘32) coupe on my bucket list for some time. There are many for sale but most don’t meet my stringent standards; [emoji38] no independent suspension, no brown interior and no SBF power. (Actually I could abide a peppy SBF if it’s in the right car but I’m a GM engine guy by nature) and of course somewhat within the budget. I’ve got projects, don’t need another. Thanks for all the info.



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I’m glad to have seen the info here on the leather back A coupes.

I’m with you on passing on that one.
If I ever decide to buy a model A coupe I’ll pass on those ones.

I’m also not so sure they’re unusual or rare.