Read Denise's R & C post and see if you don't think she's earned a top for Big Olds. If you agree, then sign in here. I'll start it off by pledging 100 bucks for materials or beer for the crew. Denise has done more to keep us all up than probably anyone on this board. Let's pay her back. She's earned it!
<font color="purple"> I like the idea of her always runnin around********. I wish I could help, but I'm having trouble helping myself at the moment. Now for the plans, is it a true 'vert? If so, is the frame there? If not, gonna do a Carson? </font>
[ QUOTE ] Denise has done more to keep us all up than probably anyone on this board. [/ QUOTE ] What did she do?
She has driven that car to EVERY event that has taken place from Utah to Pennsylvania and all across the midwest for the past year. I'm in Purple's club right now too.
Smokin Joe,bitchin idea.If she doesn't have the stock top frame I'll build one of my top frames that'll make it looked totally chopped like I made for my roadster.It will come off easily and pops apart for easy storage in the trunk.I can make it so she keeps the stock windshield frame but it'll have the greasey look........ I'll hit up all the BC HAMBers for some dough each to cover the shippin........Shiny
Miss******** without a top, doesn't even sound right. In spite of that, count me in for $ or help or something. B B
Holy smokes... you guys are too awesome. Thank you sooooo much BUT Big Olds will have a real folding top one of these days. I do have the folding tops bows. I have taken them apart and sand blasted and ground off 55 years of crud. I've got about half of them done. I just have to finish cleaning up the other half, the header bow needs some filling in, then have them powder coated, then put it all back together with new hardware. I did take lots of photos and marked the bows with metal stamps so I should be able to get it all back together and folding correctly without too much trouble. I REALLY appreciate the offer, it means ALOT. I'm going to decline the monatary offer right now BUT I would LOVE to have HAMB folks over for physical help with Big Olds. There is TONS of other "little" stuff that Big Olds needs done, window trim, windows, latches, door handles filled in, door poppers installed, his new posi rear end installed I would appreciate help with Big Olds but no money but THANK You soooo much for offering. You guys are the GREATEST!
Saved by the Belle. I was just about to throw in a $1000 for the effort but since you so graciously declined I'll just spend it on the '32. If there is going to be a group work session on Big Olds let me know. Frank Frank
Yes a folding top is what I thought you might have in mind also. Since I love to weld stuff I would be more than happy to look at the header and take care of any holes it has. Ok I might have to trade some choc-chp cookies
You may be able to find a top kit for Big Olds. A lot of upholstery shops allude to making the top themselves, but what they do is install a kit. I got a ferocious quote for the top on my 32. It just didn't sound right for the amount of material required and the time involved. I found a top kit at Lebaron-Bonney for less than 1/3 what I was quoted at the shop. It took five easy days at two hours a day doing the installation. In fact, it was a pleasant job. An experienced upholstery shop person could probably do it in three - five hours. You do want to read the instructions a couple of times before you start. Lay the components out on a carpeted floor while you ID them. And if you have a long haired white cat, find somewhere else to lay the parts out. Keep the cat out of the garage after the top is on too. I used to find my cat asleep on the top every now and then and it was a total****** to get the long white hair off. A rolled up ball of masking tape is about the only thing that works. Driving it doesn't get rid of the cat hair either. Four hours at 75 didn't phase it. Anyway, after I got the top on, I saw a Model A roadster with top identical to mine, asked about it, it was installed at the high-quote shop. Turns out the A owner is cousin to the shop owner and he admitted they install the Lebaron-Bonney top kits as a regular thing. Tools required other than the usual -****uming the top goes onto wooden tack strips - either copper or aluminum carpet tacks of sufficient length. L-B has copper tacks. Don't use blued tacks, they'll rust on you. An air stapler is an excellent way to go if you're working alone. It allows you to get the top material drawn up tighter than you would with hammer and tack. A staple/tack remover is handy - get one at Sears or a Stanley from a hardware store. They're only a few bucks. Get a package of single edge razor blades - Harbor Freight ones are fine. There's more control with these than there is with a box cutter/razor knife. A real upholster's hammer is a help as well. Best piece of advice, really think about what you're cutting and what's under it once you get to the trim to size point.
well I'll take it to the next step. I'll cut the glass if we can get a HAMB relay to deliver it Denise, do you have any of the original frames or regulators? I have the patterns. just need to know what color we're talking CLEAR, FACTORY GREEN TINT, LIGHT BRONZE, LIGHT GRAY, MEDIUM GRAY, next she'll be ready for heat and air Jim Arnold "The Old Car Glass Guy" since 1965 Oldcarglassguy@aol.com
Roadstar; OR you could teach me how to weld so I could do it myself. I will then in turn teach you how to bake C9; yep, I've visited Lebaron-Bonney website many times lusting over what Big Olds needs. Maybe with a few guys help I may get the courage to try the installation myself. Thanks for all the hints. Much appreciated especially since it's coming from experience. OCGG; thats VERY kind of you. I do have all the window trim and power window regulators that I've had for years that I want to use. If I had to choose I guess I would prefer either the clear or one of the grey shades. I'm at a loss for words right now and that usually doesn't happen. This is alittle overwelming. Everyone has been so cool. Thanks
Forgot to mention Denise but if you need any FABrication work done I just might be able to help. You've been to my shop I think we could cover something simple. Let me know. Frank
OCGG; thats VERY kind of you. I do have all the window trim and power window regulators that I've had for years that I want to use. If I had to choose I guess I would prefer either the clear or one of the grey shades. I'm at a loss for words right now and that usually doesn't happen. Denise, your original glass is full framed,I've done a few chev converts where I did away with the frame and made tempered parts. really looks clean,and if the orignal frames are pitted or gone it might be the best way to go. This is alittle overwelming. Everyone has been so cool. Thanks [/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] your original glass is full framed,I've done a few chev converts where I did away with the frame and made tempered parts. really looks clean,and if the orignal frames are pitted or gone it might be the best way to go. [/ QUOTE ] I do have ALL the window trim and it is in decent shape. I had a couple of the pieces repaired after they were removed from the old glass. It is all actually sitting at the chrome platers right now waiting for the word go from me to be plated, which isn't going to happen any time soon. I've been thinking of picking them all up and painting them for now, till I can afford to have them finished the way I want, which is chromed. So I think, even though there are a few pits here and there and they aren't perfect, I think I'd like to use all the window trim, especially since the vent window trim is a must use. Because of the "kink" (dog leg?)in the top of the door, having a one piece side glass and eliminating the vent window, is near impossible without TONS of major fab work to the door. In reality, the only time the windows will actually be up is if it's raining or cold. So, I guess how they are going to look isn't a major concern, as long as they go up and down. Windows???!!!! I'm not going to know how to act! [ QUOTE ] Forgot to mention Denise but if you need any FABrication work done I just might be able to help. You've been to my shop I think we could cover something simple. Let me know. Frank [/ QUOTE ] Frank, your so funny "cover something simple" and modest. Yep, been to your shop and I bet you could make ANYTHING in that shop. Thanks for the offer. I 'll keep it in mind if I get stuck on something. Joe, thanks a bunch. Can't think of anything right now but if I do, I'll let you know. Your a sweetheart, TY. [ QUOTE ] I guess a blue tarp and roll of Duct tape is not fancy enough? I'll help. TZ [/ QUOTE ] and the cardboard kickpanels will probley be replaced with plywood! Shiny, Your offer warms my heart. Thank you so much but I really just need to get my***** in gear and get my own folding top bows done. I appreciate the offer, it means alot.
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