I know yall will laugh, but I am new to the older stuff and I am curious. I have seen many pictures of 29-31 or so Chevy and Ford tudor sedans. I think this is the style I want to put my Hemi in. I even went to look at a 31 Chevy tudor sedan not long ago. It was only all of the body panels plus the top, but no frame. Anyway, my question revolves around the top. I have seen these cars seem to come with an "open" top design of some sort. I have seen where some people "fill" the top in permanently. What's with those tops? What came there originally? Was it wood? Was it some sorta material that rolled back revealing a "sunroof" so to speak. Will someone edjeekate me please? Thank you.
It wasn't until the mid- thirties, with the Hamilton- type presses, that the car makers were able to press a roof panel as one big steel panel. Hence the curved steel panels on each side, plus front & rear, along with a wood, wire & fabric insert panel, as you will find on the tudor sedans you favour.
here is a good site that shows you how it was done originally, at least for the fords http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/roofinstall-1.htm
This isn't the answer to your question but since you are new I thought I should throw out the fact that you consider the amount of wood in Ford vs Chevy. The Chevy can turn out to be a real project for that reason. Charlie Stephens
I was offered a good price on a mid 30-s Chevy 2 door sedan. When I looked at close I saw that the doors have a wood frame and a steel skin. The doors were out of shape and way too much work. I bought a model A coupe instead.
Yes, that is a good point about the Chevy. Thanks Charlie for bringing that up. I had the opportunity to see a 31 Chevy sedan recently. It was apart in sections with no frame. I saw the remains of the wood. What was there was in good shape and I am sure someone with more skills could make something out of it.....but it was not for me. I can weld and do most anything, but being disabled I do have my limitations now.....plus I want to be able to finish something in my lifetime. So then I take it that the Fords of that era do not have all the wood? I sorta was originally wanting a truck of some sort....but ever since I looked at that Chevy I really love the sedan look. I know what I am going to end up with.....it will be the first solid thing within the year range I want that I can afford. Quickly as this stuff is disappearing, I cannot be picky. I may even end piecing something together. I thought "rat rod" but since I found my Hemi, I cannot in good conscience rat up a Hemi or anything it might go into, so traditional it is.
You are going to find some wood in all of the Fords. It will be used for top bows (except for the all steel roofed late '31 trucks), floor boards and tack strips for the upholstery. This is about all of the wood you will find in coupes, roadsters, 2 door sedans and trucks. You will find a lot of structural wood in fordor sedans (except the late '31 slant window), Victorias. I am not sure about the rest of the body styles. If you want more detail you might ask in the Model A section of fordbarn.com. Charlie Stephens
There are no stupid newby questions, thats what this was set up for ask away dammit!!! and thats a order one, thing shut up and listen
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