Curve in Rear Belt Rail

[SurveyKing]

Years ago the wood in my 1924 touring was replaced, now during a second restoration I am trying to understand if the rear center belt rail piece is supposed to curve inward towards the center of the body. Logic tells me that it should not, but mine does by approx 1/4 inch in the center. I need some help here to find out how it is supposed to be so I can correct it before putting in the upholstery if necessary, thanks

After painting same rail

. [/size][/b]

After painting same rail

Before painting

[CudaMan]

Not exactly the same, but my 1925 touring body with a new wood kit bows out a bit the other way from yours.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

No, it shouldn't bow inwards. Some bodies have no bow. My dad always stated that '25 bodies were supposed to bow slightly outward, versus previous years that belong straight. I don't know what his source was for that info however.

[R.V.Anderson]

FWIW, I have the drawing for the earlier (1915-20 style) body rear seat center trim rail, part #T-8371B, total length 36-5/16", and it emphasizes that the center section of the piece is straight. The same with the front seat center trim rail, only it's shorter.

[SurveyKing]

Hi RV, I suspect your brother has the drawings for a center rear belt rail for a 23-24 Touring. I'll give him a call, maybe he can make that one piece for me.

[George Hand]

I am enjoying viewing these pictures they will come handy when I start to put together my '23, Thank you

[CudaMan]

Note the difference in the rear belt rail for my 1925. The sheet metal rear panel has a right angle flange that the smaller cross section wood tack rail sits on. Oddly, the front seat rear belt rail on my 1925 does not have a flange, and it uses the larger wood tack rail, same as the 1923 and 1924 cars.

[SurveyKing]

Problem solved! I removed the center belt rail and turned it around front to back and reinstalled. Works perfectly, now I believe it to have been installed incorrectly years ago. Thanks everyone and the MTFCA Forum