top bows and sockets

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Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring,1913 Delivery and 1917 Roadster
Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Fri Sep 11, 2020 2:26 pm

Hello, I recently aquired a 1917 Roadster with the front top bow broken off in the socket. what "fasteners" hold the wood bow in the socket and also what is best method to remove the wood ? Thank You

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Steve Jelf
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by Steve Jelf » Fri Sep 11, 2020 3:07 pm

Looking at top sockets here, I see two rivets in each one to hold in the bow. You have to grind off the ends and punch them out.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring


Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
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Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Fri Sep 11, 2020 10:12 pm

Hi Steve, thank U 4 Your reply...I have examined the socket , I can not find any rivet type fastener on the socket . again..thank U 4 Your reply


Erik Johnson
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by Erik Johnson » Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:29 am

1917 roadsters and tourings have round top sockets.

After the wood bow is inserted into the socket, there is a single nail that goes through the socket and into the wood bow.

I have posted photos in this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11380&p=85110&hilit ... ail#p85110

Note: on the roadster top bows I posted, the nails are on the top or front of the first two sockets and on the bottom or rear of the third socket.

However, on my dad's 1917 touring, the nails are on the outer sides of the sockets.


R.V.Anderson
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by R.V.Anderson » Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:57 am

What Eric said. The oval wooden bows' ends are tapered to fit tightly into the tapered socket all by themselves, and the tack is intended to be a safety measure.


R.V.Anderson
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by R.V.Anderson » Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:57 am

"Erik" not Eric. I apologize.


Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring,1913 Delivery and 1917 Roadster
Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:32 pm

Many thank you 2 Mr. Jeff, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Anderson for all Your help...Your knowledge just made my project easier to deal with ! Would anybody happen to have a top bow that would fit on a 1917 roadster ? I am also looking for a complete top assembly to fit a 1913 touring. Thank You


Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
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Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:33 pm

sorry..Mr. Jelf...


Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring,1913 Delivery and 1917 Roadster
Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:35 pm

sorry..Mr. Jelf...

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Oldav8tor
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by Oldav8tor » Wed Sep 16, 2020 3:06 pm

You've got to forget the "Mr." stuff....those guys will get big heads and be impossible to deal with.

You can buy bent Oak bows from the vendors like Langs and Snyders for a reasonable cost. If you want a laminated bow (more $$) contact Jonathon Anderson <jpautowood@gmail.com>. I bought a complete set of bows for my '17 Touring from Jonathan and they are top quality. You'll need to use a spoke shave and sander to taper the ends to fit the sockets. Jonathan puts a pencil mark on them showing how far they need to go into the socket.

As to getting the old wood out....whatever works. I got a few to come out by taking the socket, turning it upside down and whacking the open end on a board or the like. I had a friend drill a hole in some with a long drill bit then glue a dowel into the hole - pulling it out when it dried. Use your imagination.

One suggestion, after cleaning out the old wood you might want to consider filling the section of the socket below the bow with pourable epoxy. It seals and strengthens the socket. You can drill and tap it for a machine screw to hold the little leather straps with the T head cotter pins.

Good luck!

BTW - which state are you in?
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


Allan
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by Allan » Wed Sep 16, 2020 5:43 pm

Often the tack/rivet deforms the socket and raises a pinchpoint into the wood. If you can't budge it I have resorted to the following on some well used sockets. I used a torch to heat socket enough to well char the timber within. Once it has been burnt, it is easier to work them loose and withdraw them. the heat also liberates some of the internal rust in the socket. This is something drastic if you have a nice set of sockets, but if needs be, .....

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.


KeithG
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by KeithG » Wed Sep 16, 2020 8:55 pm

Tim, Steven Meudt is in Dodgeville, WI.

Keith
'14 Touring, '26 Roadster Pickup, '27 Fordor, '27 Touring
Motto: It's hard to build a garage that's tooooo big! :D


Topic author
1913Oscar
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:11 am
First Name: Steven
Last Name: Meudt
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Touring,1913 Delivery and 1917 Roadster
Location: Dodgeville
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: top bows and sockets

Post by 1913Oscar » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:13 pm

Thanks Guys...ok i'll drop the "Mr." part HAHA ...i got the sockets cleaned out as You suggested......i plan on doing the "go over" on the bows and top late winter ...i may be getting back to You then when SHTF !! LOL


DHort
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Re: top bows and sockets

Post by DHort » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:36 pm

Steve

I think everyone here knows Mr Jelf as Steve or Mr Jeff. He is use to being called Mr Jeff.

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