re-holstering 1926 touring

[Jonah D'Avella]

Is it possible to get the pattern for the cloth for the canopy and the seats for a 26 touring? I am in the process of restoring a 26 touring and I have access to someone who can make what I need if they have a pattern.

[Dan_Jensen]

The top kits from the vendors are a good value for what is included in the kit. There is more to the top than just the roof covering, there is a lot of small pieces, straps, trim and fasteners. Most of the time the top pads are not included with the kit, and you do need them. The only thing that I have bought from Mac's is the top when they were having a good sale.
If your upholster has experience in doing a top on a car they should be able to make a pattern. The roof deck is made from 3 pieces, 2 triangular pieces stitched to a full width center piece of vinyl. The rear curtain is again 3 piece with the center being a trapezoid, with the top of the seams aligning with the seams on the deck. The bottom of the seams align with the body beads.

Here is a good video of installing a top kit on a 23-25 which is similar to your 26. It shows all of the small detail pieces that make for a good top install.

https://youtu.be/24PVyCfqQhU

Good luck with your project.

[Humblej]

Jonah, there is a lot involved in doing a good top and upholstery, one of the variables is experience. Someone who does not have patterns does not have any experience with model T upholstery, I would stay away from them. Find someone who has done lots of model T's and has pictures and or satisfied customers that you can visit and see their work. There are some great upholstery kit suppliers out there that have done the research, have patterns from originals, and use the right methods and materials. Upholstery kit installation is fun and rewarding. I did my first model T upholstery kit installation at age 16, its one of my favorite restoration things to do.

By the way there are some subtle differences between the 1926 touring and the1927 touring upholstery.

[Jonah D'Avella]

Can you get second hand kits?

[Dan_Jensen]

I sent my old top to Don Allen for his car that is being preserved with patina. Maybe someone that is replacing a top on a 26-27 would send you their old one to get you by for a while. Keep posting about your progress on the car, and someone may send you what you need to keep going. Model T people are very kind when it comes to helping young people restore a car. If there is a local club you should definitely join that as there would be a lot of help there.