MTFCA Forum

I have removed the fabric from the roof of my 1927 coupe. I plan to replace the wood, but after looking at it I would like to get comments regarding reusing it. Here are some photos.

More photos.

Here is a video showing another owner (not me) saving his top wood:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKP4JvyUB9Y

Bruce, I have rebuilt a few T's and that top wood looks good enough for another 100 years!

Agree, it looks sound, I would reuse.

A coupe more photos. The two with the screw driver show splits in the bow. I believe I could repair these by glue and placing two small bolts thru the bow. The splits are in the two center bows. The other two are fine.

I'd use my Ryobi brad nailer for the splits (w glue). Glue toothpick old screw holes & then seal with Minwax Wood Hardner. The wood you have fits!

Replace the split bow with new wood. It is not steam bent, just cut with a band saw.

I would cut one on the band saw also for the cracked ones, trace a good one or clamp the original for a trace and cut some wood. Years ago when I did a couple of these rebuilds I made extra sets,once the saw is set up for it they are easy to make an extra and it helps pay for your wood in yours, some one always wants new wood!

By all means. Re-use it. Anytime anything original on your Model T can be reused, please reuse it. It was made by the hands of Ford workers on the assembly line and has traveled with this car, through all the historical events that have transpired for the last 95 years and should not be replaced just because it is old. Like most everything on your car, That wood looks great and no matter how good you are with a saw, you will likely not get the exact same curvature and will most likely wind up with a dip or a lump at the replaced slat and it will be worse if the wood you use twists or warps over time. Even the cracks of the old wood can be repaired stronger than new with today’s super strong yellow wood glues such as Titebond-bond. Without splitting the crack open more, gently open the crack with a sharp pointed tool such as a chisel and, with an air compressor equipped with a blower, blow the glue deep into the crack and clamp tight with a Jorgensen (two screw) wood clamp then with a damp rag, wipe off what squeezes out. You are dealing with a historical artifact and each piece tell a story of the men who made her. Jim Patrick

For my nickel...I'd reuse it....complete...I've done so with worse!!!

Do yourself a favor...buy an inexpensive tack puller kit on Amazon. Yeah, you can pull them with needle nose...you can use a mini pry bar...but until you have tried a real tack puller...you ain't lived yet !

Yellow glue, not white...

And I'd buy a box of rolled wood toothpicks, dip them in glue, and plug every nail hole I could get a point in...let it dry, break them off...a quick rub with a sanding block...

Also, if you find a dent in the wood, a wet washcloth and borrowing the missus iron set on steam will make most dents and divits disappear....

Good as new!

I took the advice given and I am going use the existing wood, except for the four ribs.

Attached are photos of the new ribs which I just received from Jeff Humble. He made them using original drawings. They are excellent. I really appreciate him doing that for me!