MTFCA Forum

Happy new year everyone!

I'll get straight to the point. When I purchased my 1916 touring it had come with a set of top irons and bows. Assuming they were correct for the car, they sat in the corner for a while. Tonight, I looked over them more carefully as I am planning on doing the top soon, I realized they may not be correct for my car after all. I understand 15-16 sockets are oval and 18-22 are rectangular. My set definitely isn't oval. So my question is, will a 18-22 top fit on a 16? Please don't throw rocks at me for asking...


Thanks in advance,

Derrick

Derrick, the bows and irons that you have will fit your car. They are not correct, but will work. The earlier bows are one piece and are steam bent, while the later ones are curved steel with wood inserts. The replacement wood is available for both kinds, just make sure you purchase the later type of wood if it needs replacement.

If anyone asks, just tell them that sometime in the car's 104-year history, that the top was damaged after a tree fell on it, so the top got replaced! Most people, including a lot of T people, would not know the difference anyway. What will make you happy, factory or later replacement?

When in doubt, I look it up. The encyclopedia description doesn't go into great detail, but tells the basics.


I cheated and got a top with an incorrect roll-up rear for my 1915. I'm glad I did. It's nice having the shade with air circulation in hot weather.

John iaccino wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 16, 2022 7:44 am

Derrick, the bows and irons that you have will fit your car. They are not correct, but will work. The earlier bows are one piece and are steam bent, while the later ones are curved steel with wood inserts. The replacement wood is available for both kinds, just make sure you purchase the later type of wood if it needs replacement.

Thank you John, this is what I was hoping to hear. My set are curved with the metal tabs in the corner. If these work, I will just go with it and be sure to use the kit for 18-22.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 16, 2022 8:27 am

If anyone asks, just tell them that sometime in the car's 104-year history, that the top was damaged after a tree fell on it, so the top got replaced! Most people, including a lot of T people, would not know the difference anyway. What will make you happy, factory or later replacement?

You’re a absolutely right! It seems like this particular set had come off the car because there is leftover material on it.I did not clarify with the previous owner if it did or not. I am not picky on whether it is incorrect or not as long as it functions as covering my family and I with some shade. I will just go with the this set as i don’t have the luxury of finding the correct year at the moment.

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 16, 2022 11:35 am

When in doubt, I look it up. The encyclopedia description doesn't go into great detail, but tells the basics.


Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 10.22.39 AM.png


I cheated and got a top with an incorrect roll-up rear for my 1915. I'm glad I did.
IMG_4095 copy.JPG
It's nice having the shade with air circulation in hot weather.

I will probably get a roll top rear myself. It may not be correct, but at least the kids will have fun.