MTFCA Forum

Does the turtle deck on a 14 Ford roadster have a sheet metal panel fit inside the turtle deck that coves the opening between the turtle deck and body?

Thank you, Craig

I know the 1915 does. I believe the 1914 does as well.

Thank you, Craig

Yes. They do and my ‘14 runabout does

14 thru mid 22 Roadsters had the sheet metal back in the turtle decks. The change came in early 23 models. Somebody on the forum probably knows for sure.

Here are some photos of an early trunk deck I have. hope they help. Darryl

My '13 runabout has a sheet metal panel that starts at the tack strip on the back of the body and goes all the way to the rear sill. All one piece.

Thank you everybody, you all have been a big help.
Craig

Darryl, thanks so much for posting those photos. Many turtles are found with all that removed making it hard to know what was there.
Rich

The originals were spot welded into place at the top and sides. Nailed of course on the bottom. I tack-brazed mine I made into place since I don't have a spot welder.
Turtle decks as with bodies were produced by several companies. They varied somewhat in details and materials from one manufacturer to another. I can see some variations between the one Darryl B posted photos of and mine, also one I borrowed from a good friend to copy that front panel from to replace my missing panel.
Also, a lot of these turtle deck/trunks had a wooden floor as shown in the photos. A few originals I have seen did not have that floor, nor any sign that it ever did, just the wooden framework around the outer sides and front. Bolted down, the body's rear deck is the only floor in the trunk.