MTFCA Forum

Can someone please provide the measurement of the front top bow from the locking pin at the bottom of the iron to the top of the wood bow? Thank you!

Allen, I believe this is what you requested. It’s 25” from pin to beginning of bow. Tim

Yes Tim. That’s exactly what I was looking for.

And how many more inches to the top edge of the bow itself? From you photo, it looks like the top edge of the bow is about 34” or 35” as measured from the pin. Is that correct?

Thank you so much Tim.

I’ll measure tomorrow!

I measured about 36”. Tim

What about the heights of the two vertical Sockets (-the ones attached to the Top Support brackets) to the top of the Wood Bow? I have seen the picture floating around of the 1915 and newer Top measurements, but is the height on the 1914 the same as the 1915 & newer?

(There is nothing worse than a top that has the Bows too low in the sockets. It doesn't look right, and the top rubs your head! )

This info was published in Q&A section of Model T Times years back.

1913 Touring

Inside measure of all wood bows is 53”
Front #1 protrudes 6 ¼” from top of socket to top of bow
#2 protrudes 6 ½”
#3 protrudes 9”
Rear #4 protrudes 7”

Thanks Dan. Now here is where things are confusing to me. Tim above mentioned his #1 Top Socket was 25" in overall length. My new reproduction #1 Socket is 26" overall. (My 1915 Socket is 25"). Tim shows a measurement for the #1 Socket & Bow at a total length of 36". According to Dan's post, the amount of the bow protruding should be 6¼" ...which according to my math makes the total length of the #1 Socket & Bow assembly to be 32".

I have made a drawing based on dimensions from a new set of Mel Draper sockets. Maybe some 1913/14 Touring Owners can compare my drawing to their original sockets to verify the lengths are correct. If someone has the ability to check overall lengths of bows, then that would be a bonus. If we need to make revisions to this drawing, I will do so where someone can reference these in the future.

.

Here’s my summary - I have a 14 that came with what I believe to be the original top which has the complete and unbroken bows number 2, 3 and 4. Number 1 bow is broken which is where my focus has been in repairing correctly.

My number 1 sockets are 26.25”, which is pretty close to the 26” reported in other texts above - I’m aware that there were more than one manufacturer of tops so perhaps the .25” difference can be based on manufacturer differences?

But where the number one bow measurement reported in Brent’s attachment is at 6.25”, mine seems to be closer to 8” in height (from socket), which seems to be more than a manufacturing variance.

So I’m at a loss as to what is correct, based on my original top.

Any additional thoughts?

Alan,
An upholstery friend who helped me with my 1911 upholstery told me that, "within 1/4" is acceptable."

You will always be your own worst critic.
Keith

KWTownsend wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 10, 2026 12:08 am

Alan,
An upholstery friend who helped me with my 1911 upholstery told me that, "within 1/4" is acceptable."

You will always be your own worst critic.
Keith

In my line of work, I only wish that were always true Keith. The irony in the Restoration world is they either criticize the costs ...or the craftsmanship. If the 'budget' is there, -generally so if the craftsmanship.