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Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:02 pm
by Angmar
Hello guys,

thought I would work on the bows today and I discovered some things that don't make sense. Mostly they look like 18 roadster parts but as you can see when set up there is something not right. Note the middle bow has to tabs but only one will allow the bows to rest correctly when folded up. In the position shown there would be no room to enter and exit.
Also the center bow should measure 17.5"from the body at the pin but only measures 11.5" otherwise everything else seems to be close. Thoughts?

thanks

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:22 pm
by R.V.Anderson
The front socket assembly should have two pins in the ends that fit into the upper hole on the upright socket. The pins should each be drilled for a key strap which holds them in the hole when in the upright position. The position that the front socket is in now is correct for when they are folded, or "stacked," as Ford called it.

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:28 pm
by Angmar
Ok so if I move the front bow up to the top hole it will work when open but not sit in the little support nubs when closed, is this correct?

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 9:12 pm
by R.V.Anderson
To fold the top, you pull out the key strap, then remove the front bow assembly from the upper hole and place it in the lower hole, then replace the key strap and drop the whole works down onto the saddles.

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 9:14 pm
by Norman Kling
That's why it's called a "2 man" top. When you put the top down you need to move both sides from the top hole to the bottom hole then it will fit together when the top is down. One man can do it, but it is very easy to scratch up the car because you really need 3 or more hands to do it easily.
Norm

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:02 pm
by Angmar
Thank you guys, new stuff to me. I appreciate the information. I do have the original pins and everything seems to function well.

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 11:24 pm
by Erik Johnson
1918 through 1922 roadster tops have square sockets and do not utilize leather straps with t-head cotter pins, or "key straps" as R.V. Anderson called them.

Instead, they utilize these clips/pins which slide up and down the socket:

https://www.modeltford.com/item/3314CSB.aspx

I do see what appears to be the above clip in Mark Bailey's photos.

Note that with round sockets used through the 1917 model year, the pins on the bottom of the sockets face outward and enter the corresponding eyelet from the inside. Pins on the bottom of the 1918-22 square sockets face inward and enter the corresponding eyelet from the outside.

Hope what I wrote above makes sense to you.

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:05 am
by R.V.Anderson
Erik is correct. I'm accustomed to dealing with the earlier sockets which use the straps. I apologize for causing any confusion.

I don't see the clip; your eyes must be better than mine.

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:08 am
by Erik Johnson
Arrow pointing at clip....

Re: Top bows-what do I have here?

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 12:17 pm
by Angmar
I am always amazed at the knowledge here and thankful for the help.