MTFCA Forum

Howdy,

I have a 1913 Runabout, the vendors do not sell a top for this car, suggestion was to try a 1914 Runabout top. Has anyone any knowledge/experience with a 1913 Runabout top and trying the 1914 top?

I thought about CarTouche making me a 1914 and leaving extra material along the outer edges, can have my local upholstery shop fit, sew and install, unless a 1914 Runabout would fit OK?

Thanks in advance

I think it would fit OK, but there are some features unique to the '13 top, such as the curvy flap at the top rear sides, that the '14 doesn't have. Larry Smith would know; he is an expert on '13 tops, both touring and roadster.

I hope Larry notes this thread and provides some insight. I have a ‘13 runabout and it’s a nice older restoration; I never questioned the authenticity of the top work, mostly because I’m not knowledgeable enough to assess the fine points. I’d like to know just for the sake of knowing the difference between a’13 and a ‘14.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1304302682

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1305566416

Mark,

Thanks for the links to some interesting reading...

RV Thanx for your input, aswell as Rich.

I'm no expert, but I did copy the original top exactly from my car. A '14 top would probably work, but is not correct if you are into authenticity. My cars top came out fine, and still has the original wood bows too. I placed original common sense fasteners in the correct locations as well.
The top was completed before I restored the car, so there are a lot of features that are not correct. The car is now restored, and I received a first place trophy with it at a recent AACA Western National Meet. If I had not have bought the blue paint previously, I would not have painted the car blue. There was no evidence anywhere on this car that it was ever blue. Everything was black.

Had the pleasure of seeing this T at the recent AACA meet in Fallbrook CA and actually used it for a judges training seminar. Nice job on it and thanks again for your willingness to allow some judges to learn about it.
Terry

Larry,

Thanks for you input and pictures, I am not into having my car judged and as for Authenticity, I'm OK with the top looking good and being functional. I will try a 1914 top, unless, there are plans that show the correct measurements for a 1913 Top. Possibly I could get a copy and send them off to Cartouche and have them make a period correct 1913 Roadster Top, as I was told they DO NOT HAVE A PATTERN to produce the top from.

Hey Joe - have you talked with Mike at Classtique about a top ?

Steve, no I haven't called them as I was told by a vendor, they do not have plans for the 1913 Runabout, that's why they do not sell for 1913 Runabout?

I could call them direct and see what they can do, Cartouche stated they would work with me, I could try a 1914 and they would be willing to make a top off the differences I might find. It would be great if I could find a pattern they could work off of and create a top for the 1913 Runabout, I'm willing to work with anyone and vendor. I would like a period correct looking top if at all possible.

Take a look at the second attachment posted by Mark Strange. It should answer a lot of questions for anyone doing research on a 1913, including the top for the roadster. One thing I would like to share, is the common sense fasteners for the side curtains were placed into the bow drill before being sewn into the top and rear corner pieces.

Steve,

I just got off the phone with Mike of Classtique, he does actually make a top off original pattern that he has, so thank you for suggesting him.

It's amazing the vendors say NO to anyone making one, it's actually on Classtique's website and catalog that they make one, I learned something new today, as well as a new contact and friend.

Thanks everyone for your comments, really appreciate it

WOW! Sure does look SWEET Larry!

Hank

You are most welcome Joe - Mike's a good guy !