Posted By |
Discussion Topic:
Convertible tops
|
|
flathead48 |
10-31-2013 @ 5:19 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
|
Has anyone had any experience with M&T mfg in south Kingstown, RI. Good or bad! Thanks
|
ford38v8 |
10-31-2013 @ 10:40 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 2758
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Nope, This is the Fordbarn, not the VW barn Alan Edit!!!! Oops! This is the V8 Forum!
This message was edited by ford38v8 on 10-31-13 @ 6:56 PM
|
supereal |
10-31-2013 @ 2:46 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
We use only the LeBaron Bonney tops. They come with all the pads, etc. Excellent materials and workmanship. Unless you have installed one before, have a good trim shop do the job. Even then, it is hard to beat the pros, as fitting and tensioning the top requires considerable skill.
|
trjford8 |
10-31-2013 @ 6:14 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
|
The Fordbarn?
|
flathead48 |
11-01-2013 @ 1:14 PM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
|
Supereal thanks for the response. I did install a lb on my 48, was not happy with the way it held up. Caught in the rain a couple of times and ended up with light spots on the tan outside and stain rings on the inside, To ford38v8 I guess I don't understand your reply. I certainly know which site I am on but thanks for pointing it out
|
supereal |
11-05-2013 @ 12:58 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
I've had an LB top on my '47 for over 15 years with no leaks or stains. It is likely that whomever installed the top did a poor job of attaching it to the bows, or the bows were not covered, and the flapping against the top damaged the fabric. Convertible tops are only as good as the skill of the installer. We always have a good local trim shop do them. One wrong cut or bad tacking can turn the top into junk.
|
flathead48 |
11-06-2013 @ 3:16 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
|
Thanks Supereal, installation was not the problem, color actually bleached out of top from getting wet. Turned light grey in places. Between front bow and 1st metal bow a large ring stain like water got between the layers of material. Maybe the stay fast is better than the hertzs cloth. Thanks again
|
supereal |
11-06-2013 @ 6:45 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
As water entered between the plies at the front I'd suspect that either the header bow is warped, the rubber seals are at fault, or the top wasn't securely tacked to the header. That part of the top is subjected to lots of wind pressure. My convertible has a Hartz top, and has never leaked. We almost always replace and carefully fit the header because most have some deterioration, making a water tight joint questionable. Of course, it is possible the top, itself, was defective, and separated.
|
Grant |
11-07-2013 @ 8:48 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 535
Joined: Oct 2009
|
We obtained a really nice black convertible top for our 1951 Meteor (same top as a Ford) from Kee Auto Top in Charlotte NC. The installation was done six years ago by an excellent trimmer. It fits and folds very well, and shows almost no wear. There is a Kee website showing their products......many different patterns including a lot of early Ford V8s.
Grant
|
flathead48 |
11-09-2013 @ 3:07 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
|
Thanks Grant will look into their product line
|