Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Hi all,

Restoring '29 std phaeton. Seat upholstery in good shape. Needs new top. Unlike the roadster, the phaeton top is stapled on at the rear tack bar.

2 issues:

1. I'm wondering whether to add hardware similar to the roadster, so that when the interior is done, I don't have to replace the top. I assume that I just put a seem on the bottom and add the hardware?

This car is a 'driver' not a show car, so I'm not really concerned that it is not as Henry built it.

2. The right side support post at the rear quarter is loose - whatever it screws into is broken. Is there any easy way to get at that piece without removing the stitching of the back seat and removing it to get at the broken piece? Does anyone have a picture of that part of the car without the seat in place?

Thanks!
Tom

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

When the top is up your allround visibility is much reduced . With no sidescreens fitted there is not much protection from the elements anyway.With this in mind although I do have a good used top and irons I have not fitted them . I use the car on sunny model A days and the windshield gives good shielding for the front seat passenger and driver . It was used for my nieces wedding and the bridesmaids were in the back and had their new hair do slightly tousled !!! I doubt that I will bother to put the top on I think the car looks well better without the bulky folded down top . Sadly you will have to pull things apart to repair the post . I have a pic somewhere but someone will have one of the area with no upholstery .

John in warm sunny morning Suffolk County England .

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

"Is there any easy way to get at that piece without removing the stitching of the back seat and removing it to get at the broken piece?"

Unfortunately not. I had to do it once for each side (at different times). There can be a bit of weight from the folded down top cantilevering that internal nut for the support rod.

I did change to a twist lock fastener at the tack rail (you will need to sew on an exetension panel) to make the top completely removable. Actually, I havent had the top on for two years, prefer the open air feeling and you can see a bit more in the rearview mirror when the folded top is not there.

Peace,
Phred

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Years ago I purchased a La Baron Boney top for my Phaeton. The edges didn't extend sufficiently and I asked an old timer upholstery man to extend them. He told me it would be easier to make a new top. He did that and I disposed of the LBB.
He also said unless I really wanted to lower the top it would always be better fitting to make it a fixed. I did this and I feel his advise was correct and am please I took it.

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

FWIW. I know this wanders away from the OP's question but.....
Many people who own Phaetons ruin the tops by leaving them folded down or even off the car. The top fabric is stretched pretty tight when fitted and if it is left down, it shrinks. Even over night can cause issues. If I put the top of mine down, I ALWAYS put it back up when I park it for the night.

Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

I’ve had several convertibles (none of which were Model A’s). I think this is true for most of them. Good tip.


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Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

The tournaq likewise shrinks if it is not fitted even for a couple of days.
Tourneq or Tournaq ???

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Tonneau. And yes, they do shrink.

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Thanks to all! I’ve been too distracted with just getting the car road-worthy (with no top on). It is fun!

Will be deciding about the top over the Winter...

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Winter will make up your mind for you.:D

Re: Pros and cons of removable Phaeton top?
 

Try this....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1928-1929-F...8AAOSwn8dfkaz2