32 ford roadster
 

anybody ever chop the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original parts. thank you.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

No one on this site ever did that (recently, or will admit it). You should try your question on HAMB, https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

Charlie Stephens

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

hello, has anyone ever chopped the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original top irons. can i use the original canvas. what did they do in the old days. also how do i lay sancions back thank you.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Yes, I chopped my original irons.....the side irons from the hoops to the screen frame need lengthening....the top bows need narrowing slightly to prevent the " starving cow" effect when viewed from behind.The top irons were chopped bit by bit until I got the right look with a 3.25" chopped screen.the wooden bows were shortened and re shaped to suit.

Sorry no pictures as they are all in my old PC and I can't access them.The look I was after, and got was based on Mark Mortens stunning deuce on the HopUp poster.

Good luck and show us pictures if you get around to it.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Can you show us some pictures of the top on the car?

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

With the value of original 1932 parts (if they are in fact original), most folks would purchase the aftermarket top irons & windshield frame for chopping. Chopping original stuff is like throwing money away.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Some years back they actually made a chopped top for a '32. If I remember right it was cut 2" and was sold by LeBaron-Bonney. I think Girtz Industries was the supplier. they also made repo bumpers. Girtz Industries still exists , but t does not appear that they are still doing old car parts. Might be worth a call though. Google "Girtz Industries" for the history of the company

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

I just looked at Brookville's catalog and they show Model A parts but they MUST have '32 set ups too.

https://brookvilleroadster.com/store...ons-and-woods/

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

For my avatar, I bought Repro 2" chopped windshield and stainless steel top irons and sold my originals. Wouldn't ever cut the originals. But I am not a patina guy so trying to make a car built today to look like it was built in the 40s was never in the plan.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Simply cutting the main arm and lengthening the front arm will result in the irons fouling the door opening when lowered. See pix.


It is possible with a much more complex modification of the geometry to avoid fouling the door opening. See pix of my prototype mockup.


Yes, I am working on these (slowly). My intent is to offer them in standard black, deluxe polished stainless main arm/golden beryl upper works, or all polished stainless. Watch the "New Products" thread.


Karl Wescott
Wescott's Auto

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Photos

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Please don't cut originals.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1578419189

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1578419189

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1578419189

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Fiberglass body. Are those irons even real.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

Are they real? Yes. Are they originals? No.

Karl was illustrating what needs to be done to the top irons to accommodate a chopped windshield. Whether he showed originals or reproductions is irrelevant to the modification being shown.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

The cross sections of the steel suggest that they are reproductions.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

I wouldn't cut the original '32 roadster top. I'd put it away and make a new one. I have an original top on my dad's '32 roadster that I inherited. It's a highboy flathead roadster. It looks stupid with the stock top on it but there is just no way I would ever have the heart to cut it up. I took it off and put the top away. I figure it's a highboy roadster, so it doesn't need a top at all. My dad was a restorer and kind of screwed me up about leaving stuff stock. I can't bring myself to do stuff that requires butchery. I love hot rods; the cars I'm building I try to not drills holes and chop stuff up so they could always be put back stock if someone wanted to.

I did buy an unfinished chopped '32 3-window, that car the damage has already been done to it, so I don't feel guilty about it. I would never have had the heart to have chopped it myself. I also bought a running '29 roadster to make a flathead V8 highboy out of it. I just can't bring myself to do it. I've decided to make a full fender pre-war hot rod out of it with a 4-banger, with an original Winfield head on it. I might even put 16" wires on it; I have a few sets laying around here.

My dad was a restorer, everything had to be stock down to the original bolts. This is a '29 Station Wagon he was working on. He had several Model A's before switching to Flathead V8's. So I have mixed feeling about stock versus hot rods, I love them both.

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1752850085

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1752850085

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1752850085

Re: 32 ford roadster
 

I completely understand your pain as I’m in a similar position with an original 1932 roadster windshield frame and 32 original pheaton top irons.
Unfortunately finding a chopped top irons like you’re looking for are available or make your own. As you have the original pattern and it’s just metal. I’m sure there is a market for your original irons.