'29 Roadster Pic

[amboydian]

'29 Roadster (Style 76A) Pickup


I am in need of replacing the top on my 1929 Roadster (Style 76A) pickup that I inherited. I was originally going to just redo the material, but when I started looking at searches for pictures of what it should look like, I became confused. There seems to a lot of variation with this model's top! So, basically where can I find pictures or description of what Henry actually had coming off the line?


More specifically, I am now questioning the top irons and bows that are on it (or lack of): I understand from those that are more knowledgeable than me, the correct top was not folding and no one make the irons (or bows) anymore. I also understand that folding ones can work based off of other '29 models (i.e Roadster?), and can be purchased for a fair amount of money. Those would seem to be a problem with folding (which I am not necessarily needing/wanting that feature) in my situation, with nothing to fold it onto and with my staked side rails on my pickup.


In addition, I have been told that on the original ones, there was no diagonal brace going from just behind the door up to the upper back iron (which all the folding retro ones seem to have). If there is not that metal brace, how is the top braced with more or less just a fixed back and with the top on it. Some pictures seem to maybe show a round leather strap in that same diagonal place (similar to horseless carriage front straps used to hold those tops on). ??? Additionally, there was a prior post (8/30/13) in this forum from John Page showing an dated original B&W photo that had those metal diagonals. ?? The caption says in those model years the top was identical to the Roadsters.


My moto is "if it needs to be replaced, might as well do it the way it should be." I am having difficulty with that moto on this project. By the way, I am not needing a show car to be judged, just what should it look like?

Thanks for your expert knowledge for those that are definitely more knowlegeable than me! So, again, are there any books describing the top or pictures that would clear up my confusion. Thanks for your help!

[mercman from oz]

1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pick-Up

[Joe K]

The caption says in those model years the top was identical to the Roadsters.

Identical in appearance perhaps, but not "foldable."

I don't believe it was possible to "fold down" the RPU top. You might "remove" it in its entirety, perhaps by undoing fasteners, but you'll have to "refasten" it in place when it rains.

Some DO replace the top with a Roadster car type top - which can be folded and usually includes a "boot" to cover. I don't believe it is a "one for one" replacement. You end up with a "hybrid."

I don't and haven't owned an RPU - but Dad did during WWII (The $25 Car) and commented on the non-foldable top.

Joe K

[katy]

This one didn't have a top when I bought it, circa 1960. It had been sitting outside for years. And, no, I don't still have it. That's me, sitting on the running board.

[rotorwrench]

The 1928/29 open cabs were set up with a fairly simple frame. The top material was fixed to the nail strip at the back of the cab so it wasn't removable or foldable. Some owners fit them with snap or turn lock fasteners on the back edge so that the top can be removed. Some fabricate custom tops that are foldable but they are more of a sport top since there is no provision for a folded top to set on in the back. It can be done but it's just not original. Technically, these pickups are not a roadster but just an open cab truck. Folks have called them roadster pickups for so long that the reference stuck.

[Marshall V. Daut]

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"That's me, sitting on the running board."

Why, you young whippersnapper! Stop snapping your whipper!

Were we EVER that young???
Marshall

[ronn]

The roadster and rpu are different in size and as stated, the rpu doesnt fold, but is fixed.


If you wtd to go to a fold down, the frames are generic and for sale on ebay for 400.


its a make it fit top, that rodders often buy.


if you want to sell your top- I can use it if youre on the east coast. LOL

[ronn]

rpu top frame

[Randy in ca]

Here's some more pictures including a couple of the ones that Mac's used to sell:

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