32 roadster top bows

[Carl]

I need a set of top bows for a 32 roadster. Who makes/sells a quality set?, thanks.

[Krylon32]

Oak Bows 717-264-2602

[Highboy34]

Oak Bows X2.

[DavidG]

I'm not sure that there is an alternative to Oak Bows except perhaps in laminated bows.

Beware, however, as Oaks Bows does not provide any of the attachment holes in the bows and their bows are generally thicker than the originals. The location of the bows on the irons is obviously generally dictated by the interfacing curvatures of the bows and irons, but that's only reliable to plus or minus around a half an inch. Having either the #2 or #3 bow too high or too low on the irons can have a material effect on the fit and appearance of the finished top and affect the fit of the side curtains. If you have the original bows, be sure and hold on to them for the purpose of locating the attaching holes on the new bows.

[Carl]

Thats interesting info on the bow thickness issue. I installed a Lebaron Bonney top on my Phaeton 2 years ago using Oak Bows bows. They came with the screw hole locations marked( I bought the bows ~10 years ago) and I used those marked locations. When my upholstery shop installed the top, it fit well except at the rear on each side, it would not pull down enough(~ 1/2" too short). Tried to stretch & pull on material, but no luck. I could have moved the rear bow down, but it would have exposed the lower screw hole(now unused). I think David hit on the problem(bow thickness). I did'nt have old bows to compare. Live & learn, even @ 76!

[Krylon32]

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I've never had problems with Oak Bows because my upholstery guy has always built the top covers from scratch.

[DavidG]

Good point, but even a top covering made from scratch to fit will not avoid the problem of oversized bows in the appearance of the finished top.


As for the markings on the Oak Bows bows, I've found them to be randomly misplaced compared to the holes in original bows, which I go to great lengths to save whenever possible.

[supereal]

Most replacement bows. particularly the header bow, have to be fitted carefully to assure good operation and appearance in most open cars. Some models have bows that swivel in the rear and these must move freely. Without the original bows, fitting the new ones is a challenge.

[Krylon32]

I must confess, all my past tops have been on hot rod 32's with the top bows and irons cut and fit to my liking.