1935 vinyl roof insert installation

[35 coupe]

I bought a LB top kit, and was wondering if you put the metal screen back on the wood bows or not. LB instructions do not show it, will it make a difference with-out it, with out the support between the bows. Thanks. HAPPY 4 th of July.

[rotorwrench]

"Chicken Wire" wasn't used on all applications. Some used a heavy cotton duck type material like is used on tarps to keep the shape. Some trimmers kept using the wire to keep the shape years after Ford quit using it so you might find it on a later top if it was redone.

[JM 35 Sedan]

35 Coupe, did I send you instructions on installing a '35/'36 soft top some time ago? You probably already know this but I'll mention anyway, besides providing support and helping hold things in place, the chicken wire also serves as the antenna for a radio.

[HenryCarl]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

35 Coupe, did I send you instructions on installing a '35/'36 soft top some time ago? You probably already know this but I'll mention anyway, besides providing support and helping hold things in place, the chicken wire also serves as the antenna for a radio.

John, I just found your note. Do you still have instructions to replace the rubber roof insert? I also have a '35...Stand Coupe. Thank you. If you need my email: [email protected]

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by HenryCarl

John, I just found your note. Do you still have instructions to replace the rubber roof insert? I also have a '35...Stand Coupe. Thank you. If you need my email: [email protected]

HenryCarl, Just happened to stumble onto this post this morning. Unfortunately, those top installation instructions are filed (lost) somewhere on my old computer.

[hotstuff1143]

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does anyone have the instructions for replacement of the vinyl roof of the 35 4dr.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by hotstuff1143

does anyone have the instructions for replacement of the vinyl roof of the 35 4dr.

Should be the same as the coupe only bigger.

[hotstuff1143]

Thank you for posting the instructions.
If any one know what kind of material i could use that would be great.

[rich b]

Originally Posted by hotstuff1143

Thank you for posting the instructions.
If any one know what kind of material i could use that would be great.

I cut strips from PVC boards for the small tack strips and riveted them into the channel. Poultry wire from the hardware store, heavy fabric over the wire to support the padding, padding over the fabric, and topping material over that followed by the retainer strip.

Light canvas is normally used over the wire: I used heavy sign/banner/billboard material instead of wire last couple times; this material could also be used over wire if using it as an antenna. I used foam as padding; but cotton or polyester batting is commonly used also. I used marine vinyl for the topping; more original type material is (or used to be) available from the Model A parts dealers. I used Carpenter's rubber retainer strip.

[keith oh]

Also that "Chicken wire" was used as a hidden radio antenna with a lead wire fastened to it and running down the left corner post. Many people , includeing me, would like to have that very difficult to find fitting on the end of that lead. "page 136 of the 1935-1936 Early Ford V/8 club book"

[TJ]

I checked page 136 of the 35-36 Ford book and the only thing I see on that page is body styles. Are you looking for the plug that fits into the side of the radio that is about 1 1/4" in diameter and has the six holes to connect the speaker, etc? If so I have one.

[keith oh]

Sorry, the page is 129. The plug I am speaking of is the one on the end of the antenna wire which comes direct from the chicken wire antenna. Thanks for noteing my mistake on page #.

[jkflathead]

I am just wondering if anyone knows how to find that lead that goes into the radio from the chicken wire. I need one as well. I also would like to know how the chicken wire is attached. Is it anchored to the tack trip and to the wood? Thanks. John

[deuce lover]

Don't believe it should touch the tack strip and stapled to the wood

[Ken Arms]

I'm about to do a top as well, any pics out there of the installation? Ken

[TagMan]

Here's a few pics I took when my buddy & I dissasembled the soft top on my '36 3W coupe. Should be the same as a '35. I haven't gotten to the point of reassembly yet, so no pictures. Sorry, this is NOT a tutorial, but one or two of the pics might be of use to you.
In no particular order:

top bows and headliner1 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal7 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal8 + antenna wire to screen + mouse nest by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal6 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal5 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal3 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal4 by TagMan, on Flickr
soft top removal2 by TagMan, on Flickr

[Habusailor]

Chicken wire was originally put in as the radio antenna. My 35 has the original chicken wire. I would recommend putting that or something like it in to keep the fabric off of the wood slats. I used the wire and then some thin poly batting. Has looked good for over 20 years.

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

[TJ]

I use stucco wire on those tops. It's stiffer than chicken wire(won't bend or sag between bows) and is coated, so it doesn't rust. If using it for an antenna, you staple it to the wood, but don't let it touch any metal on the body. I then put canvas over the wire and then some thin batting to slightly pad the top.

[rich b]

I found it worked pretty good when applying the topping to secure it around the perimeter with short sections of retainer strip. They give you something to work against to get the material tight.

[Gary Tosel]

My experience with the soft top molding is that they are not all alike. Drake reproduction is different than others and is the one that I have found will fit the best. Other makes, have fun making them fit in the roof groove.

It is my experience for what it is worth.