roadster top patina

[32forddump]

I have a 28 roadster and it is a rat rod. I would like to put a top on it but I don't want a new one. Does any one have a good used one or can I tea a new one to make it look old?

[C26Pinelake]

Try the Swap Shop. Wayne

[32forddump]

Here are some pictures

[ronn]

dont know why you couldnt muck up some tan canvas to look old and tattered...................

[Synchro909]

Try making a top out of an old tent. To make it look older still, throw a couple of oily rags on top of it and the dust will stick to the oil, making it look the real deal. I've also seen such a top or a genuine old one fiber glassed out so it was as hard as a rock.

[w.michael]

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Lots of luck. I've been advertising (begging) on the "Wanted" section of the swap meet for a used top for a year with no promising results.

W. Michael

[32forddump]

I like the idea of a tan canvas. No problem "mucking " that up. I could water proof it some when I get it the way I like it. I will tell you the model b with the 32 tranny w synchro gears is a nice setup, and the o.d. driveshaft really completes the package. It is practically idling at 50mph.

[Charlie Stephens]

You should be careful when you call your car a "rat rod" (especially if you don't include a picture). Rat rods are frowned upon here and on HAMB. I think I would use words like "patina". I have attached a picture of what I consider to be a "rat rod". The term "rat rod" doesn't come to mind when I see a picture of your car. Other peoples option may very.

Charlie Stephens

[32forddump]

I get your meaning. It certainly has a lot of patina. I have tried to keep it original where it matters. Thanks

[ronn]

why not use the term jalopy? it covers a broad spectrum and keeps you legit.

too legit to quit!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 32forddump

I have a 28 roadster and it is a rat rod. I would like to put a top on it but I don't want a new one. Does any one have a good used one or can I tea a new one to make it look old?

Except for the headlights (electrical) it looks like stock, body, engine and drive train. Not a rat rod in my book.

Canvas drop cloth tea stained.

[32forddump]

Yes, jalopy does describe it better than a ratrod. Canvas drop cloth tea stained is just what I need to use. Just enough to keep the elements out and perfect to tea stain. I will keep my eye out for a piece. Thanks guys, this car is really fun to drive and a blast to build. I need to figure out where half of the rattles are coming from or put a stereo in it. My gas tank is in the back so I can mount the stereo in the original gas tank. I am using the gas tank as a vent. I drilled 4 inch holes in the bottom to let air get to my feet. It was nice to put that old gas tank to use in stead of scrapping it.

[Binger]

I agree about it not being a rat rod. I like the term Traditional hot rod. Jalopy fits the bell real well too. Do you have top bows? You can look at a garage sales and maybe find an old canvas tent to use for material.

[32forddump]

Yes, I got a used one in Hershey. But,It needs to be restored.The top bowes need to be replaced as well.

[Tim Ayers]

I have a '28 roadster that was taken off the road in 1940. I still have the original top that is great shape. It was white, but has take on a really cool looking shade to it. I'll try to snap some picts. to help you get an idea of what a survivor top would/should look like.

[32forddump]

Iam also looking for one side of a wing-wing if anyone has one, I will take a picture. It is the piece that bolts to the windshield frame.