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Old 05-03-2020, 06:26 PM   #1
segler
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Default Need help lowering roadster top please

We have a new to us 1931 standard roadster and we cannot quite understand how to collapse/lower the top...don't want to bend or damage anything. Any hints appreciated!!
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Old 05-03-2020, 10:51 PM   #2
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

First...LOOK around... pretty easy to follow it's path but I understand the question because I too have a Roadster.. The top is "locked in place" at the windshield. Loosen the the locks in the car, not the side windshield wing nuts. Loose the post wing nuts so the top wants to pop up. Then just follow it's natural desire to open. I suspect the top has been up for some time....just gently lift it up...after being sure the little snaps are undone across the windshield.... it will unfold in a very simple manner. Lots of hinges to be sure...WD-40 can't hurt...go slow.....back and forth....go slow...
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Old 05-03-2020, 10:52 PM   #3
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

Welcome aboard by the way......
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Old 05-03-2020, 10:57 PM   #4
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

undo something like this so the top pops off the windshield stanchions...that's the first thing... I know I said it before but the wife told me to be more clear.....!!

TOP CLAMPING BRACKET 28-29
A-37323/24-AR


TOP CLAMPING BRACKET 28-29
A-37323/24-AR28-29
The bracket on the front corners of the top irons that hold the top to the top of the windshield stanchions. If you are buying new top irons, these are already on them. U.S.A.
Quantity:
1
$58.95 P

Last edited by jg61hawk; 05-03-2020 at 11:14 PM.
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Old 05-04-2020, 07:20 AM   #5
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

Once the fasteners across the top of the windshield are off then I have to sit in the middle of the car and push up equally on both sides. Then turn around and keep pushing carefully until its in the down position. All those joints are tight. Mine usually only comes down in the spring and doesn't go back up until it gets put away for the season.
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Old 05-04-2020, 09:17 AM   #6
JBill
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

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Just be careful not to "pinch" any of the top material in the irons as they unfold. As Hawk says, go slow.
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Old 05-04-2020, 04:52 PM   #7
California Travieso
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

For me, putting the top down or up on my ‘29 Roadster, it’s a lot easier if you make it a two person job. That way, it’s easier to keep from “pinching” the top material. It’s also easier to put the fasteners on at the windshield with two people.

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Old 05-04-2020, 06:27 PM   #8
Dale G.
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

I have a question. Why did Ford not put instructions with the car on how to fold and unfold a top on open cars especially a 400A???
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Old 05-04-2020, 06:34 PM   #9
Synchro909
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale G. View Post
I have a question. Why did Ford not put instructions with the car on how to fold and unfold a top on open cars especially a 400A???
Maybe people didn't need instructions. Fold down tops had been in use for hundreds of years so it was nothing out of the ordinary. Or maybe they were just smarter then.
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Old 05-04-2020, 07:09 PM   #10
segler
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Default Re: Need help lowering roadster top please

Thanks to you all...got it!!!
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