The Ford Barn

ginardjr · 05-28-2017, 11:09 AM

anybody ever chop the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original parts. thank you.

Charlie Stephens · 05-28-2017, 11:11 AM

No one on this site ever did that (recently, or will admit it). You should try your question on HAMB, https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

Charlie Stephens

ginardjr · 05-28-2017, 11:25 AM

hello, has anyone ever chopped the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original top irons. can i use the original canvas. what did they do in the old days. also how do i lay sancions back thank you.

Henry Hopper · 05-28-2017, 12:31 PM

Yes, I chopped my original irons.....the side irons from the hoops to the screen frame need lengthening....the top bows need narrowing slightly to prevent the " starving cow" effect when viewed from behind.The top irons were chopped bit by bit until I got the right look with a 3.25" chopped screen.the wooden bows were shortened and re shaped to suit.

Sorry no pictures as they are all in my old PC and I can't access them.The look I was after, and got was based on Mark Mortens stunning deuce on the HopUp poster.

Good luck and show us pictures if you get around to it.

d.conrad · 01-06-2020, 02:26 PM

Can you show us some pictures of the top on the car?

rotorwrench · 01-06-2020, 03:26 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

With the value of original 1932 parts (if they are in fact original), most folks would purchase the aftermarket top irons & windshield frame for chopping. Chopping original stuff is like throwing money away.

TJ · 01-06-2020, 03:55 PM

Some years back they actually made a chopped top for a '32. If I remember right it was cut 2" and was sold by LeBaron-Bonney. I think Girtz Industries was the supplier. they also made repo bumpers. Girtz Industries still exists , but t does not appear that they are still doing old car parts. Might be worth a call though. Google "Girtz Industries" for the history of the company

PeteVS · 01-06-2020, 05:22 PM

I just looked at Brookville's catalog and they show Model A parts but they MUST have '32 set ups too.

https://brookvilleroadster.com/store...ons-and-woods/

deuce_roadster · 01-06-2020, 08:17 PM

For my avatar, I bought Repro 2" chopped windshield and stainless steel top irons and sold my originals. Wouldn't ever cut the originals. But I am not a patina guy so trying to make a car built today to look like it was built in the 40s was never in the plan.

Karl Wescott · 01-07-2020, 12:45 PM

Simply cutting the main arm and lengthening the front arm will result in the irons fouling the door opening when lowered. See pix.

It is possible with a much more complex modification of the geometry to avoid fouling the door opening. See pix of my prototype mockup.

Yes, I am working on these (slowly). My intent is to offer them in standard black, deluxe polished stainless main arm/golden beryl upper works, or all polished stainless. Watch the "New Products" thread.

Karl Wescott
Wescott's Auto

Karl Wescott · 01-07-2020, 12:46 PM

Photos

05-28-2017, 11:09 AM	#1
ginardjr Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 20	32 ford roadster anybody ever chop the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original parts. thank you.

05-28-2017, 11:11 AM	#2
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,031	Re: 32 ford roadster No one on this site ever did that (recently, or will admit it). You should try your question on HAMB, https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 05-28-2017 at 01:34 PM.

05-28-2017, 11:25 AM	#3
ginardjr Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 20	Re: 32 ford roadster hello, has anyone ever chopped the top on an original 1932 ford roadster using all the original top irons. can i use the original canvas. what did they do in the old days. also how do i lay sancions back thank you.

05-28-2017, 12:31 PM	#4
Henry Hopper Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W.England Posts: 439	Re: 32 ford roadster Yes, I chopped my original irons.....the side irons from the hoops to the screen frame need lengthening....the top bows need narrowing slightly to prevent the " starving cow" effect when viewed from behind.The top irons were chopped bit by bit until I got the right look with a 3.25" chopped screen.the wooden bows were shortened and re shaped to suit. Sorry no pictures as they are all in my old PC and I can't access them.The look I was after, and got was based on Mark Mortens stunning deuce on the HopUp poster. Good luck and show us pictures if you get around to it.

01-06-2020, 02:26 PM	#5
d.conrad Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: St. Louis, Mo Posts: 359	Re: 32 ford roadster Can you show us some pictures of the top on the car?

01-06-2020, 03:26 PM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: 32 ford roadster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) With the value of original 1932 parts (if they are in fact original), most folks would purchase the aftermarket top irons & windshield frame for chopping. Chopping original stuff is like throwing money away.

01-06-2020, 03:55 PM	#7
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,035	Re: 32 ford roadster Some years back they actually made a chopped top for a '32. If I remember right it was cut 2" and was sold by LeBaron-Bonney. I think Girtz Industries was the supplier. they also made repo bumpers. Girtz Industries still exists , but t does not appear that they are still doing old car parts. Might be worth a call though. Google "Girtz Industries" for the history of the company Last edited by TJ; 01-06-2020 at 04:04 PM.

01-06-2020, 05:22 PM	#8
PeteVS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: FP, NJ Posts: 2,770	Re: 32 ford roadster I just looked at Brookville's catalog and they show Model A parts but they MUST have '32 set ups too. https://brookvilleroadster.com/store...ons-and-woods/ __________________ Don't never get rid of nuthin!

01-06-2020, 08:17 PM	#9
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: 32 ford roadster For my avatar, I bought Repro 2" chopped windshield and stainless steel top irons and sold my originals. Wouldn't ever cut the originals. But I am not a patina guy so trying to make a car built today to look like it was built in the 40s was never in the plan.

01-07-2020, 12:45 PM	#10
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,287	Re: 32 ford roadster Simply cutting the main arm and lengthening the front arm will result in the irons fouling the door opening when lowered. See pix. It is possible with a much more complex modification of the geometry to avoid fouling the door opening. See pix of my prototype mockup. Yes, I am working on these (slowly). My intent is to offer them in standard black, deluxe polished stainless main arm/golden beryl upper works, or all polished stainless. Watch the "New Products" thread. Karl Wescott Wescott's Auto