How to install a new top on a Ford Model A
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Replacing the top on a Ford Model A. Gandalf the Green 1930 Ford Model A 5 window coupe gets a NEW top! Here is a step by step video showing how to remove an old top and how to install a brand new top on a Model A. Model T gets involved and provides her usual comic relief.
We were watching MotorTrend TV's Roadworthy Rescues with Derek Bieri (Vice Grip Garage) on the TV in the shop. I was a guest on Season 1, Episode 7, Motor City Model A. VGG is awesome. Roadworthy Rescues is equally awesome (especially the episode with Paul Shinn!)
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The magnet trick is great
So rewarding to watch you work and preserve the car for the present and the future! What a fun and useful project. AS always, thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Paul. Just finished watching this video, and I'd like to offer some comments, and suggestions. As far as Henry Ford using chicken wire under the top, he used it for the same reason he used everything he used. It was the cheapest alternative. Your inclination to start in the center and work to the back is spot on. You can also do that from the center of the sides and work side to side. Then pulling the fabric to each corner of the top will give you the best results because of the curve of the car's top. Nailing the fabric down makes it tough to make the top uniform. Using a pneumatic staple gun with stainless steel staples would have been a better choice, and you'd never have to worry about rusty fasteners failing over time. The silicone to prevent leaks is really smart. The hidem is best applied by starting in a front corner like you did, but then stretching it a little to just before the curves at the back corner, which will make it easier to keep straight. I always glue down hidem with hot glue. Then you can go over it and staple it down if you want, and it will be completely straight. Love your channel and all your knowledge! Dan.
Dan! Thanks man!! I wish I could use a staple gun. I don't yet have an air compressor that can run one. Someday...
@@ModelA Even one of the small pancake type compressors will run one of my staple guns. I can fix you up with a gun and staples. It'd be my pleasure.
Send me your shipping address by Messenger.
As always a great video of real “ hands on” demo showing that a person can do their own work
I consider your video part of my memorial day celebration the enjoyable part, the other thinking of those who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Thanks for your service sparks
Thanks Mack
Bugger of a job! Came out nice. I did a coupe and all the wood was shot, lots of fun. That's a new game. I think if Henry had silicone, he'd of used it, maybe, as long as it wasn't expensive. A tool you should look for is a Wellington hammer, very handy for this. It has an anvil shape opposite the hammer face instead of the peen like a ball peen. Your Derekisms are pretty good. Once you watch him it's hard not to pick it up. Like the Farrah Fawcett one.
I worked with him on the TV show. He got some of mine too
*Thanks for showing everyone how to do it.... certainly not a job to be rushed.... one must takes their time to do it properly.*
Thank you so much, AWESOME! Our Tudor is in great shape except maybe the rain gutter,so now that you instilled a bit of confidence in me, I'll seriously consider that move.Thank you both so much for what you do.HAVE A GREAT DAY AND GOD BLESS THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES SO WE CAN LIVE FREE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.STAND PROUD GOD BLESS AND BE SAFE.THANK YOU.!
Thank you Dean! I agree. God bless
Excellent work. That is quite an improvement. I bet it was tons of fun to do on a moving assembly line. Seems like a piece of sheet metal would have been way easier.
This is on my list of needs for my wife's A. How timely! Thanks Paul!
Hello Paul, I have really enjoyed your videos. I had a 29 pick-up and unfortunately I sold it in 2004. I am older now and wish i had it back but after watching your videos and remembering the enjoyment we had I am looking for something to replace it. Please now that your easy going personality and the fun you and your wife seem to have has my wife and i excited about driving in a model A again. Thanks again for information and excitement. God bless Jerry
That is excellent news Jerry! All the best and God bless, Paul
Looks awesome Paul! I like it, shows the beauty of the Gandalf the Green. Ford has some good simple ideas, sometimes it may be labor intensive, but I think that's what I like about those older vehicles. Nice video, liked it and what you did, thanks for sharing and I hope you and Model T have a great weekend.
Thanks Dan
Congratulations on 40k subscribers! Quite an accomplishment. I’m proud to be one!
Great video, thank you! I’ve been curious about how to replace that top. Great to see Gandalf again, I really like that A!
Thanks Matt!
I watched the recent video where Mrs Shinn described a fan who showed up unannounced on her doorstep
Fortunately the fan seemed to have no bad motives but scary nonetheless. I have enjoyed watching most of your videos and although we have never met feel almost like an old friend Your videos are not only educational but also warm and friendly Perhaps this is why the fan felt ok dropping in I mention this because I think a regular caveat about your privacy should be a part of each video You both provide a wonderful service to those of us who watch but you must maintain appropriate boundaries
Something like that shouldn't have to be said. We are somewhat surprised that some people think it is OK to just show up at someone's home unannounced and want to talk Model A's or videos or whatever. We have great security. Unfortunately, all that does is help the cops know who did it if someone does us in.
Great job! Just the info I was looking for!
Very interesting! I see “Roadworthy Rescues” Episode 7, “Motor City Model A” playing on the TV in the background. I did enjoy that episode with you Paul. Keep up the good work! 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Dennis!
I am a firm believer in your commitment. Always try too be the Man your Dog thanks you are. In our case it’s 4 Dogs. Great video as always thanks.
You have to be 4 times the man I do!!
I can still remember doing the top on my '30 Tudor. I hope I never have to do it again. Pulling the material tight on the Tudor made my knuckles raw. I figured out quickly to wrap my fingers with white tape. I did use foam on the top to try and help the AC cool better. Good job showing all the steps.
Thanks Tex!
Oh I love that car! The body style, the color combo, ugh. Gorgeous. Thank you for this video, Paul and Model T!
Thank YOU!
Given a choice, I prefer bug spray... I left school back in '72, but one mention from you and that reek came flooding back. Thanks,Paul. 'Preciate it... Boy, that was a lot of work. I'm surprised that 'ol Henry didn't come up with a cheaper alternative. Like a sheet of steel... Many thanks. 🇬🇧👍
I know, right?
Hey Paul, love your videos. I have a 29 Sport Coupe and my dad and I just finished the top on it. Pretty time consuming but it turned out quite nice.
Right on!
Paul, you talked about those that complain about the silicone sealant you're using and that Mr. Ford didn't use it. Well, to me, the only reason Mr. Ford didn't use it is because he didn't have it because he would have.
I agree!!
Paul, i know u may not wanna hear this but im bout to apply this to redo my wife's grandfathers 35 chevy standard top (i think the concept is pretty similar). i love cars very much and was thrilled to be able to own a piece of family history i bought it from her brother whom had just been letting it sit for the 15ish years(maybe closer to 20) i got it spinning like a top now and drive to local shows. its still a work in progress but happy i can show it and enjoy it, the steering gear needs to be adjusted and i hope to do that this weekend, going to check kingpins as well. I don't own a model T personally but love to watching your videos i lean a ton in general. thanks for all you do. cheers from southwest Michigan
Nice!! Chevy or Ford, whatever makes you happy! That car has family history, it gets a pass!
This is very valuable to have. I don't need a fresh top, but when it's time, there won't be more people around that still know how it's done :D
That is so true
Thanks Paul for the video now I know what I will need to do when installing my new top.
Chicken wire stays stretched tight and if cloth were used, it wouldn't, then there goes the smoothe top. Silicone use is ok because as an old builder told me: "If it don't show or access, it don't matter no how and they ain't gonna tear it apart to see what ya done."
Thank you for making such great videos. I might do a restore on my Dad's Tudor which is a 1930 or 31 model. It needs a clutch and was last run about 1986. The motor is ok as it has been turned over by hand. I need some parts that are now missing. I loved this video as well as the one where you set the brakes properly. I have not done work on a car this old and am now gathering information on how to do things correctly and in a practical manor. I don't think the car was ever restored before but am not totally sure. THANK YOU~~
My pleasure, Bob. You have a MAFCA club nearby?
I am in the middle of the Canadian prairies so unfortunately not. Regina, Saskatchewan.
OOF! I hope you have a lot of blankets!
12:22 thanks for the shout out Paul!
So, could you tell what note it was?
Ha ha! I can hear the tapping but the note on my phone is not coming through without headphones. I think you are correct. It's probably an A flat. 😉 But as soon as you get better tires on that coupe it will turn into a very nice A!!
Nice
Looks nice. You might want to try Lexel caulk/sealant next time as it would allow for more working time before it starts to set up.
Thanks!
I'm using lexell, seems like good stuff.
When cutting chicken wire from a roll, first roll it out in the opposite direction. That will take the "spring" out of it and make it easier to cut without it hitting you back in the face. Also makes it easier to work with when fastening to the top.
Thanks!
Gandalf is Looking Good.....can't wait to see the next step.....Really enjoy the Videos....
Thanks! Probably replacing the windshield and new wheels and tires
Another great tutorial! Thank you Paul, and keep moving forward!
Very Nice instruction video Paul! Keep up the good work! :)
Greeting from the Netherlands - Another ford model A driver
Thanks Clint!!
Great video, I have now watched 3, I will be watching all of your videos. I know I will be jonesing for a Model A when I get done LOL
Have fun!
Makes everything look so simple
It is! Even a goober like me can do it, ao can you
Good video and Derek would be proud. Your getting good at the "sayings".
Thanks Paul and Tina!
Thanks Kevin!
Another great instructional video. Thanks for posting.
Thank you Paul. Great video. I did my 29 Tudor 4 years ago. Don’t tell anyone but I also used silicone. 😮
Let's keep that between friends
Thanks for your reply Paul ,keep up the good work.
Okay, question: It appears that you have used chicken wire for the coupe. That actually makes sense in a crazy way.
But what do you use on a sedan?!? Hahaha!
Hahahaaa!! Hadn't thought of that! Good one
Great video. I was wanting to do the top on my 31 Coupe. Now I'm sure I will.
If I can, you can too!
Wow, that job is very labor intensive. I don’t think I’ve ever seen photos of how Ford originally installed tops but I’m sure they had some system to do the job quickly on the assembly line. Nice job Paul and Tina.
Thanks Jay
Thank you. This helps, I've been getting too many opinions on this from 'experts' lol... they disagree, they make it too complex. I would love some detail on the nails you used.
Just regular ol small nails from the hardware store. I did a closeup of the boxes with part numbers in the video.
Awesome. Will it look good? Yes. Great video. Thanks, Paul.
Thanks Richard
Nice job and looks great. Very nice Video. Thank Colin
Fantastic job Paul and tina'all the best, Steve Bransgrove in the UK
Thanks Steve!
Thank you for the video! I'll be doing that one of these days.
I don't suppose you can do video on putting a top on a special coupe?
I would if someone would sponsor it
Thanks for sharing Paul!
oh boy this here makes me dread the day i can afford to redo the full leather back one i got its going to need it . but for now I've got to figure out where a lot of things go on it and what screws go where particularly where the gas tank clamps go. it will be a lengthy process but i do hope to return it to the roads .
Great work man an I've always wanted one since I was a kid that's before they became popular again
You should get one soon, before they become even more popular!
@@ModelA ik lol but I gotta get up the money first an find one close to me cause I got no way of hauling from to far at moment but you been doing some great work on your cars an love the content keep up the hard work
R2D2 sounds like Arturito (little Arthur) in Spanish
Cheers Folks.. Thanks for the informative video.
Great job! Congratulations!
I always use what works the best who wants to drive a wet molded car you go thanks 😊
Agree!
I don't know if there is but it would be awesome to watch on U-tube old movies of the men in the factory do this on new autos.
Super excellent video. Thank You!! I noticed you went from center out when stretching the rear & front. However, you went from rear to front when stretching sides. Why was that?
The fabric just looked like it wanted to move that way.
Beautiful 😍
That’s how to do a top!! 🤙🏽
Thank you as always, I’ve been looking forward to this one. I think the silicone is an excellent idea and great insurance. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! ~ Chuck
Thanks Chuck!
Good learn. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the video. key word: PATIENCE (taking time to do good work)
Or money to hire someone that knows what they're doing...
Paul you have amazing skills. Tina as well have amazing skills. I'd love to be able to do half the stuff you do. The top turned out better than factory. Do you think you would tour the greenfield village or the museum in the future. Would be amazing to see you do a video there. Again. Thanks for the videos.
Thanks! I really want to go to Greenfield someday. Know anyone who would rent me their Model A near there??
@Paul Shinn I do. He's a Vietnam navy pilot. He babies all 3 of his model As. That's a guy I would 100 percent buy an A from.
Great video ad this is my to-do list later in the summer once the warm weather hits Orange County! Is it possible to do another video some time on installation of gutters? Mine are missing and I’d like to add those to my Tudor when I install the new roof.
Maybe someday
I'm so glad I have original steel roof
original steel roof ?????
Thank you.
that was a fun watch
Thanks!
Interesting that they used chicken wire! I need to replace the roof on my 30 Fordora, I'm not really sure as to who put roofing tar on the top but that is the way it's been, I guess. My FIL had this car from his dad. He bought it used. I still need to get it running, last time we think he had it running was 1965 (tags) By the looks of it, it looks like you have a Black Fordora in your shop! Thanks for showing this, I was wondering just how its going to be to change the roof. Stay safe!!
My mother told me a story when I was a kid that when my father just started his first teaching job their only vehicle was an already old Model A. She dropped him off at school one morning in the pouring rain. The roof leaked so bad she had to drive with and umbrella to stay dry. A cop pulled her over and with all the stress of being young and financially broke and driving that old pile of junk she broke down in tears. The cop felt so bad he sent her on her way. She was spoiled from driving a brand new Buick Fireball to high school.
Paul shinn #1
Great video! I have a few questions: How long did it take to install the original tops at the Ford factory? Before you installed the Chicken Wire, could you have installed some more Cotton batting or sound suppression material? Would it make a difference? What was the total time investment in this Gandolf project?
Your commitment to doing every job correctly is commendable. So many people would have taken a short cut or two saving time and money; Perfection takes time and money, It looks BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you!! I think more cotton would be too puffy
"Top"! Video!!😂
Genius
Hope you used Monel Staples.
Thanks Paul --- for a How to on a Top --- Looks like you almost need two people to do this --- but --- if one is all you have ---looks like it could be done --- more moving front to back --- side to side in smaller movements ------ This is something I'd like to do to mine --- looks a little old -- not ripped or anything -- just old ---- whether it leaks or not don't know ----liked the idea of silicone to seal ---- I looked to see if you put a Material List in the description area ---- would have been nice ---------- I'm not there yet but ---- do you put any kind of protection on the fabric for UV sun and maybe for rain if one is caught in it ------ hopefully my wood is good ----- where do you buy the top material? -------- You two have a good Memorial Weekend ---- and Thank You --- Rodney
My friend you need a Pneumatic stapler and a proper tack hammer with a magnetic tip
what I need is a brain
Remember boys and girls safety squint
Chloraphorm puppet😝safety 3rd squint😝Wood be nice to have an air stapler, but then we would use thousands for the next guy!🤔chicken war on a car who da thunk it! Looks great Paul! 😎✌️🫡🇺🇸
Thanks Kevin!
Never could figure out why they didn’t make the roof a solid sheet of metal.
I have a hole in my leather truck seat how do I repair it?
Paul I have a 30 coupe. Need to paint and put back together.
My wife and are thinking about selling the corvette and purchasing a deluxe 30/31 coupe that needs nothing including tires , paint s a no interior. NOTHING. SHST KIND OF MONEY ARE WE LOOKING AT AS FAR AS COST? Thanks Paul.
…and not the kind of man that your cat knows you are. 😂
I plan to get a kit from Classtique when it comes time. Interested in hearing what is used for the muslin type lining and the filling. I’m thinking all cotton batting, similar to what quilters use. Polyfil I hear is a no-no. Anti-squeak welt on Tudors?
I used what the factory did. Cotton batting.
Why didn't Henry use steel for the roof? Great video!!
I was told years ago by my granddad that most people did not fill comfortable being in a all-closed car. If the car was wrecked say somehow landed on its side and the doors would get jammed. Gas spelling all over. You could kick out the roof and exit of the car.
@@frankparker7039 Good thought! Thanks!!
Love the comments next time if you do a top roll, the chicken wire the opposite way and it’ll a flat
Not that you want to do another top. Sure you don’t want to see one for a long time.😂
Yep. Seems like he fought a continuous battle with that chicken wire. I know that chicken wire has a mind of its own, but why fight it? Roll it back up in the other direction. Then unroll it again using a board, like a 2x4, across the width of the wire to exert an even bending pressure. It might not come out dead flat, but you can at least remove its desire to spring back.
Why do the Model A's have the soft part on an otherwise steel top? I can't find anything anywhere as to the reason for it.
I'm not sure either. Best I can find is, "Because that's how we've always done it"
Okay, I saw the RC cola; where was the moon pie?
Double, double toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble!
Topper, topper torn and trouble,
Inspire now to install vinyl!
Okay, it could use some work...
That's the only cola company that hasn't gone all "woke"
@@ModelA The ridiculous positions these companies are taking is a complete mystery to me. Why cater to a very small minority when your core customers don't agree?
I'm glad to see that a tattered top isn't such a deal breaker on a purchase. Just a negotiation tool, now that I've seen the remedy. Oh, if model T didn't tell you, your shake, rattle and media technique worked wonders on a '28 gas tank last weekend. I helped to shake and bake.
Just thinking it took you long to cut the chicken wire, than it took Henry Ford to build the Model A. This is a fantastic video of you install a new top, but what was it 97 minutes to build a full Model A.
When nailing down the final strip, can you put too many nails in? What type of spacing do you use? I'm getting ready to tackle my first roof replacement and don't want to set myself up for replacement again any time soon. Also, do you have any recommended sources for parts even beyond the roof?
When you have the roof material off completely, you will see the holes and see where the nails go. Don't overthink it. If a nail fits, stick one in it!
@@ModelA Thanks for the reply Paul. The next question is what material is best for the new roof? I know you used roofing material from a sedan, but is there a kit/company you recommend for sourcing? I've googled around and nothing has really stood out as for the top material. You did mention the chicken wire and the padding, but I didn't notice the actual top. Thanks for your help. I'm just trying to get all the info before I tackle this for the first time.
What kind of tacks are you using and are they going into wood or into the metal trough?
I showed a picture of them. Going into wood.
Paul. Is this the same way the top was installed at the factory?
The people at the factory were way more skilled.
I was hoping that you would replace the wood to. Guess it wasn't needed this time.
I have replaced wood in 3 fordors. It sucks. Not sure I could even make a video of that, the language is not fit for the womenfolks.
@@ModelA That is funny. Love the videos, keep it up
Do you have any idea how long that process took on Henry's assembly line??
No idea
2:24 whoa, that was heavy…
Like a bad science joke…
I like bad jokes!!
This does not look like a "production" friendly process. How was this accomplished on Mr. Fords production line?
They were much quicker than me
But i liked the topless gandalf !!!!@
Paul great work
I tried to talk Tina into it.
Paul any idea how long it would have taken how many and how long workers to do that if hundreds of cars were coming off the line every day.
If you only did this, all day every day, it would go a lot faster!
Clearly, the 1st point of old cars is to loathe the last "restorer"....
Nah. Only if the work is all hooptie
I do not understand why "Power Shot" type staple guns did not catch on. They are much more stable and user-friendly. 🤔
Agreed
@ModelA Power Shot was taking over the building. My old company was vacating. We helped box some when we were done with our jobs. They gave us (that were left). It's a nice metal cobra gun. I think they hired some of the employees who were not transferring to the new location.
They put a metal slug in the bottom of the plastic hobby model (for weight).
Any idea where to get original top material for my 1930 Model A Tudor?
Reproduction top material? Or actual original material? Repro material is available from several of the Model A parts suppliers like Mike's A-Fordable or Snyder's or Bratton's.
@ModelA Awesome Thank you
Hello Paul,
Where can I get the vacuum mechanism to run the windshield wiper fixed for my 1930 model A?
Thank you all your helpful information!
I’m Ricardo from Mexico City.
Try Bert's Model A Center or Mike's A-Fordable