| EvolveCustomAutomotiveRestoration | -- 08-18-2019 @ 10:50 PM |
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We're restoring a 1941 Woodie at our shop, Evolve Custom. I'm trying to find out if the vinyl top should have seams in it or not. I've seen restored and unrestored examples with seams and without seams. The vinyl is sold in 66-inch width which would allow for no seams, and is also sold in 54-inch width which would require seams. Here's an example with seams: https://www.classiccarratings.com/auction-results/ford-woody-wagon-1941-185999527-las-vegas-2010-8575 Does anybody know what the correct arrangement is for '41 - seams or no seams? Also, I'm trying to find out if the top should be brown or black. Nearly all the examples I see are black, but some are brown. Could anyone please confirm the correct color for '41? This message was edited by EvolveCustomAutomotiveRestoration on 8-18-19 @ 10:55 PM
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| 42wagon | -- 08-19-2019 @ 3:23 AM |
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According to the 41-48 Ford book published by the club page 6-5 Roof Covering. "Ford records confirm that "Brown Landau Grain Deck Material 66" wide" (Ford Spec. M-2600-G) was used exclusively in the 1941 and 1942 model years and on wagons until sometime mid model year- after Nov 1,1946.
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 08-19-2019 @ 7:57 AM |
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There were no seams on the roof of '41 thru '48 Ford Station Wagons. I think that the reason that people have pieced together the roof material is because 66" width is needed for the one piece roof. I have been looking for the 66" width ever since LeBaron Bonney closed and can't find it. As '42 states, top fabric color for the '41 is M2600-G, Brown material. Both brown and black were used in late '46 thru '48 although there is evidence that Ford did use black roofing material on some cars in early '46. Many people prefer the black roofing because the brown clashes with some colors and don't care about judging. I have been to the biggest Woodie shows, such as Wavecrest, Woodies on the Wharf and just got back from Woodies in the Cove. looking at the pictures from those shows the vast majority of the roof covering is black. If you are a member of the National Woodie Club, take a look at the picture of WotW, on page 25 in the latest Woodie Times. Of all the fabric tops, I can see only one Brown. If you plan to have your car judged, do it in the Brown, one piece.
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| EvolveCustomAutomotiveRestoration | -- 08-20-2019 @ 8:09 PM |
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Thank you for that detailed info, much appreciated. And now for the magic question: would you happen to know where I can obtain the correct 66-inch wide brown grain vinyl?
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| 42wagon | -- 08-21-2019 @ 5:27 AM |
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While surfing the internet I came across a tidbit of information. Seems that Labaron Bonney got some of the material they used from a company called SMS Auto Fabrics 503-263-3535. Probably a wild goose chase but who knows. If they haven't got the top material maybe they know who does.
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 08-21-2019 @ 1:44 PM |
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I have contacted almost 2 dozen upholstery shops and 66" wide material is like "unobtamnium". SMS doesn't have it, Haartz doesn't. This is what I've learned. The 66" wide material came on 500 yard rolls, enough for about 100 Woodies. LeBaron Bonney could use the 66" and slice and dice it to make insert's for Model A's and tops for Sedans, etc. If they had a Station Wagon job they used the 66" wide material. The widest I have found anywhere is 60". It looks like it will have to be seamed like your example shows. I have tried to contact Lebaron Bonney and can't get thru. I even called an old employee of L-B, thinking they might have a contact. I would offer to purchase the roll of 66". It is cost prohibitive for any company to have a roll of 66" made because lets face it, how many Woodies need new tops. It's several thousand dollars sitting on a rack somewhere waiting for a Station Wagon Roof job. If anyone hears of a L-B liquidation sale, please post it.
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 08-29-2019 @ 3:33 PM |
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EURICA!!!! I got home this afternoon and received a letter from a company called SMS Auto Fabrics. They included samples of the top material in 66"! I'm keeping my fingers crossed, because I E-Mailed them two weeks ago and was told it was only available in 60". I'll give them a phone call tomorrow and actually confirm that the 66" is in fact available. Good news for Station Wagon owners!
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