55 soft top question

[Joe Johnston]

Is there a way to determine if the rayon cloth cover on a 55 soft top is still the original?

I have stumbled upon a 55 owned by the same person over 40 years, who knew the original owners and has no recollection of the top ever being replaced. In his 40 years of ownership the top has never been out from behind the seat. Is there a difference in stitching, zippers, windows from the original Ford to the replacements? Thanks in advance for any help.

J

[Guest]

Did they puy the ford logo on plastic window back then

[paul274854]

The only person I know that might have an answer is Gil Baumgartner, the authenticity head honcho at CTCI. Go to www.ctci.org, Gil's garage.

[Joe Johnston]

Still haven't found real documentation on an original 55 soft top. Will try to contact CTCI, but didn't see anything at Gill's Garage relating to soft tops.

[paul274854]

Still haven't found real documentation on an original 55 soft top. Will try to contact CTCI, but didn't see anything at Gill's Garage relating to soft tops.

Contact Gil himself . he runs a shop in CA.

[Jimz Bird]

Do you have the CTCI Restoration and Specifications Manual Complete Set #110-58FC?

It is located here:

http://www.ctci.org/store.php/products/restoration-and-specifications-manual-complete-110-58fc

Gil is the one who put this together.

Especially good for details on Concourse Restorations and want to know everything even the color of washers and bolts.

I just was relocated to another base and mine is packed away but I will dig it out and see if I can find something for you in the next day or two if you don't get an answer elsewhere.

HTH

I just found Gil's site. You can contact him there.

http://www.tbirdsbygil.com/

[Joe Johnston]

Thanks Jim

Gill promptly replied and told me what to look for.

J

[Jimz Bird]

Good!!

He should know.