R. Thorne Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 Currently gathering parts for a replica of the car in the picture. The top seems to be a stumbling block. Would like to find a kit with a close facsimile of this top. Would prefer 1/25 scale, but may have to be 1/24. No 1/32 or 1/8 scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 21, 2022 Author Share Posted February 21, 2022 After some research, the top appears to be a “bop top” replacement top. So I will probably have to scratch build it. All the model kits have the oem style and don’t come forward on the rear sides like the “bop top”. Anybody here ever built one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 The top doesn't look too different from a stock one (to my eyes, anyway) other than the sides being more closed in. The back looks like it leans forward a bit also. So some degree of alteration will be needed with whatever you start with. If you are working with a Revell '32 highboy (or Rat Roaster) body, you might try the ex-Monogram "on the small side of 1/24 scale" roadster kit's top. This is the ex-Little Deuce, with the fenders and chassis molded as a unit. It isn't very much bigger than other '32 Ford kits known to be 1/25 scale. I haven't got one of the more recent reissues of that kit, but I am led to believe that some of them do not include the raised top. Based on that, I wouldn't buy any issue of that kit unless it is specifically shown on the box. If you are working with an AMT roadster, the very first issue (only) had a raised top. No other issues I am aware of had it. Seeing as how you will have to modify it anyway, you might try a Model A roadster top. One of those ought to be easier to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 The rear panel on your Thunderbolt reference shot doesn't lean anywhere near as far forward as your Bop Top shots. I'd suggest the same top as Mark mentions as a starting point. It's this kit: Below is a built version copied from this very site. Not too terrible much work to get from here to where you want to be. Create a more wrapped-around side panel, lower the center bow a little, lean the rear panel back a tick at the bottom, and you're there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 21, 2022 Author Share Posted February 21, 2022 Thank you, gentlemen. Your prompt, knowledgeable replies are much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 2 minutes ago, R. Thorne said: Thank you, gentlemen. Your prompt, knowledgeable replies are much appreciated. Here's another thought. The stock up-top in the AMT '36 Ford is MUCH closer in profile to what you want, but it's wider. It should be easier to take a slice out of the middle of one, to narrow it to the width of a '32. I have a few of these I'll never use, but they're 2000 miles away at the moment; surely somebody else here has one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 One possibility that comes to mind would be the original AMT '32 Roadster kit. This was the original 3 in 1 kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Hay Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 The top you're trying to replicate is a stock 32 top with extra material on the sides. As has been mentioned, a Monogram 32 Roadster will get you started, then add some plastic to the sides to create the new shape of the side opening. I'm pretty sure I have one of these tops in my stash if you want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 21, 2022 Author Share Posted February 21, 2022 Thanks again, gentlemen. I am going to mull over all the great suggestions and do some further scrounging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plowboy Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 Check with Dennis Lacy. He's a member here. I'm pretty sure he mastered an up-top for the roadster. Can't remember if it was for the '29 or '32. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larman Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 Drag City Casting has a nice up top for the '32 roadster. They are excellent and Ed Fluck, the owner, is great to deal with. I think that Dennis Lacy did the master for it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarheelRick Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 If you would like to try the 36 Ford roadster up-top, I have one to spare. Send me a PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krassandbernie Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 This is the chopped '32 uptop that I still offer that my friend Denny Lacy mastered....reshape the inner curve and you'd be very close to the chopped uptop on the 1:1 roadster you posted above. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 22, 2022 Author Share Posted February 22, 2022 Once again, thank you, gentlemen. The knowledge imparted and help given on this site should be an inspiration for all who visit here. Rick, you have a PM. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 23, 2022 Author Share Posted February 23, 2022 TarheelRick, did you get my PM’s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plowboy Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 I think it would be best to modify the stock top. Looks like all it needs is material added to the sides. The top from the '36 isn't a good fit at all. The front of the top where it meets the windshield frame is the right width. Where it joins the body at the rear is the problem as it's several mms too wide. Just guessing, it looks like six or seven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 Thanks for your input, Roger. Appreciated and noted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris chabre Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 On 2/21/2022 at 7:27 PM, larman said: Drag City Casting has a nice up top for the '32 roadster. They are excellent and Ed Fluck, the owner, is great to deal with. I think that Dennis Lacy did the master for it. I second Eds top. Its beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 thanks for responding, Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blizzy63 Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 The first two issues of the AMT '32 Ford Model 'B' Roadster came with uptops but were never re-issued again (shame). The kits pictured are AMT No. 132 "The Deuce" (1959) and No. 332 Sport Roadster (1960-61). These parts come up now and again on eBay. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 25, 2022 Author Share Posted February 25, 2022 Nice pic of the roadster top. Thank you for the additional information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Thibodeau Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 Hi! Here's a typical top that I had in my parts box (probably 36 or 37 Ford), that I adapted to this customized Willys. In this case, I only had to narrow it at the seams, on each side. As you can see. mostly anything can be done... Good luck with your project! CT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Thorne Posted February 25, 2022 Author Share Posted February 25, 2022 Outstanding work and thanks for info, Claude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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