Several Model A Fords were closed cars with upholstered tops. Naturally, over the years exposure to the elements has caused the tops to deteriorate. Essentially, the tops consist of a wooden frame, wire mesh and the upholstery material. If there is any of the old top's upholstery material remaining, carefully remove it to avoid damaging the wood frame or wire mesh.
Examine the wood frame for signs of rot. Check that all joints and other connections to the frame and snug and have not loosened over time. Pay special attention to those area where the wood is attached to the car's body.
Check the screw holes on the wooden frame. If any of these holes are now enlarged and loose, remove each screw, cut a piece of solder about 1/4-inch longer than the hole's depth and carefully pound the solder into the hole, making sure it is flush with the wood. Put in a new screw. The solder will not shrink as will plastic, wood and other materials.
Examine the wire mesh to make sure it is tight and securely attached to the wooden frame. Tighten the wire by removing a few staples and gently stretching it. If it is rusty or damaged, replace the mesh by stretching it over the top and fixing it in place with heavy-duty staples.
Apply two layers of upholstery padding onto the wire mesh.
Cover the top of a Model A couple with a single sheet of leatherette or vinyl. Sedan tops may be too wide to cover with a single sheet although you may be able to find wider material online or have a trim shop sew the material to fit. If you want authenticity, you will need to purchase the top material from a company specializing in antique auto parts.
Tack down the new top in the front center, then the back center and on both sides. Pick a corner and pull the top tight then tack it down. Do the same with the corner diagonally across from the first one. Repeat this process with the two remaining corners. Tack down all of the sides and replace the molding. If the molding is in poor condition, replace it with Hidem welting from a trim shop. After the car is painted, apply sealer to the welting to prevent leaks.
