Author Topic: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top  (Read 1706 times)

rex

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 26
    • View Profile
    • Email
1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« on: May 03, 2019, 11:26:45 AM »
Dear Members,

I am in the process of installing a new top on a 1951 Frazer convertible.  It currently does not have the three-pane rear window, and I would like to make the new top like the original.  I am wondering if anyone has some photos of a correct top or some information about how the rear curtain portion was made so that we can make a close replication.

Thanks!

Rex Crews

G.B. (All Vinyl Dragon)

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 670
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2019, 11:43:57 AM »
You come to Right Spot for Help.
Research on All Vinyl Dragons & Dragon List.
G.B. Bonham LM  K.F.O.C. Club.
Also: Vintage Electronics, TV, Stereo, Radio, & Broadcasting.
Looking for Kaye Halbert TV, 27 inch screen mid 50's
made in Culver City, Calif.

Gordie

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2495
    • MSN Messenger - gordies1@verizon.net
    • AOL Instant Messenger - Gordie
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2019, 02:23:37 PM »
The convertible photos that I have are all from the front or side of the car but the rear window is shaped like that of the Virginian Hard Top and has about 1 1/2 inch wide vertical divisions between the main center window and the curved side windows.  Perhaps there are better photos in Circlekf.com or in the clubs cd Handbook.  '49-'51 Kaisers and Frazers all seem to have the same style tops and rear windows.  Hopefully convertible owners with the correct style top can offer  photos of their tops.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2019, 02:25:17 PM by Gordie »
Member #3151 Since June 1974
Vice President K.F.O.C.I. 2013-2017  President 2018-2019
'47 Graham Paige Frazer                                   
'51 Kaiser Deluxe club coupe       
'51 Kaiser customized convertible 
'52 Allstate serial#39
'53 Aero Eagle
'54 Aero Eagle Custom

Fid

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3854
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2019, 03:03:33 PM »
How's this for a picture?

1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe
Edgar Kaiser's custom 1951 Henry J
1951 Kaiser Special
1952 Allstate Deluxe

Need your classic car radio repaired? I repair vacuum tube radios

rex

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 26
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2019, 03:39:10 PM »
Guys,

Thanks for your help. We are trying to understand the purpose of that valance over the back rib that is in the nice photo you provided.  I am guessing the rear window in the center does not unzip, and it looks like the windows are all a part of the rear top area and that the vinyl ribs are stitched to the window itself. I am going to study this a bit more. It would be great to be able to see under that valance! 

Best,

Rex

Gordie

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2495
    • MSN Messenger - gordies1@verizon.net
    • AOL Instant Messenger - Gordie
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2019, 11:40:42 AM »
There are usually convertibles available at the National meets for inspection.
Member #3151 Since June 1974
Vice President K.F.O.C.I. 2013-2017  President 2018-2019
'47 Graham Paige Frazer                                   
'51 Kaiser Deluxe club coupe       
'51 Kaiser customized convertible 
'52 Allstate serial#39
'53 Aero Eagle
'54 Aero Eagle Custom

KWZ

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 135
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: 1951 Manhattan Convertible Top
« Reply #6 on: July 10, 2019, 10:07:13 AM »
Guys,

Thanks for your help. We are trying to understand the purpose of that valance over the back rib that is in the nice photo you provided.  I am guessing the rear window in the center does not unzip, and it looks like the windows are all a part of the rear top area and that the vinyl ribs are stitched to the window itself. I am going to study this a bit more. It would be great to be able to see under that valance! 

Best,

Rex

Center rear window does in fact unzip (at least on my '51).  The "rain flap" on the last roof rib in the photo is correct. 
« Last Edit: July 10, 2019, 10:19:32 AM by KWZ »
'48 Kaiser Special
'49 Kaiser Virginian
'51 Frazer Manhattan convertible