VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 41 Convertible Top Bows Color

Can someone tell me what the color of the top boys in a convertible are supposed to be?

I thought they all were supposed to black but the 41 convertible that was just on Ebay had tan ones. That raised the instant question in my mind.
Thanks,
Charlie

The bows on my convertible appear to be original. They are tan in color. I haven't checked closely but it may be the same as the lower dash color.

Minetto, thanks.

i would still like to have more input on this question. I just know that there are those out there who know the answer but are withholding it so I'll have a good chance to get it wrong. Some may be the same ones who will come by in droves and readily point out to any and all that "hey, those bows are the wrong color. How could this idiot get it wrong!" or words to that effect.

Come on, guys, help me out here. Please.
Thanks,
Charlie

Maybe if you contact the VCCA 1941 Technical Advisor you can get the official word on the subject. At least with a letter from the TA the judging team might have a more difficult time justifying a point deduction. You can show the letter to the detractors and they will either retract the derisive comment or include both you and the TA in the same category. Either way you won't be alone.

That's an excellent idea....but there isn't a 1941 Technical Advisor.

OK, here is what I decided to do absent better information: Go to the "horse's mouth."

VCCA Judging Manual, Chapter H, Judge #4 Interior, page 61 (Headliner/Sun Visors/Mirrors/Convertible TOP BOWS/Boot/T-Tops/Side Curtains/Weatherstripping. This section states: "Check for condition of any chrome or painted trim, such as TOP BOWS on convertibles." There is nothing that indicates that the judge is to check for color of the bows. It merely states that a check should be made of the painted condition of the bows, nothing more.

So there you have it. I will assume that black to match the other parts that are not chromed will be fine.

Anyone agree with me?
Charlie

Charlie, I may see one of the most beautiful 1941 convert's this weekend. If I do I'll let you know about the Top Bow color.

I have always found answers to my questions about my 41 coupe from this forum and others in VCCA. But there has NOT been a 41
tech adviser for a few years.

Enjoy,
Michael41

You mean that with all those nice '41s out there no one is willing to step up and become the '41 TA? Shame on us? We need to recruit one!

If the inside top material is black then the metal should be black. If it is tan then the bows should be tan. Makes sense to me. Sure don't want to draw your eye to the bows or top, they should blend together.

On the other hand, if Steve ever gets a 41 convertible (cabriolet), I'll bet the top bows will eventually become new, shiny chrome....

Chipper,
Well, it kinda makes sense when you look at it that way. But I was wondering if Chevrolet had two different sets of bows going on the 41s. Sets with tan paint and sets with black paint. Seems to me that they would all have been one color no matter the top color unless they (tops) were ALL black inside no matter the outside color. See what I mean.

I have nothing against painting the bows tan to match the tan in the dash but I sure as the devil don't want to get it wrong. It would be an expensive mistake.

Further, if there were two colors then the judging rules should contain language to address this item so that eyes are not drawn to it. You know. Anyway, who knows, some may like the contrast rather than the blend. More you know.
Charlie

BTW: The top that I took off this thing, yes thing, was white on the outside with black inside. The color code is Black. So it probably came with a black top and thus the black bows. When I get the top from L/B I don't know what color the material that covers the rear bow will be but I'll be ordering a tan/tan top. Accordingly, I'll assume it will be tan. Don't know, though.

BTW2: You would think that there is somebody out there with a ruby maroon conv that has the right color bows on it and that that party would let me know. Just shoot me. This is getting to be a mess. I'm a good mind to change the whole dang thing an go with a blackbody and black/black top. This should be simple. Go figure.

Well Charlie, according to you, Until now....he-he!!

Enjoy,
Michael41

I think the '48 was the first to have black top bows. I think the black bows came with Satin Green paint. I remember seeing a Satin Green '48 convertible with a black top and black cloth inside and black top bows....... A fellow club member here has a black '47 convertible with a black top which has tan inside cloth and tan top bows. And '47 was the last year for outside piping to match the upholstery. The '48 piping matched the top color. This car has red leather inside so the piping is red. It was an original car with 19000 original miles when he bought it from the Harrah collection.

Charlie here you go'

I can't believe that the side rails are painted tan too! Dang!

That don't look right to me (I'd argue with a sign post). However, this is the best information so far. I may have to bite the bullet and go with it, unless more and better information comes along. And, I hope it does. I don't like what I see in the picture.

I may have to change color from Ruby Maroon to Mayland Black or even Cameo Cream (ugh).

Anyway, I really do appreciate you sending the picture.
Thanks,
Charlie

BTW: Carol says not black.

Yeah, but Charlie, Look at the chrome brackets that it has. We all know somebody who'd like that! I'd give you three guesses and the first one counts!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chev...QcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230ee9ee10QQitem


Now this is the inside look at the 41 conv that was recently on eBay. See why I'm confused? The rails are the body color while the bows are tan. Mercy! What a mess (for me).
Charlie

Oops! The image didn't go through. But if you'd like you can still see it on the "completed items."

Charlie,
Here is one more data point. As mentioned in my earlier post, the bows on my convertible appear to be original and are painted are tan. The rails however are black. They also appear to be original. The color of the car was black from the factory. Mike