Ernie Can Top That!

On April 30, 2022, we packed up the Michigan in the “big white trailer” and headed South to drop it off at Ernie Romero’s shop. The car was to get a new top. Ernie had done a fabulous job on the upholstery and it only made sense to have him do the top as well. We had seen several others Ernie had done and they all look beautiful. The plan was to restore the top, side curtains and boot exactly as the original. And we had all the tattered, rotted, vermin pooped top parts to serve as patterns — including original side curtains, which very few cars of this age ever have. See top photos and a further explanation at: https://michiganmotorcar.com/nuts-bolts-2/folding-top-side-curtains/

Tori & Chris help unload the car in El Cajon near Ernie’s place.

We left the car, the new Haartz custom fabric and various fasteners with Ernie and headed home.

Ernie and I discuss the process of getting the top, side curtains and boot put together.

We got several progress reports from Ernie that showed the stages in putting a top on a horseless carriage. Just like a buggy, our car has top bows that need to be in just the right position if it is to go up smoothly and lay down nice and compact.

Top bows need to be in the correct positions if the top is going to work correctly and look smooth.

It is just the back, but that fabric looks amazing.

We needed to drop off some straps and fasteners, so Janet & I did an inspection tour on June 2, 2022. The car was looking great.

Janet & Ernie examine the side curtains – both new and old.

A few days later, Ernie sent us some photos of the car with the side curtains installed. We had never seen the side curtains on the car before. If we ever need them, I think it will be very claustrophobic.