What are you using to fill in the open top on a Model A Tudor? Old Station wagons are in short supply. Can modern steel from an SUV be used or is it not weldable? Any advice would be appreciated.
I've used early 80's Olds Cutlass Ciera wagon roofs. They fit very nice and have ribs that don't look goofy. Stu
Black vinyl from a upholstery shop, chicken wire from a DIY shop and 1/4 inch soft foam sheet also from the upholstery shop. Tacks and nails. Fine aluminium roof gutter from a R/V camper supplier. Old school. :
I used an '86 Toyota minivan on my '28 Tudor because I planned to cover the metal with vinyl didn't want any ribs. Here's a picture-heavy thread showing my steps. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636247
Any other sources for skins with out ribs in them? Getting ready to help a friend of mine with a 30 sedan and he wants to fill the roof with no ribs.
I used a roof off a 70's chev van worked great, but it was a little short had to work some magic on the front and back Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Look for late model Volvo station wagons or (if you're in a major city) limousines. Most everything else is either... so old that it's been shredded... or has ribs. Better yet, do what I did: Rather than search for specific models, I made a plywood template of my sedan's roof curvature and took it with me to browse at the local junkyards.
when i built the 29 , i used a new wood kit from SNYDER MODEL A & T PARTS then i had a local amish guy sew me together a snap on top . it worked great , i could un snap and drive like a semi convertable , but i also drove it in 25 degree weather and a couple of times in very heavy rain .
I purchased an insert from Howells and was extremely disappointed (another thread). I ended up modifying what they sent but this is what I would do now. Make a pattern to set into the recess surrounding the roof opening. Install a wood kit as I did to support the flat roof. If you are using the steel roof brace across the center, bend it down to the level of the wood. Cut a piece of 18 gauge to match the pattern and set into roof opening. Weld and finish like any body work. After the insert was installed, I caulked with PL Premium between the ribs and the insert. The roof is dead silent. I wish I could get pictures posted but you can look at it here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/52296758@N06/ This install was so easy except for paying and modifying Howell's piece.
I used the smooth roof from a 1960 Ford wagon in a 29 Ford sedan. It was long enough and could have been over lapped welded. The curve on the sides were just right. I know the wagon would be cool also but only had a good roof. Hooley
64 Impala wagon roof, stepped back approx. 1,1/2' , so the ribs started mid roof rather then at the front of the roof.
A generous offer, indeed, but I will try to find something a bit closer to home(Dallas, TX). Thanks, anyway for sure. Rusty.
Not sure about the A's but I know the tri-5's were popular tops back in the day for the Model B's and Model 40's due to their similar profile and gauge strength (although they seem more convex than the A, most of the curve is on the outside edge which won't be used on the much narrower Tudor). Perhaps a More-Door donor is possible for yours. Just an idea... Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
The Jalopy Journal
