Technical Why no Vinyl Roofs?

So it something that just bugs me and I dont understand it. Asking if someone can enlighten me...

Im not talking about vinyl tops, more along the roof on cars such as Model a's, 1930s Packards, etc. Where there is a wooden framing in the middle of the roof with a piece of vinyl that is streched across and nailed in...

Why do people leave it off? Its fairly simple to install one...

No im not trying to start a fight just curios

 

Different tastes. Not sure it has anything to do with difficulty level.

 

They LEAK and they rot away. I put a metal piece on my Model A coupe. No leaks and it lasts forever

 

Any time you cut a hole in a roof, you're inviting rust and or leaking. It never fails.

 

Im understanding the question more as "why do they leave it open", not why do they fill it with metal, ect......

 

I think he means the A's and T's running around with just the wooden slats in place and no covering, just as ifn they wanted to be in a roadster or something

 

Oh. Probably so they can see the traffic lights.

 

Yeah it is just a "looks" thing. Some cars do look good with the exposed wood. I would not do it though because I like the look of cobra grain tops.

 

Exactly... To me if you wanna get rained on make a roadster... Not have a roof... But not really a roof... It just confuses me...

 

Everyone wants a Roadster

 

Eh, their car, their taste. Im more worried about what my car looks like in my eyes than why others do what.

 

Yes I agree I just wasnt sure if it had some meaning, like someother mods people do with their cars

 

That's the way I read the question- I see it and it looks like what it is- unfinished-

 

When I started building hot rods back in the 70's I never saw cars like that and I traveled around a lot.

I believe the top material being omitted got recognition with the advent of the rat rod craze and has somehow spilled over into mainstream thought of what is cool,,some say traditional,,I don't buy that.

I build what I like and I prefer the cars to be simple and minus the over the top modifications,the kind of build that may never be top of the heap but in trying to stay true the KISS methodology, if it fading into the background with all the current street rods and rat rods so be it.

I'll take my early Ford sedans & coupes with some vinyl stretched across the top. HRP

 

I'd have to believe that as he usually does HRP pretty well nailed it right there. It started with the rat rod bs and has carried over to the guys who think "oh that looks cool". Taking the car to one event with the wood framework for your top showing and not top material is just showing off your craftsmanship on the woodwork before you cover it. Driving it that way for years and getting soaked when you get caught in rain storms helps folks question your iq level.

 

When I get to that point I'm going to fill the roof with metal and put vinyl on it. I think it looks cool.

 

I'm not a fan of metal filled roofs on Model A's, too street roddy. I do like when guys make the vinyl snap on or removable like a tonneau cover. Best of both worlds, off its almost a roadster, on, it looks like a regular A. I think the trick is to make it removable, but look stock when installed.

Posted using a number two pencil on a paper napkin.

 

I agree. The exposed wooden top bows look unfinished to me. But then, the "unfinished" look seems to be the fashion right now...

 

I like mine with a little roll and pleat look...

 

It's no different than PATINA. Some dudes dig it, some dudes don't.

 

I ran my old model a without an insert with the original wood exposed and it was nice to see the stoplights through it with a 5 inch chop but then I filled it with fabric and though I couldn't see the stoplights unless I stopped way before them it was nice staying dry in a rainstorm.

I think it's a style to leave them open and gives you an open air feel but man an insert is nice in a storm

 

That street roddy comment only applies if you do it like that. I tacked my metal inside the hole, leaving the channel exposed. It looks stock and you cant tell its not fabric. It looks stock but I am considering painting the insert white because so many traditional hot rodders did that way back when

 

Why no Vinyl Roofs?


cause house flooring looks like **** on a car top ,

Like said above , spill over , but having driven one that way years ago .. its like running around with your sun roof open on the O/T rig, fun but not worth a **** in the rain ,

 

Very good response...
Couldn't agree more.

 

Hahahaha!!!!

 

Originally Posted by fenderless in the n.w.
cause house flooring looks like **** on a car top ,


I ain't never seen a house with grained vinyl flooring. But built a few Model A's and T's with the original chicken wire and cloth tops. They work great for many years if done right.
Also adding vinyl over a metal insert gives the best of both worlds.
As far as the OP's question I have no idea what he was askin.

 

Is that over metal?
Looks like it could be removed -- can it? How is it attached?

PS looks nice !!

 

I'd like to see photos of that if you have any....

My roof is open... but so is my mind, I'm looking for ideas.

 

Would it be cool to use snaps to attach a rolled and pleated, or other type insert? Then have different colors and styles for a new look now and then. Just like swappin wheels! My mind is always wide open.

 

No 'Fenders', covered plywood laying in the original track...