I am taking the roof insert out of my 34 Dodge sedan to make new bows as it has a big sag. While I have it off I want to take off the vinyl and put something between the vinyl and the chicken wire. Any suggestions besides foam? By the way the first ride my wife and I took we were engulfed in deteriorated foam. Eh live and learn.
On my Model T coupe I went to fabric store and bought some fleece. It was very inexpensive so I could double up the thickness. I believe that 2 layers ended up about 1/4" thick. I put the vinyl over that and it looks great. It should last a very long time. Sent from my SM-G935V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
OEM of the era consisted of wooden frames covered with fine mesh chicken wire which was then covered with cotton padding and then covered by muslin cloth. Once the top was evened out and smooth, it was then covered with black vinyl. Measure your insert and add another 6" all around to ensure you have sufficient material, both sides and front to back. Plenty of suppliers out there; Le Barron Bonney, Hampton Coach, Macs and the like. Here's a recent Tech week thread albeit it, on a Model 'A'
Just a thought, check out these water resistant picnic blankets, my wife got one for the kids. Quilted, dont hold moisture, probably costs less than the fleece. https://www.walmart.com/ip/79x59-In...5035&wl11=online&wl12=684860012&wl13=&veh=sem
Furniture upholsters these days use a padding made from felted fabric wastes. Its colour comes from the fabric wastes recycled but it always seems to come out a sort of dark greyish pink which suggests vomit after too much red wine. The softer kind of carpet underfelt is similar. It's probably messier than the proper padding but it won't break down the way a lot of plastic foams will.
Bonded Dacron Polyester Batting is a good choice. I've used it. You can buy it at places like Joann's fabric store. https://www.amazon.com/Bonded-Dacro...ocphy=9004730&hvtargid=pla-359707271405&psc=1
I ended up with a giant roll of sweat shirt material. I use 2 layers of that and it works perfect. I've used it on several cars with great results. Only drawback is the material is pink! Can't see it once installed so no biggie! Dave
I used polyester batting for a slightly "poofy" look. I had cotton batting I was going to use, but even with the wire and muslin, the bows would have shown through (ever so slightly). Layers were..... Chicken wire heavy muslin batting vinyl
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