Can anyone help me with info on how to put a roof on my 1930 Essex sedan? Thinking maybe removable, Has anyone done this? or weld in steel a better choice? Any and all shared knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tim
That's a pretty vague request. Post some pictures of what you have now so we know what you're working with. "Help us help you".
OK cant drag an image in, cant cut, copy, paste an image. cant put file name in to insert image, Ill put it as my avitare.
I set the firewall back a little, it drives nice, I put a 4bar in back, glass, fenders, roof, might get to cruise this summer. I chopped a model A windshield frame to fit do you build braces under the roof before welding sheet metal in? Has anyone made a removable top?
Measure front to back side to side,find an older car junkyard look at sta wag and 4 door roofs.May or not need bracing depending on type of roof.When you weld it in use butt joints not lap.
I used a ford astro van roof flipped reverse. It had the ribs and I blended it into the visor. If you drive it alot, you will get caught in the rain with the removable insert, and chances are you will get wet.
Nice T-bucket,(Keep). Love that independent rear suspension! Good idea with the ribbed astro van top. No braces needed, reinforcement built in. Yes I live in Washington State and if you dont drive in the rain you dont drive much. Fenders and a roof are a must. maybe a sunroof? Thanks
What is wrong with the original vinyl roof insert? It would be the easiest and will last for 20 years or more. Longer if you park in a garage. They had the wooden framework, covered it with chicken wire, then cotton padding. Staple some muslin (thin cloth) over the padding. Push the padding around with long needles until the roof is nice and smooth. Then fit the vinyl. Seal around the edge with butyl sealer.
I used an un-ribbed Toyota minivan and plan to cover it with vinyl for a stock look. Here's the thread that shows all the steps: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636247
As stated Search wrecking yard … almost any s/w or van is a good start. Avoid Welding it down to any cross bracing … big problems during temp. changes.
I used the roof from a mid 80s suburban on my Essex coupe. Plenty of metal there for your sedan and the ribs are nice as well.
You could use a donor roof skin or best would be to make or have one made with the correct crown for your sedan. When we do em we butt weld the skin with a tig so we can work the weld. It's tough because a low crown panel is going to want to move. We made a removable skin for a 5 window recently by creating a new roof channel/gutter and then tipping the edge of the skin & making a side frame work to fit into the gutter. Crazy amount of work!
I installed a skin I bought from Waldens Speed in Pomona CA, it fit so good, really made install smooth
Sorry I forgot about this. It has nuts welded inside the roof side of the channel & wing screws from the bottom.
I'm also looking for a skin on my coupe's roof, especialy during winter which can be cold here from my side, since I replaced my top wood last year, I will consider as a crime to hide it below the skin so I will most probably make a removable roof. Here are the details of Bass' build on his A coupe : http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5424390&postcount=144
I used a ribbed one from a 57 ford 4 dr. passenger car. Narrowed down and reversed end for end . Yeah ford parts on a chevy car.
found a decent picture of the gutter profile when finished. I drew up what the roof skin side looked like because I didn't have a good shot & I'm not sure how soon the car will be back from the owner/painter. I can draw up the gutter profile if also needed.
Ok! Went to local wreaking yard and found a 1980 Volvo station wagon roof and it fits perfect. Tack welded in, fenders hung, Thanks for the tips. might be cruisin this summer.
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