Technical 1932 Ford 4 door roof insert

Buddy just bought another '32 Ford,this time a 4 door sedan.
He would like to change the fabric top to a metal insert.
What was done or used back in the day?
Was there a later roof that was close that could be cut off and fitted?
I suggested a station wagon roof with ribs and got a screwdriver thrown at me so I guess it can't be that.

 

Actually, you were right on. Generally wagon roofs from about the mid 50s were used but they are going to be hard to find these days.
Throw the screwdriver back at his ass. Lol

 

Same shape as 2 door, while they are expensive I used an insert from Walden Speed Shop trimmed to the size of the hole, covered with Mercedes Benz top material and fastened with invisible fasteners attached to the wood. Not a cheap fix but it looks good.

 

Back in the day nobody filled the roof on a 32 fordor.

Coupes had their roofs filled, and maybe a tudor, but not fordors. I dare somebody to show me a pic.

 

A filled roof cries for a bunch of billet.

 

I have a 32 Fordor with a filled roof done in the 30s or 40s. Gas welded in and they did a nice job too.

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It would be difficult to find a 50s station wagon roof but I bet the junkyards around you are full of SUVs and minivans. One of them will have a suitable roof. Make two templates and go looking.

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From Argentina ?? That happened a lot there and quite a few worn out Argentina Model A sedans with filled roofs found their way here. I,ve had 2 , both RHD and both done very well.

 

I kept the soft insert in both of my 4 doors,I just like the look. HRP

 

I used a 1962 Chevy station wagon roof I saved for about 10 years knowing some day it would be needed.

 

I guess we need to know how far "Back in the day" he wants to go. He should pick a skin from the era the car is trying to emulate. The ribs didn't show up until the late 50's. And big fat ribs didn't show up til the 80's (think "minivan"). What is the owner looking for?

 

Early 60’s vibe without the ribs. There is a yard that has a couple milk trucks and early 50’s panel trucks we will scope out.
I would keep the soft top but his car, his money.

 

I used a 70s ford wagon roof on my 1931 sedan, It fit like it was made for it.

 

Too bad you're not closer. There's an old yard thats crushing everything next week. There's an old panel as well as many wagons to choose from that would have a good roof.

 

Yes it's from Argentina.

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Instead of asking what fits, do like I did and make a plywood template; one edge matched the stock roof’'s lengthwise crown, the other followed the lateral crown….

I took the template to a local junkyard to shop for a matching donor roof ~74"” x 43"” with no lengthwise ribs. I was looking for a Volvo station wagon but found an ‘86 Toyota minivan matched perfectly.

I left the stock A tack strips in place so I can cover it with Ford vinyl for a stock appearance.

 

How much money do you have?
How much time do you have?
Ask yourself that question.....

I bought a Walden insert for my 5W. Shit ain’t cheap, but it’s real damn nice. Irrational metalworks trimmed it and made it fit the stock hole and screwed it in the factory wood. Then I put a vinyl cover in it. Looks great and solid. I would do it again in a second.....

I also have a ‘32 4dr I’m gonna start on this year. I’m gonna repeat.....

 

I used a 58 Ford wagon for the insert on my 33 4 door. They had inverted ribs. Worked quite well.