This is a Model A Vicky that was changed from a leatherback to a steel top years ago. They used parts off another Model a to do it ( probably a 2Dr Sedan ) And the new roofsection was dropped on top of the original metal and brazed all the way around. So there was lots of warp and big sections of overlapping metal... Which showed up once the bondo was blasted off.
The leatherbacks have perforated strips in the roof to attach the material. These strips are recessed too. These were bondo'd over as well. So I started by making a template, going by pics of restored cars. The tin tops have a beadline behind the 1/4 window that the leatherback doesnt have. So I made a piece with that beadline in it. Cut the old metal away. Anw welded in the new. ( I mixed pics from the left and right side of the car, because I used the pics that were the most clear...)
A new piece made ( it tapers and curves in two directions, and is almost 4' long ) Partially welded in and ground down. And some more perforations gone.
The strips at the sides of the rear window were just two pieces with a little bit of curve in it. But the top was harder... There was a lot of warp from the brazing, and I also had to get rid of the perforated strip. So I made a new piece for that.
The metalwork is a lot better than on my POS and will last a lot longer. My car is very afraid of the sandblaster and my dust pan is small.
Serious cool, any more shots of progress on the Zagoto in the background? " Do not reach greedily for the Kool-Aid ''
Work on the Zagato has stopped for a bit. Thats why I put it where it is, with my Special under it. When I start working on it again, I'll post updated on this thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264257&highlight=fabwork
Great post! It is always nice to see your projects. There is a thread over on the Model A section of The Ford Barn asking about this very subject. It may be worth posting a link over there since the car looks stone stock to me.
They say craftsmanship like this is a dying art. I disagree. I think with the technology, better tools, experiences passed on, etc. craftmanship is actally better. Witness this fine example as exhibit 1.
Hey, Yeah, ditto on the rebirth of craftsmanship, hell, 30-35 years ago you had to have an " enigma machine" to get any information about metalshaping. Today, ya see the stuff bein' taught on T.V. " Humpty Dumpty was pushed "
That piece under the window is not as easy as it looks. I had to do mine up to and around the first detail line around the rear window. Are you planning on removing the perforations behind the rain gutters too?
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