Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Roof Insert

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Mike Colemire, Jan 4, 2020.

  1. trvguy
    Joined: Apr 12, 2010
    Posts: 94

    trvguy
    Member

    I ussed a Dodge Minivan roof on my 32Ford, nice compound curves. Nice fit
     
    loudbang likes this.
  2. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Nobody has mentioned it so I will. Be forewarned, it will get a lot LOUDER inside. Right now, a lot of noises are exiting the open top and going away, you put the top on ad all those noises are going to bounce right back down at you. Especially is you have loud exhaust (lakes headers!), but every little noise that is generated is going to be reflected back down at you.

    I built the insert for my A pickup to be removable. The original roof bows were in the car, providing the basic shape, I used a scrap piece of 1/4" plywood and cut it to size using a pattern I made out of poster board. Then, to minimize the reflected sound waves I filled the ply with holes. Then covered it with batting and vinyl. I can remove the insert in about 3 minutes if I want to go with the top open, but to be honest, that is very rare (never?). When I eventually redo it I'll make it permanent instead of removable.

    IMG_7675b.JPG IMG_7679.JPG IMG_7697.JPG
     
  3. unfinished
    Joined: Jan 8, 2020
    Posts: 119

    unfinished
    Member

    Man I wish ya had not brought up Vista Cruiser.....yet another car I lost in a broken relationship!!! Lotta fun and I miss that ole wagon!!! Can't say as much about the lost love....
     
    loudbang likes this.
  4. Kelly Burns
    Joined: May 22, 2009
    Posts: 1,440

    Kelly Burns
    Member

    In addition to what these guys said, I also like the '57-'59 Ford roofs, they have inverted ribs that look good. '64 Darts have a cool pattern of ribs, grouped to the outsides.

    Another cool idea, is a dzus fastened insert full of louvers!
     
    loudbang likes this.
  5. Kelly Burns
    Joined: May 22, 2009
    Posts: 1,440

    Kelly Burns
    Member

  6. AmishMike
    Joined: Mar 27, 2014
    Posts: 968

    AmishMike
    Member

    Not trying to sell the idea but a suggestion for your consideration. No pics but saw a coupe with plexiglass roof insert ( tinted yellow). Thought kind of neat idea. Sun would roast the inside but could also make removable for open air cruise or wedge open at rear. Not sure how would make rain/drip proof & suspect some steal cross pieces to support sides & insert. As a roadster guy will not be trying but you might think about it. With treated wood frame attached to plexi & slight tint to match paint on car might be pretty nice
     
  7. blazedogs
    Joined: Sep 22, 2014
    Posts: 535

    blazedogs
    Member

    I welded in a steel roof insert not too long ago and it was a nightmare.A lot of work , easy to make a mistake , warp age when welding, getting the right contour and fit, body filler work blending in etc . Never again Would now chose a different route than a steel roof insert My 2 cents.. Gene
     
  8. 51farmtruck
    Joined: Jul 23, 2007
    Posts: 894

    51farmtruck
    Member

    I used a piece of 1/8" lauan plywood for the top in my 32. A thin piece of padding and then the original type grained vinyl. I painted the lauan a nice semi gloss black and it looks really nice from the inside.

    39045715_2133019950358692_7074580747406802944_n.jpg
     
    -Brent-, Tman, RICH B and 7 others like this.
  9. blazedogs
    Joined: Sep 22, 2014
    Posts: 535

    blazedogs
    Member

    A much better way to go and a fabric top matches the era of the car & looks great...
     
    kb9jlo, loudbang and TagMan like this.
  10. McFly
    Joined: Oct 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,169

    McFly
    Member

    Do you have any detail shots of the track/trim holding down the vinyl?
     
    RICH B and loudbang like this.
  11. 31choppedtopcoupe
    Joined: Jul 8, 2020
    Posts: 19

    31choppedtopcoupe
    Member
    from Ohio

    Any interior pics of that insert?
     
  12. Lexan and it will have a "moon roof". Believe it or not when I was little I saw a few show cars at a place called "The Cow Palace" with roofs filled that way (would have been plexi glass back then).
     
  13. I did the same as @sloppy jalopies and found an '86 Toyota minivan :confused: matched my A Tudor perfectly. I'm gonna cover it with vinyl later.

    More details here:
    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...e-6-steel-roof-covered-by-stock-vinyl.636247/

    Roof 01.JPG Roof 02.JPG Roof 10.JPG Roof 11.JPG Roof 13.JPG
     
  14. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Yes. Note the oak blocks are to hold the insert in place. That was part of the removable aspect of the top. I originally wanted it to be removable. Turns out I don't remove it, it's just too nice having a roof overhead. So, if/when I redo it I'll get rid of those and use something far less noticeable. Otherwise it look like the original style insert at first glance, chicken wire and batting. IMG_7688.JPG
     
  15. Scrapbmxrider16
    Joined: Jul 29, 2020
    Posts: 35

    Scrapbmxrider16

    I like how it looks man
    Sent from my SM-G965U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Blues4U likes this.
  16. 32 hudson
    Joined: Mar 5, 2005
    Posts: 778

    32 hudson
    Member

    A lot of good information , suggestions and photos in this thread. Where do I get the trim welting or rubber strip to finish off the edge ? I would like it to fit close and not stick up much. I am not a fan of the Juliano's aluminum strip.
     
  17. cfmvw
    Joined: Aug 24, 2015
    Posts: 977

    cfmvw
    Member

    If you check out the European Deuce Thread, there are a number of cars that were set up with a ragtop sunroof instead of an insert. Maybe you could graft in a VW Bus ragtop sunroof?
     
  18. Jason Mitchell
    Joined: Sep 4, 2020
    Posts: 70

    Jason Mitchell
    Member
    from Memphis TN

    I like the idea of using wood bows similar to original, then making a vinyl top that snaps on and off...but thats just me.
     
  19. 31choppedtopcoupe
    Joined: Jul 8, 2020
    Posts: 19

    31choppedtopcoupe
    Member
    from Ohio

    Looks good buddy. I think I’m gonna copy it for my ‘31.



    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.