Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford3window
It is my understanding that sheet metal in pre-1936 vehicles would not sustain being formed into roofs without tearing in the middle. As metallurgy was further developed that problem was solved and sheet metal could be formed into automobile roofs without tearing.
|
Ford did make steel that would do the job. Many Ford drawings had marked on them "Material with qualities required to manufacture part"( not the exact wording but the basic meaning) including Fan Parts, Shackles and Male Door Dovetails. It is true today that metal has improved considerably, giving more choices for specific needs.
In the 1920s and 1930s, presses were capable of making that roof and Ford would have had them on site.
Most likely the fabric roof was easier and cheaper to make. Steel on this flat roof would require more support than the fabric to keep the shape. It would also require expensive press tooling, paint and soundproofing.