Woodie roof material - any leads?

[Edmather]

Hi All,
I went to do the roof on my '41 woodie this morning using a LeBaron top kit that has been sitting in my garage since 2015 (I know, such a long time!).
I was extremely disappointed to find that the piece of vinyl is cut too short. Width is fine (66") but the length is about 3" too short.
I know that LB are out of business now, and have done a search about sources for fabric, but can't find much chatter about that recently, but note general despair and unavailability a few years ago.
My question is: has anything changed? Is there anywhere out there that can now supply the 66" width top material?
Thank you,
Ed

[GB SISSON]

This may not be of any interest to you as it does not have the textured look of the original material. I built a woodie from a '47 truck which turned out to be wider and longer than the available material. Since I just wanted to complete my project and have some fun with it I purchased a sheet of epdm rubber 'pond liner' on amazon. This was made by firestone and is guaranteed 50 years in the sun. Cost was 85.00 compared to 600.00 from a woodie supply business (and theirs was too small). With six helpers on a hot day it conformed extremely well and remains so. It is a dull black and about 3/32" thick.

[Willit Stop]

You might want to check these guys out. I haven't used them. So good or bad...I don't know.
https://newstalgiaparts.com/

[Bob C]

Is it possible it has shrunk? Maybe put it in the sun and see if you can stretch it.

[Edmather]

Thanks, I'll check out the pond liner! I'm thinking about boat tonneau cover material too!
And thank you for the link, I'll see about that too.
Ed

[Edmather]

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Originally Posted by Bob C

Is it possible it has shrunk? Maybe put it in the sun and see if you can stretch it.

It's several inches too short, so I don't think its stretchable sadly.

[GB SISSON]

I could get a close up if you would like. The gutters are satin black anodized aluminum from an RV supply place. I remember they were 36.00, not sure if that was apiece or the pair. I won't be taking this thing to Pebble Beach but it looks respectable in it's own homespun way.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

I could get a close up if you would like. The gutters are satin black anodized aluminum from an RV supply place. I remember they were 36.00, not sure if that was apiece or the pair. I won't be taking this thing to Pebble Beach but it looks respectable in it's own homespun way.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Edmather

It's several inches too short, so I don't think its stretchable sadly.

Need some weight.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Need some weight.

[Model "A" Fords]

There are many types of truck tarp material and material for those accordion style full covers for transport trailers. Look for a manufacturer of these items and and bring a sample of what you are looking for.

Also check out pool cover, hot tub cover, and awning material that now comes in styles, colors, and makeup that seems never ending. Just picture your roof and match the material needed then rename it roof material.

I was pleasantly surprised to find some truck tarp material that looked and felt like my seat cushion material and can handle the hot, cold and wet weather without any issues.
When I chose the correct style material for my job they asked if I would like it in a different weight. They showed samples of four different weights of all the same color and texture. I had the luxury of buying a heavier material that no one can notice unless they cut it open.

After years of punishment I realized the lighter material would have been more than required.

[mrtexas]

My woodie is complete less final wiring. Missing a piece of tan hidem. LB went bankrupt before they could ship my hidem.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

My woodie is complete less final wiring. Missing a piece of tan hidem. LB went bankrupt before they could ship my hidem.

[Karl Wescott]

I have 1/3 roll (about 100 yards), 66" wide, in stock of fine grain vinyl top material (used on Model A sedans).

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Karl Wescott

I have 1/3 roll (about 100 yards), 66" wide, in stock of fine grain vinyl top material (used on Model A sedans).

[deuce_roadster]

People who work with vinyl will tell you that it stretches in one direction but not the other. When installing the top on my 40 woodie, I did it outside on a hot sunny day with help, and it stretched across quite a bit but not the long way. We tacked it several times and kept pulling it making it tighter before putting the rain gutters back on. I used small square head screws that fit in the gutters, not Phillips, so in the future, the rain gutters could be removed without damage. Unfortunately, when I bought it, the only top material that came in that width was black, and 37-40s had brown tops so before putting the rain gutters on, I masked off the whole car and sprayed brown vinyl dye on the top. Luckily yours should be black.

[sawzall]

i recently purchased a roll of 64 inch wide long grain for a fairly good price.
its technically incorrect for my 32, however I doubt I will ever find the correct and if I do, I'll simply redo it.

I should have enough to do several cars. and may have some avail for sale if your interested.

[deuce_roadster]

I would contact Karl Wescott and buy a piece long enough to do your car. Probably no upholstery vendor or supplier will have what you need.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

People who work with vinyl will tell you that it stretches in one direction but not the other. When installing the top on my 40 woodie, I did it outside on a hot sunny day with help, and it stretched across quite a bit but not the long way. We tacked it several times and kept pulling it making it tighter before putting the rain gutters back on. I used small square head screws that fit in the gutters, not Phillips, so in the future, the rain gutters could be removed without damage. Unfortunately, when I bought it, the only top material that came in that width was black, and 37-40s had brown tops so before putting the rain gutters on, I masked off the whole car and sprayed brown vinyl dye on the top. Luckily yours should be black.

My gosh, you bring back painful memories!
Like you, I'd done the installation on a very hot day and yep, in the sun.
Still, the corners in the back caused me fits. I ended up using a heat gun with great fear. Shrunk the vinyl just enough to smooth the corners out nicely. I was so afraid of damaging the vinyl and having to start afresh.

Painted the top on mine just as you did. Came out very nice and has held up wonderfully. Getting the vinyl clean enough to apply the paint was not fun.

[DavidG]

I was fortunate in two ways, the '32 station wagons had black roof material and I obtained enough of the original material, pyroxylin cloth, so I did not have to worry about stretching it as it does not stretch in any direction. The two rear corners required some thought.