33 Roof Insert
 

Just spent a 3 day weekend away with Fords (& others) Had a few showers of rain and for the first time got a couple of leaks on two of the corners.
Before I attack it some advice on how. It's obvious that the joins have let go and will require refixing. I'm a bit reluctant to pull the lot but maybe I'll have to. Any help?
sorry pictures must be too big not sure how to reduce them.

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

I can't help with the top, but I can help with the photos! :) If you want them posted you can email them to me at [email protected]

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Not sure whats happening sent the photos to [email protected] I get a message unable to deliver ?
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Well not sure what was happening but here they are
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

That's funny, was just going to say try again. Must be magic! :)

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

i am no expert, but have to do my own soon so i have been studying. there are small bolts at the ends of the tack strip, and nails thru the rest. yours have let go for some reason, and i do not think you are going to fix it without starting at the beginning, as in even the headliner has to come out to get at the corner bolts, and at that point you should remove it all to re seal the tac strip and the trim piece on top. folks with more experience can take over from here

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Thanks cas3, you may have confirmed that horrible thought in my mind "To remove all & start from scratch. I guess a lot of care is needed to protect paintwork.
I'll keep searching for more advice
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Kpar, as cas3 mentioned a "correct" repair may become a major job. Especially if paintwork is required.
Before you go to these measures you might consider reattaching the trim molding with a modern glue. I have had good success using E6000. It come in a tube like tooth paste. I buy it from our local Ace Hardware store.
Apply the glue between the trim and the body. Place something heavy on the top. Heavy enough to squeeze them together. It dry's permanent in a few hours. I would suggest putting a sheet of wax paper between the trim/roof and the weight. Any access glue can be cleaned off by hand. If this isn't satisfactory then you can go back to the way cas3 suggest. Have fun.

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

I do have a fix for you . I do have a lot of exerpence with these tops. first:
remove rubber incert.
2: look ans see how the metal strip is attached.
( if correct you will see at the joints a small screw )
3: if screw is there try to tighten it up. good luck
4 : if screw does not pull end of metal strip down go to 5
5: near the end of metal strip drill a very small hole. The closer to end the better
6 what you need is a very small sheetmetal screw. the head should fit between the gap in the metal strip.
BUT first before 5 & 6 . get small sheet metal screws and find the drill hole size that will work with the screws you have.
you can experment with sheet metal so as to make sure that this will work.
the idea is

1st drill the small hole threw metal strip threw the nailing strip and threw the botom of channel (the last metal chanel ) then drill a little biger hole so as when you screw threw metal tacking strip you will be able to tighten down the metal tacking strip to the bottom chanel . the legnth of your screws you will find as you proceed. my guess is around 3/4 t 1 in you do not want too long of screws as they will be inside your car hidden by the headliner.
If you need more help on this call me at 510-889-1933 Nick

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Boy I'm I glad I haven't started on it yet, the advice I'm getting from you guys is much appreciated and I will take on board. When I do attack it I'll have to give the Scotch Bottle a nudge to slow the shakes down. Or call on a mate.
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Spitballing here... Maybe protect your finish by masking it up as if you were going to paint? Heck, then you could even gorilla tape some moving blankets onto that to make it more comfortable for yourself, seeing as there will be hours of leaning on the roof involved.

Adding: Not very proud or happy to say it, but some previous owner's upholstery shop took out the insert on my '35 Touring and put it back in using convertible top fabric! :eek: :confused: That car has plenty of issues but the roof isn't one of them... Yet.

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Thanks for the detailed instructions Nick. Will give it a go. Unable to ring overseas at this stage so will send a PM if I run into problems. Keith

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Bump,
Well finally moved the A model out and started on my roof insert. What a job getting the rubber strip out. It was glued in with silastic had a heap of screws that wouldn't come out.
Previous restorer ground a flat on the head of the screws dropped them into the tack strip slot then screwed the lot down with some sort of glue in the rubber slot. All very well if they were never ment to come out.
Tack strip was painted the same as the car. Any comments on getting it powder coated black to match the insert
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

to powder coat you must remove. I sugest mast - sand - and paint black. the screws you show should be flathead ans longer to screw into metal channel ( the last or bottom )

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

I also suggest mat or flat black paint.

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Finally got the tack strip out it was glued to the vinal which had hundreds of staples under the glue. I think I'm heading down the track of replacing the top. Is the material something special or can I just source it from a local upholsterer.
Kpar

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Try Cartouche who advertise in the V-8 Times. They may have a top kit.

Re: 33 Roof Insert
 

Have you found a replacement for the rubber insert? I have one from Dennis Carpenter and one from Labaron Bonney, They are the same and fit in the channel pretty loose. That is IMO probably why it was glued in.