31 Model A SW Town Sedan Project -Roof wood header

[JohnB15632]

Does anyone know if there exists the original drawing for the roof wood header? I am trying to modify the header that came with the car.
It obviously if not configured correctly.

[art ebeling]

Did you remove the doors? How were the gaps at the doors? I would think that your doors would have to be on with correct gaps before you would know where to nail the roof side panels and then see how the metal header cover fits against the end of those roof side panels. Also, Is the body still on the frame?

[JohnB15632]

My problem right now is that the wood header is wrong. I can not install the front cover correctly. I need to cut down the wood header before I can get to any other aspect of the reinstall.

I can not secure any metal parts until this one aspect is fixed.

[art ebeling]

You once mentioned using a router. I would try a belt sander and start at both outside edges if you think the metal cover is not going on far enough. I would still like to know about the door fit. I had the same situation on my Victoria because the metal body shell was not forward enough on the body wood. When that was corrected and the door gaps right the header and side panels were up against each other.

[art ebeling]

This is how mine ended up. Notice where the gutter ends in relationship to the pillar. I mentioned before yours looks too far back.

[JohnB15632]

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I received this body without the doors installed. I do have all four doors, at some point I was going to install the doors, alone with the fenders, and aprons. Dry fit everything.

I just feel that the front wood header problem must be resolved first before trying to hit the doors and securing the skin to the header wood.

The wood header is way, way off. As currently configured, if I push the cover onto the header, there is almost 3/4 inch gap between the cover and the side metal. That is why I am concentrating on the wood header.

I do not have a band sander. I only have a router. I can use this router to remove wood a little at a time. I am taking my time with this.

May you all have a Blessed and Happy New Year!!

John

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by JohnB15632

Does anyone know if there exists the original drawing for the roof wood header? I am trying to modify the header that came with the car.
It obviously if not configured correctly.

One of the early Restorer Magazines -- 1966 maybe -- had a drawing included. I think the issue had a drawing of a Victoria. That's as far as my total recall (which has been recalled) goes.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Harbor Freight has an air operated little band sander that would likely be very useful for this job. I think I paid about $25 for mine. I bought the heavy electric one first, but returned it the next day for the air one. The electric one is too big and clumsy.

[Mitch//pa]

If it was me i would have departed with the 156.00 and bought the proper one from classic wood...
There may be other differences that you are unaware of...
Do it once and do it right... its a tiny setback in the overall scheme of things
Good Luck

[JohnB15632]

Thank you for the advice. I do appreciate you help.
As I know that you are an expert on Model A restoration, I have taken your advise and ordered to new header from Classic.

Thank you,

May you have a Blessed, Prosperous, Healthy, and Happy New Year!!!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by JohnB15632

Does anyone know if there exists the original drawing for the roof wood header? I am trying to modify the header that came with the car.
It obviously if not configured correctly.

Is it the same header as the Victoria?

[jw hash]

also when you get the header from classic wood. you will have to sand and fit it to the cover. you want a good and tight fit on the ends or when you nail the panels to it and install the molding, you need the wood right under the panels.