Can we talk differences in 1933-34 roof construction behind header?

[Jason in TX]

Hello! I've been into Model A's for years and have really enjoyed discussing the manufacturing differences and changes made across the years. Now with my first 1933 three window, I'm learning more about those as well.

My car was chopped long ago, and someone attempted to fill the roof. I'm wanting to put the tack strip back in the car, but in my search, I'm seeing that the inner structures behind the header seem to differ. Can someone share pictures of the changes, or explain?

My car seems smooth behind the header. No reinforcing ribs. I'm not sure if it used to have the circles cut in the piece cut off, or if it was smooth. When or why was there a change?





Another 3 window... Not mine... Notice how the reinforcement is much more ribbed. Why?

[JSeery]

I have some photos I can post later when I get home.

[deuce_roadster]

Since it is modified it makes it harder to say but in the V8 years almost every year had "early vs late" differences created when improvements were made after production got started. Also, since the car is not unmolested it could have parts from say an Australian or British Ford car in there.

[B-O-B]

I have o pictures but it looks like you may be missing a piece.

[Jason in TX]

Thank you everyone for getting the conversation going...

I know about the header cover... I'm talking about the structure behind the header...

This is my header cover. A quick question about that.. I've seen a few with a hole cut in them. I assume for an aftermarket wiper motor.

[Barn Junk]

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33 and 34 are completely different in the above the windshield reinforcement. 33 has a heavier metal channel at the lower edge with oak wood bolted in. The 34 has a sheet metal stamping that goes from the window opening to the roof opening and is spot welded in place. It has a composite tack strip crimped in place. Can take pictures if it would help.

[Jason in TX]

Yes please Barn Junk. I'm interested in seeing the difference!

[JSeery]

Here are a couple.

[Barn Junk]

Here ya go, 1934 first, 1933 second.

[rich b]

I have had several '33s and the header areas were all like the pictures of your car and the one JSEERY posted. My kid has a few '34s and the header areas have the stamped tin panel like the picture you found on the 'net. Don't know if it changed late '33 production; is it an improvement? probably; but I never noticed a problem with my '33s. Don't feel it is anything to be concerned about.

[Barn Junk]

It was a change with the 34 model year. The 34 style was probably cheaper to build since no wood to fit in and stronger if someone ever climbed on the edge of the canvas top insert. But if you need to repair or pop out dings up there, the access is better on the 33.

[Jason in TX]

Ok! I see. I thought my header had been cut, but it is supposed to have a wood piece there. I have some extra wooden roof bows that came with the car, so I may have that wooden piece! I notice that that wooden piece doesn't line up with the front edge of the tack strip. I take it that it is for the headliner, and not for holding the roof insert in.
Is that header cover usually covered with headliner fabric from the factory?

What does the tack strip for the top insert "tack" to? I'm used to Model As where you drove the tacks for the top into wood. I don't see wood around the underside of the opening, so did the nails just bend over through the holes?

[JSeery]

Not sure I'm totally following you, but if you are talking about the headliner there are several wooden ribs that go across and some additional wood in the center for the dome light. There is also wood on the sides of the windshield. Most everything attaches to wood. In the first photo I posted in #8 you can see one of the roof ribs, the wood rib over the windshield, the wood piece over the door and the wood along the side of the windshield.

[David J]

Pretty sure he is asking about the nailing strip for the top material .There is a trough stamped into the roof sheetmetal and the tacking strip is caulked and riveted into it . The actual tack strip is a " C " shaped channel crimped around a hard paper insert . This is what you tack the top stuff into . Also there will be two small machine screws with nuts inside in each corner . That is what the two small holes in the corners of the trough are for . The big holes are for the rivets that hold the tack strip in . Info on the header inside is right and FWIW compare sedan rear window opening inner stuff 33 to 34 . They are WAAYY different also . Dave

[David J]

Yes

Originally Posted by Jason in TX

Ok! Is that header cover usually covered with headliner fabric from the factory?