Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-10-2017, 08:58 AM   #1
Trevor
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 7
Default Steel Roof?

My hobby is my Canadian built '31 160B Slant Windshield that I am in the process of renovating. It looks as if the cobra long grain roof kit has been replaced with a piece of steel sheet metal. The car has been in the family since '39 and as far as anyone can remember, the roof has been steel since then. Under the sheet metal roof is what looks like a layer of perished rubber sheeting and thereunder, as I think is standard, is some fibreglass insulation and chicken wire. I assume that the rubber sheeting was used for additional insulation from the elements and / or for support of the heavier steel roof.

The steel roof has been screwed onto the body with many little screws all the way round the roof edge making it difficult to revert back to the cobra long grain kit.

The wood, besides the header, looks like it has been protected from moisture pretty well over the years.

Has anyone ever come across something similar?
If I put the steel roof back, is there anything besides rubber sheeting that I could possibly use?
Trevor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-10-2017, 09:27 AM   #2
31 Model A
Senior Member
 
31 Model A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Here I am in front of Todd's Grocery in 1931 selling Grit newspapers
Posts: 2,548
Default Re: Steel Roof?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevor View Post
My hobby is my Canadian built '31 160B Slant Windshield that I am in the process of renovating. It looks as if the cobra long grain roof kit has been replaced with a piece of steel sheet metal. The car has been in the family since '39 and as far as anyone can remember, the roof has been steel since then. Under the sheet metal roof is what looks like a layer of perished rubber sheeting and thereunder, as I think is standard, is some fibreglass insulation and chicken wire. I assume that the rubber sheeting was used for additional insulation from the elements and / or for support of the heavier steel roof.

The steel roof has been screwed onto the body with many little screws all the way round the roof edge making it difficult to revert back to the cobra long grain kit.

The wood, besides the header, looks like it has been protected from moisture pretty well over the years.

Has anyone ever come across something similar?
If I put the steel roof back, is there anything besides rubber sheeting that I could possibly use?
My coupe roof was replaced with a piece of sheet metal, when, I don't know and covered with the long grain rubber top for it to look original.
I don't know how waterproof it is but I'm sure I'll find out sometime this year.
__________________
"Bullshit and Brilliance Comes with Age and Experience"

"Hey Lady, ya wanna buy a Grit?"

"If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old" Will Rogers
31 Model A is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 01-10-2017, 11:26 AM   #3
redmodelt
Senior Member
 
redmodelt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 6,339
Default Re: Steel Roof?

Was not really all that uncommon to put a metal roof on a car or truck when the fabric one went to pot. You can buy a metal insert even today for some Model A's. The rubber sheeting may have been used for sound deadening. The material sold today that attaches to the body panels might work. Or a good thick jute pad might also be ok if the edges were the metal top attaches to the body are sealed.
__________________
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
redmodelt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-10-2017, 11:56 AM   #4
1930artdeco
Senior Member
 
1930artdeco's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lynden, Wa
Posts: 3,548
Default Re: Steel Roof?

Welcome to the Barn. Without pics it is difficult to address the issue. But, if the edges ar that shot due to the screws and the steel insert does not sit that high above the rest of the roof-leave it. Then just lay a long grain Cobra sheet over it and mask it off. That way it will look original from inside and outside and you still get to keep the integrity of the roof.

Mike
__________________
1930 TownSedan (Briggs)
1957 Country Sedan
1930artdeco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-10-2017, 12:35 PM   #5
Terry, NJ
Senior Member
 
Terry, NJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks Co, Pa
Posts: 3,740
Default Re: Steel Roof?

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I would leave it in place. Since it was a contemporary after market Add on or upgrade and a not too common one at that. Sorta like having a heater manifold or an exhaust whistle. It makes your car stand out from the rest.
Terry




Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevor View Post
My hobby is my Canadian built '31 160B Slant Windshield that I am in the process of renovating. It looks as if the cobra long grain roof kit has been replaced with a piece of steel sheet metal. The car has been in the family since '39 and as far as anyone can remember, the roof has been steel since then. Under the sheet metal roof is what looks like a layer of perished rubber sheeting and thereunder, as I think is standard, is some fibreglass insulation and chicken wire. I assume that the rubber sheeting was used for additional insulation from the elements and / or for support of the heavier steel roof.

The steel roof has been screwed onto the body with many little screws all the way round the roof edge making it difficult to revert back to the cobra long grain kit.

The wood, besides the header, looks like it has been protected from moisture pretty well over the years.

Has anyone ever come across something similar?
If I put the steel roof back, is there anything besides rubber sheeting that I could possibly use?
Terry, NJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:21 AM.