Thread: Model A metal roof?

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A guy I work with has a 1930(I think) Model A Ford coupe hot rod. He wants to put a new roof on it, I believe it has vinyl on it now. He is looking for somewhere he can get a metal roof cap. He is quite knowledgeable on cars, but has no internet(older fellow, not quite up to times). So I'm trying to help him out. Thanks for any and all help.

Most just fabricate their own out of some 20 ga. and a bow or two. Bow dimensions would be dependent on the headliner you want in the car.

I cut the roof out of an 88 dodge minivan. The roof is oposite on the car to fit the curve better towards the back. Actually fit amazingly well I thought.

Hope this helps, Matt

At last! A use for all those old minivans!

Astro Van roofs work well also. They are bid enough you can slide them around to find the best fit.
Mark

Sedans need a 'donor car/van/wagon that have ribs for some reinforcement so you dont have the oil canning effect. The coupes only have about a 3'x3' hole to fill so Dave S' suggestion of a piece of 20ga (or a smooth slightly curved donor car roof) is right on the money. Ribs on an 'A' coupe top look.......like crap(and IMO, so do sun roofs). I'm seeing more with just a new vinyl roof at shows these days - and they still look timeless(to me).

I used the front half of a 1985 Toyota van roof turned backwards on my coupe. The curvature is perfect in both directions and there are no ribs to deal with.

If you try to use a simple piece of flat 20 gauge steel, you will need access to an English Wheel to curve it slightly or you will need to heat-shrink the edges with a torch, hammer & dollies to make it fit. Otherwise it will look sunken in the center and will "oil can" like crazy.

The absolute best donor car for a model A coupe roof is a 65 or 66 Mustang---but good luck---they are even scarcer than model a coupes!!!

Thanks for all your help, I will pass it on to P.P.

Originally Posted by brt92

A guy I work with has a 1930(I think) Model A Ford coupe hot rod. He wants to put a new roof on it, I believe it has vinyl on it now. He is looking for somewhere he can get a metal roof cap. He is quite knowledgeable on cars, but has no internet(older fellow, not quite up to times). So I'm trying to help him out. Thanks for any and all help.

I used a 58 ford 4 dr roof, and i tell ya, Henry built the "A" to accept that roof

I use a mid 70's-80's station wagon....you have lots of choices. Go to the salvage yards in your area.

Good Luck