Roof Insert

[itsmeb]

Does anyone know what would be a good donor for a roof insert for a 1930 chevrolet Coach (Sedan)?

[cffisher]

I have used mini van roofs and station wagon roofs but they are getting hard to come by. try to find one with ribs they are stronger

[1gary]

In those two shots you see where the roof bows would be between the wooden shims.This is a Astro van where there are tons of them in pick and pulls.

[itsmeb]

Thanks for the input, I don't think I can use the Astro roof because of thr ribs as I want to cover it with vinyl. CAN I USE SOMETHING OTHER THAN METAL?

[1gary]

Ride on about the ribs.Might consider the roof bows from a Astro.Then it's just sheet medal.

[Dave Severson]

If you mean covering the outside with vinyl, then you might as well do it like the originals, the framing for the roof was wood. Number of companies making the wood pieces, a google search should produce some leads. Big thing on a vinyl insert is getting them to seal correctly and not have a top that bows up like a convertible roof going down the road!

[itsmeb]

Would plywood work if I bolt it down properly?

[Dq383500]

I used a 64 dodge dart, but good luck finding one. Iused mine for a 31 ford victora good luck in your search

[rspears]

Would plywood work if I bolt it down properly?

If you're wanting it to look original why not replace it with original bows and material? If you're wanting a different look to the vinyl you need to describe it better if you're looking for support for your approach, seems to me. How much vinyl coverage are you wanting?

[itsmeb]

This is not the best picture, but all the wood has been replaced with steel and there are steel bows.

Snapfish: Log In

[rspears]

This is not the best picture, but all the wood has been replaced with steel and there are steel bows.

Snapfish: Log In

You have to be a member of Snapfish to see pictures there....

[itsmeb]

How do I insert a picture?

[cffisher]

Go to Advanced reply. scroll down to manage attachments. click to open that and it will take you to where you UP load your pictures Just follow the directions from there.. If your not sure click Preview post to see if you have it right.

[itsmeb]

DSC00364.jpg

I hope this works.

[rspears]

Itsmeb,
From the picture it appears that you're wanting the top to look like the old factory insert, but you've replaced all of the wood with metal. I don't know how you can mix the two approaches. My answer would be to weld in a metal insert formed to fit the roof or to use a suitable donor from a station wagon or perhaps a van and paint it body color. I don't see how you can replicate the original look after you weld in the insert, but others here may be able to give you some ideas about how to work the vinyl?? I don't see how you will ever get a piece of plywood to seal out moisture over the long term, and I think you'll be fighting rot & rust forever, just my opinion.