72Cutlass_442

Hello all, I have a 72 cutlass S and have recently discovered that the roof is rusted through due to the vinyl top. Does anyone know a good aftermarket roof I could get to replace my existing? Thanks!

oldcutlass

Replacing the whole roof panel is quite an undertaking. How bad is it?

72Cutlass_442

Well I'm taking the vinyl off today but it's bubbling up everywhere and is very crunchy under the vinyl where it should be hard.

joe_padavano

Here ya go:

https://www.autobodyspecialt.com/cgi...on&key=CH-1418



All the repro houses sell them, so shop around for the best price. The repro panel uses the same spot weld locations as the stock roof, so if the rust is below that point on the C-pillars, you're looking at hand-fabricated patches.

cherokeepeople

crunchy doesn't mean rusted thru.i would get the top off and go from there.

72Cutlass_442

Well I took off the vinyl and it definitely needs replacing.

Olds442redberet

I have bought so many cars that have suffered from the same fate.

I actually keep the good roof skins I find just for guys like you trying to restore their cars.

hookem horns

A little bondo will fix that. Is there rust in other places? Cowl and rear window are tougher fixes than fenders and quarters. Others may say differently, but I see 3 options:

1. Replace the roof with an OEM donor or aftermarket panel if the rest of the car is pretty good.

2. For a low level resto, fiberglass the roof and replace the vinyl. Will never be as good or long lasting as steel.

3. Get another car. Any resto is a labor of love but a 72 S is not that rare and this one could be a bigger money pit than most.

OK 4 - chop the top, box the frame and make it a parade car.

Rocketbrian

Have you taken the headliner down yet? I hope you make out better than I did on my 442, as my front inner roof brace was rotted, although I didn't have rust through the roof skin as you have. We decided to replace the entire roof with a good used one. It sounds taunting, but it wasn't too bad a job for the bodyman I used. It went fairly quickly and was a better alternative than repairing or replacing just the front brace. Also, my rear window channel was shot. Best of luck to you.

72Cutlass_442

I have yet to remove any of the headliner down but every thing looks ok as far as where everything is spot welded. And the support structure looks good too. It's just the roof skin. I like the idea of using an original factory skin but I have no idea where do find such a part. Does anyone know a junk yard in North west arkansas that might have an old car like mine?

Olds442redberet

I have one in Birmingham Alabama.

72Cutlass_442

Is it attached to the car? And how much will you sell it for?

Olds442redberet

$150.00

I'll cut it off. I just need to know where you want me to cut it. Or you can cut it. No worries.

72Cutlass_442

That's fantastic! The only issue is that I don't have a vehicle that can drive 8 hours to pick it up. Would you be able to ship it for 100 more?

Olds442redberet

If you can arrange shipping through Fastenal I'll put it on a pallet and drop it off at the fastenal store near me.
You might be able to get it done for $100.00

72Cutlass_442

That sounds great! Could you post a pic or two of the roof. I'll call them tomorrow and see what it would cost me to ship and if I can't get everything set up.

72Cutlass_442

I contacted a rep of fastenal and they said it would 100 to ship. I will post pics of where I need it cut. Thanks again!

61reoldsman

That can't be that bad to replace I know a guy who cut the entire front end off of a 70's Charger and replaced with another one ! Now that takes some skill and ***** !!!LOL