When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello All,
I posted a few years ago about my 72 Cutlass and the discovery that my roof had rusted away under the vinyl top. I now have the time to really dig in and am in the process of removing the roof. I now need to decide whether or not to use an after market roof or a donor. The good side of the aftermarket is that it is easy to get and it is essentially ready to go. The bad is that I've heard they don't fit very well and take a lot to get them to work. I don't know if this is correct and am asking if anyone has used one before? I have found a donor but it is almost 10 hours away and it would cost 300 for the roof and at least 200 for me to get it. This doesn't include the cost of me renting a truck and all that. Then I have to remove the skin from the top of the car (the roof is cut from just under the sail and windshield pillars). How difficult is this because I don't want to destroy the roof skin in the process of salvaging it. If anyone has some experience with this or maybe has a roof that is close to north west Arkansas, Please let me know. I would really appreciate the help.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Sounds like a major project in line for you. If your vinyl roof rotted out the metal underneath, chances are you need more than just the skin. You'd likely also need the lower sections by the deck lid too.
Either way you go (aftermarket of donor) you're looking at a lot of work. I don't have fabricating skills so I'll stay out of that, but IMO a donor roof is one you know will fit after you make the necessary trim cuts.
If it was me I'd be weighing heavily the advantages of cost and quality. In just $ terms it sounds like the aftermarket roof panel is more cost effective, but ??? on fitment might eat up the savings in labor to fit it? Depends on whether you're doing all this work yourself or farming it out.
Post some pictures showing the problem areas so other members with skills can offer their expertise.
There was a thread a while back w lots of pics the thread owner replaced a 67? Roof w vinyl roof rot, he did a great job and posted many pics. I realize the 67 isn't the same body style but I'm sure it will give some ideas....anybody recall the UN or the thread ?
This is what I have going on. Looking at the 67 Cutlass I feel a lot better in that there are parts available that I imagine would be difficult/impossible to find. But also that my car is not in quite as bad of shape just yet. If I let this continue though, there is no doubt that it would be in a number of years. If you look at the photos, you'll see my ill-attempt to fiberglass over the hole in the roof as a quick fix two years ago. I have save up a pretty good amount and am ready to actually fix the car.
I have a nice roof here in Indianapolis. It is on a '68 & the drip rail edge is very slightly different but you might be able to swap yours onto this roof. I'll take $200 for the roof if you can come get it?
Here are some pictures of the one I have. It's been several months since I've seen this and I forgot there is a small bit of rust on one drip Rail and at the back corner on the passenger side. I believe the windshield area is really nice but I might be able to check it out later today to be sure. Feel free to give me a call. 317-727-7041.
Sorry its been a bit since I've responded. I took out the rear window this weekend and cut the old roof off and found most of the under structure is good. But there is alot of rust around where the window was as well as where the speakers are. I haven't removed the front window but I imagine that it is in the same condition. I'm figuring out what all I will need and will let you know by the beginning of next week. This project is growing.
April 23rd, 2018, 09:52 AM
