worst top ever!
+5
Abashore1980
Hs1973
chevellelaguna
Mcarlo77
ant7377
9 posters
worst top ever!
by Sinister Mon Mar 21, 2016 4:35 pm
My recently purchased 73 Gran Prix is solid everywhere except the roof.
Body panels,frame,trunk,everything is solid.
What are my options for the outer roof skin,and whats the cost?
If Im going to be grafting in a complete roof,Id rather leave the roof off,and have my welding buddies,weld me a cage.
Prices to repair the outer skin correctly?
Current outer roof panel has about 20% missing,due to rust,in different spots.
Thanks.
Body panels,frame,trunk,everything is solid.
What are my options for the outer roof skin,and whats the cost?
If Im going to be grafting in a complete roof,Id rather leave the roof off,and have my welding buddies,weld me a cage.
Prices to repair the outer skin correctly?
Current outer roof panel has about 20% missing,due to rust,in different spots.
Thanks.
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Re: worst top ever!
by ant7377 Mon Mar 21, 2016 8:33 pm
Oh that really sucks! Do you have anybody with good fabricaton skills that can fab up some patches. You are going to have to take the windows out.
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Re: worst top ever!
by Mcarlo77 Tue Mar 22, 2016 10:45 am
Is it worse than this ('74 Cutlass spotted in Desert Valley Auto Parts Phoenix...of all places)? 
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Re: worst top ever!
by 77mali Tue Mar 22, 2016 8:37 pm
Mcarlo77 wrote:Is it worse than this ('74 Cutlass spotted in Desert Valley Auto Parts Phoenix...of all places)?
Wow...that's just got to be the worst I've ever seen
77mali- Donating Member
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Re: worst top ever!
by pila Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:02 am
Those vinyl tops can sure do a job on the roof panel....
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Re: worst top ever!
by Hs1973 Wed Mar 23, 2016 4:43 am
I have done a couple of roof changes due to vinyltop rust. And it is not that hard as it looks. If the Inner stuctures are ok, you can just changes the outer skin. With the Windows removed it can be done in a couple of days, including beer brakes. You will need a budy thoug couse the roof is a pain to move around.
If the Inner stuctures are gone to its a bit harder to do. And you wil need to brace the body to keep it from sagging. But hen its all a matter of measuring twice and cutting once. And of course you need someone with good welding skills. But it is not as challenging as you should Think. Just do alot of measuring to make sure everything is where it needs do be. And more bracing is better than to little.
If the Inner stuctures are gone to its a bit harder to do. And you wil need to brace the body to keep it from sagging. But hen its all a matter of measuring twice and cutting once. And of course you need someone with good welding skills. But it is not as challenging as you should Think. Just do alot of measuring to make sure everything is where it needs do be. And more bracing is better than to little.
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Re: worst top ever!
by Sinister Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:57 pm
Any sources for patch panels?
My roof is not as bad as the pics...lol
My roof is not as bad as the pics...lol
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Re: worst top ever!
by Sinister Thu Mar 24, 2016 4:00 pm
Why do I need to cut out the old material?
Thinking of welding patch panel,right over existing structure.
Thinking of welding patch panel,right over existing structure.
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Re: worst top ever!
by chevellelaguna Thu Mar 24, 2016 8:43 pm
No panels available, only option is a good used roof. You have to cut out the rusted sections. It'd be like putting a new bandaid over an old one.
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Re: worst top ever!
by pila Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:43 pm
X2 on the band-aid.......the rust left over in the top may mess up the headliner later on....
Best idea is total removal of any rusted parts. It sounds like the rest of the body is worth the effort to fix the roof....
Best idea is total removal of any rusted parts. It sounds like the rest of the body is worth the effort to fix the roof....
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Re: worst top ever!
by Hs1973 Fri Mar 25, 2016 5:11 am
Yea. You need to remove all rust. As it will keep on rusting and ruin headliner and Inner stuctures. I have even seen Windows Blow from rustet window channels pressing on the glass. You can easy graft on a new outer roof skin. If the Inner structure is ok. The outside skin is not a loadbearing part so its just a matter of removing the Windows and then trim of the old in the original spotwelds. You will need a rust free roof from a donor. It isnet as hard as it sounds, and If its worth doing, it is worth doing it right.
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Re: worst top ever!
by Abashore1980 Fri Mar 25, 2016 1:54 pm
Check out Frank's Pontiac Parts http://frankspontiacparts.com/
Didn't see any roofs on there, but they have more in stock than what's listed on the GP page. Maybe try calling them. My vinyl top is in decent shape on my 76 GP so I'm leaving it alone, other than a re-dye.
Didn't see any roofs on there, but they have more in stock than what's listed on the GP page. Maybe try calling them. My vinyl top is in decent shape on my 76 GP so I'm leaving it alone, other than a re-dye.
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Re: worst top ever!
by 99B4C Thu Apr 21, 2016 10:06 pm
I found a parts Monte on Phoenix Craigslist and cut the roof off, took both doors, then drove back to Chicago.
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77mali- Donating Member
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pila- Donating Member
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Re: worst top ever!
by 99B4C Sun Apr 24, 2016 1:55 pm
If anyone needs the inner structure, I have a clean one left over from the above roof. 
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Re: worst top ever!
by Sinister Sun Sep 25, 2016 3:21 am
Finally got the 73 SJ,into the garage,pics to follow.
Car is super clean and solid,original finish,on most parts,lots of chrome pieces,engine brackets,covers,rear end,transmission,etc.
Car had to be garaged its whole life,but how does the roof get so bad?
Now looking for a donor roof in the Cleveland,Akron,Youngstown area.
Car is super clean and solid,original finish,on most parts,lots of chrome pieces,engine brackets,covers,rear end,transmission,etc.
Car had to be garaged its whole life,but how does the roof get so bad?
Now looking for a donor roof in the Cleveland,Akron,Youngstown area.
Sinister- G3GM Member
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