Need roof work/help.

[O_Knut]

So my Chrysler has the special New England rust weight reduction package. It’s a performance package that improves as the car ages by removing metal from under the vinyl top over time. I sadly though don’t like this feature and will be cutting into the roof at some point in this car’s life. Curious how to go about this properly. Let’s say for argument sake this roof is the worst od the worst. Could I say rob panels off of a 4 door and bend em to weld into place? Could I find a parts car and chop the roof off that? Should I just do as little welding as possible and salvage as much as possible? What’s the correct step and how should I go about it? Also where could one even get a roof for these cars?

 

[CBODY67]

Which car is it that you have?

The outer roof skin attaches to the inner roof structure. Both attach to the A-pillar near the roof's bottom level. Normally about 3" below the roof rail, or there abouts.

The C-pillar attachment is about 1/2 way between the roof rail and the upper fender line.

Both of those locations should be evident when the vinyl roof fabric is removed. The brazing on the A-pillar and the bondo/lead solder on the quarter panel interface would be obvious, too. As might be the tack welding on the quarter panel interface.

You probably will need to also know about the spot welding under the sealer in the water channel above the side windows. But if you whack the whole thing on the A-pillar and C-pillars, the issue will be attaching it to your body squarely and strongly. As an assembly rather than just doing the skin chnage.

Chryslers are NOT the only brand of car infected with this metal-dissolving malady! Pretty much every vehicle with a factory vinyl roof. The metal under the fabric is only primered, not finish painted. The backing of the vinyl gets damp and stays damp, whether from moisture intrusion, temperature swings. It's only a matter of time . . .

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

 

[O_Knut]

Which car is it that you have?

The outer roof skin attaches to the inner roof structure. Both attach to the A-pillar near the roof's bottom level. Normally about 3" below the roof rail, or there abouts.

The C-pillar attachment is about 1/2 way between the roof rail and the upper fender line.

Both of those locations should be evident when the vinyl roof fabric is removed. The brazing on the A-pillar and the bondo/lead solder on the quarter panel interface would be obvious, too. As might be the tack welding on the quarter panel interface.

You probably will need to also know about the spot welding under the sealer in the water channel above the side windows. But if you whack the whole thing on the A-pillar and C-pillars, the issue will be attaching it to your body squarely and strongly. As an assembly rather than just doing the skin chnage.

Chryslers are NOT the only brand of car infected with this metal-dissolving malady! Pretty much every vehicle with a factory vinyl roof. The metal under the fabric is only primered, not finish painted. The backing of the vinyl gets damp and stays damp, whether from moisture intrusion, temperature swings. It's only a matter of time . . .

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

1971 Chrysler Newport Royal Coupe.