VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Body - Sheet Metal, Paint & Wood '31 Roof Slats

I need to replace all of the roof slats in my 31 sedan. The old ones look to be some type of plywood. What would be a good choice of wood/plywood to use for replacement? I know I can buy them, but of all of the wood in the car, these seem very simple to make.
Thanks,
Ralph

I have seen some made from plywood and others solid. If plywood I would at least use exterior grade. Seem to remember I had major problems finding exterior grade that thin and had to settle for marine which was $$$$.

My '29 Coach has plywood slats, and they're pretty badly delaminated. The '30 sedan has solid wood slats and they've held up beautifully. I recommend that you take an oak 2" x 8" and rip it into strips on a good table saw then run it through a planer... I think it will hold up better.

All the Best, Chip

That illustrates the problem with vintage plywood. The glues available back then were not as moisture resistant as modern exterior glue.

Thanks Chip and Chipper. I was contemplating using solid wood in lieu of plywood and that sounds like the way to go. The front roof rail is also rotten so I'll have to replace it. The Fisher Body Service Manual instructions look fairly simple. The hardest part being removing the steet metal front roof rail cover. If there's a hidden obstacle that you know of, let me know. I suppose I'll order the rail from KC Wood Manufacturing.
Thanks again,
Ralph