VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 35 standard coupe roof insert help

hi guys ,i have 35 standard coupe un-restored i'm trying to keep it all original if possible , my question is there a product that will seal the roof insert, or am i doomed into replacing it .got caught in the rain it was raining harder on the inside than on the outside of the car it sounds funny until it happens to you . lost in vermont, neil

There are many roof sealing materials that you can find at your local hardware or home center. Pick the one you prefer. Suggest one that remains somewhat flexible as the roof fabric will move when driving.

I have a '35 Std coupe and have replaced the roof insert and
it will leak a little in steady rain. On a clear warm dry day
the best thing I have found is to apply a thin bead of clear
silicone sealer around the edges. The silicone remains flexible
and seals effectively and being clear it doesn't show.
Phil Lipton

If your top insert is original you should notice, if it is necessary to replace the entire top cover, a piece of galvanized wire cloth with a wire soldered to it that extends down one of the front windshield pillars. This is the "Factory installed" radio antenna.

mbancroft711@att,net 35 Std

hi guys been two the hardware store the only thing they sell is a calking ,and thats not what im talking about, i want to water proof the insert ,not cover it in calk ,i like the calk around the metal ring ,i think that would take care of that part of the problem ,now what to do with the insert?? thanks neil

You need to look for an asphalt roof sealer at the home center or hardware. It will be a product that you "paint" onto the top material. If you can use a thin coat it might do the job and still look fairly original.

I had a problem with water seeping into the bricks on my chimney. Bought a "sealer" that was sprayed on using a portable pump up sprayer like used to apply insecticide or weed killer. Worked great on the bricks, something similar may work on your material.

In years past a "top dressing" was available. Maybe Eastwood or one of the restoration supply companies has a replacement for the top dressing.

I purchased a can of top dressing from Hampton Coach, when I
got their top kit. The stuff really makes my tope shine, but
I don't know how waterproofing it is. I try like crazy not to
get my car out in the rain!!!. The couple of times that it
happened, there was no prob, nor when I wash it.

Amway used to make a vinyl top dressing YEARS ago. Don't know
if that would do the job or not.

Johnny:
If it's not broken don't fix it !

I have a 34 Master sedan with original roof insert. I go away on a lot of long trips, some over 4000 miles so the car gets wet. Before I go I rub bees wax into the roof and then give it coat of tyre black, lasts nearly a year
Chris

thanks chris that sounds like the way for me to go,just cant give up on here yet shes just getting broke in thanks neil