VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Roof replacements on '25-'30 models

Has anyone done roof replacements on 1925-30 model sedans? Would like to hear your story. How difficult is it? Where can I find the materials to do the job?

Jeff, I am watching to learn about the same subject. It will be great to learn how our tops are constructed.
Bob D.

Are you talking about replacing the roof fabric covering? If so you can get reproduction body service manual that details the work from Chevrolet parts suppliers such as the Filling Station. If you are referring to replacing the wood structure then that is much more involved and may not have been detailed or documented by anyone.

I'm referring to the external covering over the wood of the vehicle. I believe that is the same thing that you mentioned. I haven't had any luck finding anything, but I'm probably not wording something right and not looking in the right place. After reading your comments I did find Body Service Manuals on the Filling Station website, but not for the 1925. You think these manuals will instruct on how to do this?

The only difference between later and earlier tops is that on the earlier ones (like your 1925) the material wraps over the sides and stops under the drip rail. Installation nmethods are basically the same. Actually installation of a fabric top is mostly the same for all makes of cars. If you check with Hampton Coach they may have a top kit for your car that would come with instructions?

I believe I checked Hampton Coach yesterday and did not see one. What goes between the wood frame and the fabric? Is there anything else that goes there to strengthen it?

Most have some fabric to keep the padding from sinking between the slats, moderately thin soft fabric (like a blanket, or polyester or cotton batting) to pad and level out the top and finally the top material. Some used chicken wire just above the slats if there was a radio or potential for a radio as it could serve as an antenna.

The top material was stretched fairly tight without any noticeable bulging and rounded corners versus folded. I have always found that laying out the black top material to get hot in the summer sun helped a bunch. That is except for the tips of the fingers as that black stuff gets very HOT.

I just finished putting a top on my 1927 coupe. It was a LeBaron Bonney (Hamptom Coach Interiors) kit. It came with some general instructions. The kit contained a black cloth material to put over the wood slats on the roof. Then they supplied a polyester type batting than you put over the black cloth material before you installed the black vinyl material. The kit comes with all the material you need. I used staples rather than the tacks they supplied.

I found that you needed to have the black vinyl in the sun for a period of time before putting it on the roof.

Make sure you have another person to help in the process; I did not and I think it turned out to be more difficult than it should have been.

This was on a coupe. A few years ago I installed one of their kits on a '28 4-dr and it was much easier.

Check your G&D for contact information.(August 2017 issue page 45)

Have fun!