[1_Wild_Cat]

Hi Everyone - I thought some of you might enjoy an update.

So as I mentioned in my last post - in addition to the quarter panel fit issues - the car had a pretty messed up roof.

I don't know what happened to damage the roof initially - but the bodywork that was done to it was a crime. At the deepest point there was about 2" of bondo, and the whole roof turned out to be a sculpture constructed of filler.





The first thought was to replace about 1/3 of the roof and straighten the rest of the bad area. Unfortunately, the roof metal was really stretched and oilcanning badly with the weight of the filler off it.

As I'm sure everyone here knows roof skins in good condition are really difficult to find, and I've had a couple of hard lessons about internet parts and their condition.

So my guy said he would make the roof with his english wheel and stretcher. And he did.



Here is what the initial fit-up looked like...



More in the next post...

[1_Wild_Cat]

Once the fit-up with the panel off the car was good enough, then the hard work of welding it in place and straightening the remaining portions of the original roof began.

Here it is at that about that stage...all the seams are gas welded except for those around the perimeter which were MIG welded since there is no access behind them to planish the weld.





After the welding some final hammer and dolly work brought the two panels into shape and agreement with each other.



In the tradition of the workers on these cars of the past - he included a little graffiti...I am truly amazed by the level of craftsmanship displayed in this roof.



This work was so far over my head (pun intended - I just couldn't resist) that I frankly am in shock. Thanks for following along.