Reference photos: Australian Sunshine Cab Roof

[Private_collector]

The roof panel has two dents in total. This one, of 4cm width, is the largest.
I can live with that.

This is the front portion of the panel, showing one of the four footman loops spaced evenly along the very front. Keith has advised these are used to attach canvas covers to each window, to allow them to be fully opened without reflecting sunlight to aircraft etc. I will look into making a set of these covers, if reference photo/s become available. I have never seen these anywhere.

These are the two original brass wing nuts that tighten the steel angle piece(with two hand holds) shown in following 2 photos. Note the extra long wings, for ease of tightening.

This is the underneath side of the steel piece that the canvas would have been held to. You can still see the remnants of the canvas, the rivets that hold it, and the thin steel strip that sandwiches the canvas between the two parts. You can also see what's left of a rubber strip that sat directly forward of the canvas, making a 'waterproof' seal. That strip is approx 30mm wide (1+1/4" ish)

This is the same length of angle steel, seen from what would have been the rear side once locked into place by the two brass wing nuts. To the right of the hand hold, you can see the slotted hole for the wing nut, with a recess to match the shape of the rear of the wing nut. It would be impossible for it to slip out of place once nut was tightened. It took me a good 10-15min to remove the brass wing nuts, due to light rust on the thread. That's why there is oil visible around the hole. I knew if I broke either/both of the wing nuts, I wouldn't be able to replace them.

[Private_collector]

A better view of the chamfered hole for wing nut securing canvas at front.

This is the corresponding thread for the securing wing nut.

Because the metal angle piece that holds the canvas was still in place when I got the roof, I didn't know what would be underneath it until I removed the wing nuts. I was very relieved to see no perforation or dents. The water drip rail is slightly damaged here, but will be very simple to put right. I considered doing it this afternoon, but sat there until the feeling passed.

The rear upper corners of the roof have two loops for securing the canvas cord. All of them are in exceptional condition, and don't need to be mucked with.

There is a metal strip above the inside of the rear window opening, which has two small metal hooks. I haven't looked closely at this, but guess it was some way of securing a canvas cover, in a rolled up position?!?! Window opening has no rust or damage. Neither does the lower edge of the rear.

[Private_collector]

Look at the bends in this piece of bar for securing the canvas.

Now compare with this relatively straight one. Which is correct? For that matter, what are the two little bolts for??

A better view of the rear section and window opening.

I put some light lubricant onto a portion of the faded, powdery paint, and it changed color a lot. Maybe original military paint. Doesn't seem to be any additional layers of paint anywhere on the whole thing.

God bless the dry areas of central Queensland. Nothing preserves and protects metal like lack of rain. Many a farmer may wish to argue though.

[Jacques Reed]

"There is a metal strip above the inside of the rear window opening, which has two small metal hooks. I haven't looked closely at this, but guess it was some way of securing a canvas cover, in a rolled up position?!?!"

Hi Tony,

This is the curtain that attaches to that metal strip.
Top of the photo is the bottom of the curtain. There is a pocket on the bottom of the curtain in which a metal strip fits into it.
The bottom of the photo is where it ripped off that bar above the rear window opening. The canvas is sandwiched between the two metal strips on that upper bar.

My good wife sewed me up a replica of it many years ago and I think I still have the drawing with the dimensions if anyone wants it. It may have been done before by someone else however.

Cheers,

[Private_collector]

Jacques,

I would really appreciate any info you have which can help me make one of those.

What are the two diagonal tabs with eyelets for?

[Euan McDonald]

The two straight roof brackets have a short leather strap with buckel attached with bolts.
On the inner edge of the roof opening is another leather strap to secure the canvas when rolled back.

[Euan McDonald]

The difference between the Ford and Chev sunshine roof is the rear lash points. Ford has a cast style bracket and chev has a folded sheet metal with brass eyelet.

[Private_collector]

Thanks Euan. I'm hoping to get it blasted next week, and then make the minor panel repairs the following Sunday. I put 2 hours into removing the paint and crud from the two wingnuts. Used an old toothbrush and hand cleaner as the grit. They are a nice rough cast surface, so straight sanding would have ruined that.

[Jacques Reed]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Jacques,

I would really appreciate any info you have which can help me make one of those.

What are the two diagonal tabs with eyelets for?

Hi Tony,

It is only my best guess but they could have been used to lash it down to prevent flapping or keep rain out as they point almost directly to the external cleats on the lower rear corners of the cabin.

I could be miles out and perhaps someone else in the forum can confirm or correct me. Keith? Euan?

Cheers,

Jacques