Easy hardtop support repair

[Crimson Nape]

A couple of us are restoring 66 & 70 Broncos together and we both have bent roof supports. Since the supports seem to be back-ordered everywhere, I decided to gamble and try a fix (on my friends top with his permission). We figured if it didn't work, they could be replaced eventually. Anyway, I cut both sides of the flange where it was crimped, whacked it a few times with a body hammer, and then tack welded the flanges back together. We will be covering this with a headliner, but with a grinder and a little more welding, the flanges could be made to look as good as new. I have some 3" x 1/8" steel bent to match the support, but I don't think it will be necessary. It appears to be as "sturdy" as it ever was.

 

[bronkenn]

I love big hammers. Miracle workers.

 

[sprdv1]

A couple of us are restoring 66 & 70 Broncos together and we both have bent roof supports. Since the supports seem to be back-ordered everywhere, I decided to gamble and try a fix (on my friends top with his permission). We figured if it didn't work, they could be replaced eventually. Anyway, I cut both sides of the flange where it was crimped, whacked it a few times with a body hammer, and then tack welded the flanges back together. We will be covering this with a headliner, but with a grinder and a little more welding, the flanges could be made to look as good as new. I have some 3" x 1/8" steel bent to match the support, but I don't think it will be necessary. It appears to be as "sturdy" as it ever was.

Nice.. be sure and post pics

 

[Tuck73]

A couple of us are restoring 66 & 70 Broncos together and we both have bent roof supports. Since the supports seem to be back-ordered everywhere, I decided to gamble and try a fix (on my friends top with his permission). We figured if it didn't work, they could be replaced eventually. Anyway, I cut both sides of the flange where it was crimped, whacked it a few times with a body hammer, and then tack welded the flanges back together. We will be covering this with a headliner, but with a grinder and a little more welding, the flanges could be made to look as good as new. I have some 3" x 1/8" steel bent to match the support, but I don't think it will be necessary. It appears to be as "sturdy" as it ever was.

It was my bronco that he tested this on. Here are the pics. We forgot to take pics of before, but his looks just like mine did. We will get pics of it and post as well.

 

[sprdv1]

It was my bronco that he tested this on. Here are the pics. We forgot to take pics of before, but his looks just like mine did. We will get pics of it and post as well.

looks like y'all did a good job.. Happy w/the results?