Installing '31 SW Header Wood

[California Charlie]

I think I know the answer to this question; however, I thought I would ask before I dragged out my metal cutter and torch.

With "ALL" the old top wood removed (with the exception of the front Wooden Header) from the car body on my 31 SW Sedan, is there any way that I can now remove and install the new Header wood piece from the inside of the car?

HOWEVER;

If I do need to cut and remove the front metal piece to install the new wooden header, does anyone have any hints to make the job easier and prevent burning the new header wood during putting the metal piece back in its place?

Thanks,

 

[Oldbluoval]

I haven’t figured out a way other than cut the cover off. Done several…
I’ve tacked welded the cover back with a mig and minimal wood issues. Damp rag always on hand

 

[California Charlie]

Thank you for your experiences with the replacement of the '31 SW wood header.

I appreciated your input. I started with the back of the car with replacing the top wood and soon I will be dealing with the front header wood. Before I put the last side pieces of wood into place, I was just wondering if I could replace the front wood header without the need to cut and weld back the metal cover piece.

I was just thinking that Henry would have made that easier with his '31 SW assembly process.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Soak the ends of the Front Rail (Header) in water for a few hours. The inside of the front cover and other pieces of metal need to have epoxy primer sprayed on them anyway, so when you weld the cover on, the wet wood may char slightly but it won't burn.

FWIW, charring does not hurt a thing. Wagon wheels had wood Felloes that had metal tires installed that were heated in a fire to expand the metal and then were placed over the Felloes while hot. They were cooled by pouring water over the hot tire which caused them to contract. The Felloes would char slightly but the wheel was not compromised. The Front Rail may see slight charring but not be compromised.

 

[California Charlie]

Thank you Brent for the information.

Things are coming along with my SW top wood installation. So far, all going well with just a few wood adjustments. I started with the back section of the car and now working towards the header replacement. I will follow your advice when I get to the header replacement.

I do have one other question.

Do you have a source for the tack strips that are inserted in the rear section of the car and around the sides of the car?