Mustang Source Member Converts S197 Steel Roof to Glass: What’s up in the Forums
Chances are, if you want a glass roof Mustang, you’ll probably just buy one. This forum member decided to do it the hard way.
Undoubtedly, the glass roof option is one of the cooler things available on the modern day Mustang. But if you covet this sort of thing, you generally just go out and buy one already equipped with it, right? Surely, no one would ever consider chopping the roof off their Mustang and replacing it with a glass one, would they? Well, we’re here to tell you that at least one brave soul is doing exactly that. And he’s Mustang Source member awoychosky123.
“Well it’s happening. After toying with the idea since 2015, I finally found a glass roof and figured out a smart way to install it. So I should start by early next month. This roof is off a donor 2010 that was hit pretty hard in the passenger side quarter. My original idea was to buy the frame, glass, sunshade, headliner, trim, and all of tasca new. But the total was going to be over 4k. So I managed to find this one and grab it for less than 1k. I still might need need black trim pieces ($500 each). Plus I have to pay for my body guy to help me install this as I cant weld for crap.”
Ambitious? Definitely. Crazy? Maybe. But we just admire the OP’s fearlessness and willingness to tackle a project pretty much no one else ever would. This is a perfect example of modern day hot rodding, the kind of stuff you just don’t see anymore. And it’s clear by the OP’s Mustang that he isn’t afraid to mod the heck out of it anyway.
“Mine is going on my 2012 V6 base that has been upgraded to the 400a package with some 401a stuff included. 2013 body and interior. 2013 Shelby quads, and some other things I’m probably forgetting.”
And just like that, this big time project was underway!
“Over the past 2 days I have managed to figure out the previous owner put a tint on the glass. So I spent an afternoon stripping the tint and adhesive off. Then I cleaned it with glass cleaner. Looks real shiny now!”
Except there was just one little problem.
“I found out while cleaning the sunshade that it was broken and wouldn’t retract. So I had to spend the day fixing it. Turns out that not only did one of the shade’s rails come off the plastic guide, but when it reattaches there is so much friction that it will not roll back. It would just bunch up by the plastic handle. I fixed this by squirting some WD40 on the plastic rails and working the shade. It slowly got better the more I worked it. It’s now buttery smooth. I then proceeded to wipe off as much excess lubricant as I could to avoid getting any dripping lube on the headliner later.”
But once the OP got down to the nitty gritty, things were beginning to look up.
“Got the interior stripped today. Looking at the roof structure and frame, nothing looks different between the glass roof and the regular roof. So I think this will be a straight forward remove roof and weld in glass frame.
I asked my body man if he thought welding the frame would be better or cutting the pillars. He definitely thinks that welding the frame would be better. His only concern was if the windshield guys could take the windshield out without breaking it. But a new windshield is still worth the glass roof to me, so I gave him the go ahead.”
With the Mustang surgery officially underway, there was no turning back now!
“Sheet metal roof off and the top of the headers stripped off. Really at the point of no return now. We had to strip the frame that the glass sits on so it could be transplanted over. This was a ton of drilling. We first drilled all the spot welds with a 1/8″ drill bit. Then went back over them with a spot weld drill bit. Then just a chisel and hammer.”
But then, a setback halts progress!
“Well today we ran into our first setback. The replacement panels came but the rear panel was all dented and scratched and would not fit flat on the header. So now my timeline is at the mercy of Tasca. Car would have been done by Friday if the panels came perfect. But on a side note, the frame is welded in and the car is getting painted tomorrow. Really looks good.”
All was quiet on the waterfront, and besides the update here and there, the project looked like it was going to be another one for the shelf. Lo and behold, OP came back with an epic surprise:
“I did manage to pick my car up on Tuesday. I put it back together the same night. I was holding off on posting pics until my 401A upgrade was done but I have no clue when the shifter will be in. So without further delay here is the finished product!”
We can’t help but gawk at this late-model S197 5.0. It’s so painstakingly beautiful, and we think the OP’s determination and indomitable spirit is nothing short of inspiring for all potential DIYers and those who aspire to make beautiful builds.
Join the Mustang Source Forums now!
