UPDATE:
I made a template for the front and rear roof edges using 1/8" hardi-board. I then measured, measured again, photographed and video recorded these measurements on the car. Next, I drilled out ~140 spot welds thus far. More work to go, yet I have questions:
(1) Can I save the drip rails or must they be removed with the original roof skin? I drilled out the spot welds from the top of the drip rails, hoping to remove the roof skin from the rails and leave the rails welded to the roof braces. However, the more I stare at this, the less convinced I am that leaving the original rails is possible.
(2) Measuring the roof skin in several different places (with calipers), I see 0.033" - 0.038", which appears to be 20 gauge steel. Is this what you guys would expect for 1970?
(3) According to the email I received from Dynacorn, their roof skin is 16 gauge (0.059"). According to the tech I spoke with at NPD, their "APX Auto" brand roof skin is 18 Gauge (0.048"). Which one do you guys recommend? Both appear to be thicker than the original (which surprises me). I have a lot of experience with NPD and know that if it arrives damaged, they'll take care of it. However, I've never heard of "APX Auto"...
djburton: Thanks for the tip about the salvage yard in Tyler.... I'll give them a call as well.
Thanks guys