72 with T-Tops

72 RS 351 wrote: I always wondered how a Ranchero would look with a sunroof

i tried to save my roof by installing a sunroof but it was not to be

That's great Tom, to hear your T-tops didn't leak. My 2nd gen Explorer all do slightly, the moat that catches the water has seams in it, and the OEM sealant gets old and cracks, leaving a tiny water seep onto the headliner in heavy rain.

I'd retain all of the stock main roof structure, only cut out what has to be, to put in the new pieces. If another car model had better sources for seals, and also rarely leaked or had rattles, air noise etc, those may be a better choice. I don't do GM, but for example how well is the 80's Firebird supported, and/or are they any good?

Overall, you would have to remove the inner structure of the T-top 78-79 birds, pull the skin off the torino roof, and transplant it. 

Rework the roof skins as needed, and then open all your time welding and body working things. 

Personally...I would also be reinforcing the body shell because I have to imagine 77-79 tbirds with T-tops suffered some issues with cowlshake problems.

Also side note...

completely side note here...always remember chopping a roof can cause adverse issues. 

Ask me how I know:

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So I just picked up a 78 T-top Tbird parts car for $350. I made a template of the forward section of the roof with the t-tops, and cut it at the aft edge of the rear t-top molding. The front I cut at the top edge of the windshield trim, and extended it down the A-pillar a bit. From what I see, the forward part of the 72 Gran Torino Sports roof is exactly like the T-bird roof. This is not something I would tackle myself, but I think to have a 72 Gran Torino Sportsroof with T-tops, I'd be willing to pay a professional to install the structure for me...