Roof Noise? Flexing? Buckling? 1985 BII.

Bampity · Mar 16, 2015

You guys nailed it.

What I came across as well was to use closed cell foam and to beware not to use anything that will expand more than you need it to as the expansion can and will warp sheet metal.

I was mostly looking through car audio forums, some of those guys have learned through experience.

I'm going to stay away from it for roof/headliner use.

alwaysFlOoReD · Mar 16, 2015

There is a low expansion foam as well. I use it on windows and doors so it doesn't bow the vinyl.

Bampity · Mar 16, 2015

alwaysFlOoReD said:
There is a low expansion foam as well. I use it on windows and doors so it doesn't bow the vinyl.

Alrighty. Closed Cell, low expansion foam may be used to fill compartments or voids in an automobile.

I can't wait to take the headliner down to see what I'm in for as far as the origin on the noise but its turning into one of those things where I need to properly plan what I'm going to do so I only take it down once.

The tech article is a good guide to go by but there are a lot of interior pieces that have to come off first and that includes a ton of little screws.
The other little project I had in mind includes using the nifty trick posted in the tech section using foam as a mold for fiberglass modeling.

After starting the audio wiring this past weekend, I realized an SUV type vehicle really has nowhere to hide stuff. So I'm thinking the inside roof/ceiling seems like a good place for an overhead speaker/amp console thing.

Add that to the buckling noise, glue/reinforcement, headliner replacement, wiring...
One for all and all at once kind of plan. Lol

alwaysFlOoReD · Mar 17, 2015

I don't think I would use foam in a door or other spot where water can get in, unless I could make sure that water wouldn't be trapped. For the roof ribs yes.

sent while sitting on the throne

Aerkusa · Mar 17, 2015

alwaysFlOoReD said:
I don't think I would use foam in a door or other spot where water can get in, unless I could make sure that water wouldn't be trapped. For the roof ribs yes.

sent while sitting on the throne

yea, good point. A water barrier works two ways, keeping water in and keeping it out. Although you can sand it and paint it to lessen the risk.

Luc_fraga · Mar 20, 2021

martin said:
I don't remember exactly what glue I used, it was a long time ago. I think it was construction adhesive, available at any hardware, or home improvement store. I only had to do it once and I had the b2 for a long time.

in my b2 there is a separation between the supports and roof. So wide I can fit my fingers through gap. How did you glue that?

Shadowrider6661 · Mar 20, 2021

They make an expanding foam glue used to attach body panels to the support structure. It won't warp the exterior panel (roof skin). I used it whenever I would skin a door after an accident when I worked in a body shop. You should be able to get it from an auto body supply store. Its easy to use, its applied with a special caulking gun. Welcome to the club.

4x4prepper · Apr 5, 2021

Bampity said:
Next on the list is this roof buckling sound.

I'm about 20 minutes away from disassembling the interior to replace the headliner and audio and want to get some insight on what to look for with regard to my roof noise.

I'm not sure exactly when it happens, small bumps in the road I guess, but the roof makes a buckling sound.

Is there a structure I should look for that's possibly missing?
Most likely warped roof metal?
Is this a common noise?

1985 Bronco II with a 4" body lift.

I look forward to any insight you guys can provide.

Thanks, its hard to use the search function for something like this but feel free to link me to any relevant threads.

The body mounts go, the body flexes, the roof support welds go. It can happen when flexing off road too. It was a common problem even when they were new. Ford had an issue with the body of the Aerostar side support members doing the same thing, pulling away from the sheet metal.

After fixing the body mounts you can tack weld them again. If you do not care how it looks, use marine rivets and rivet them in place. If you hear a lot of popping from the roof, even when done, try bracing it and adding some jute padding or spray foam. My 1985 makes no noise and it is beat, I had late model 1980s in far better shape and they made noise. Luck of the draw.

Look for rips in the front floors and the seam across the back under the rear seats. Sometimes your corners are rotted out near the rear body mounts.

Roof Noise? Flexing? Buckling? 1985 BII.

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