Roof support question

KENS89LX

Member
Mar 12, 2006
302
1
19
Cross lanes Wv
Is there a support frame for the roof? The bodyshop I took it to says it is possible bent because when he was looking at the roof he pushed on it and it was not very solid He called it the "oil can" effect. So before I take out my headliner I would like to know for sure. My lx has the factory sunroof so any help would be appreciated.
 
Is there a support frame for the roof? The bodyshop I took it to says it is possible bent because when he was looking at the roof he pushed on it and it was not very solid He called it the "oil can" effect. So before I take out my headliner I would like to know for sure. My lx has the factory sunroof so any help would be appreciated.

Every roof has the "oil can" effect. Every car ever made has the oil can effect to a degree.
The roof keeps it's shape because the metal is originally stressed into the compound or "crowned" shape via a big-assed die press when it was built. It will keep that shape forever.....Unless...
If the roof has been damaged because it was jumped on, or something fell on it, it stretches the metal, and the compound shape loses it's original integrity. As a result of that stretch, it oil cans much more easily. Sometimes to the point of not returning back to the high crown when its' pressed down. If it was damaged, and the repair was not done correctly, then the roof will be a bitch to sand as it will be all wonky when trying to strip or sand it. If that sun roof is an aftermarket addition, cutting that hole may have also compromised the metal as well.