Gasser escape hatches?

[Roadrunner]

My AMT '33 Willys gasser, has what I can only describe as an escape hatch in the roof. My question is this: would an escape hatch be required according to NHRA Gasser rules, or was this just a feature unique to this specific car (Ohio George '33 Willys), or is it even a hatch at all?

[10thumbs]

Hi Kevin, I thought it was a sunroof of some description.  If I recollect, mine was clear plastic.  I'll look again tomorrow if you're further interested.

[High octane]

It is NOT an escape hatch at all. It is the padded top area just like on some Deuce bodies.

[Roadrunner]

It is NOT an escape hatch at all. It is the padded top area just like on some Deuce bodies.

That's what threw me; a quick Google image search showed some with and some without that rectangular area on the roof, but the ones that do have it, seem to be raised from the surrounding surface, while the kit part appears to be flush. I was toying with the idea of starting this one today, but quickly realized I'll need several more parts to do what I want to the kit, so I tossed it back on the shelf for now. Thanks for the quick answer, I certainly appreciate it.

Hi Kevin, I thought it was a sunroof of some description.  If I recollect, mine was clear plastic.  I'll look again tomorrow if you're further interested.

I think Nick covered it, but thanks anyway.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Roadrunner

[Art Anderson]

Cars of the era of the Willys-Overland Model 77 were still using composite bodies, of wood structure with sheet metal skin--the so-called "turret top" (one piece sheetmetal top stamping) didn't arrive until GM introduced them across their line for 1936.  So, with closed bodies such as the Willys Coupe, the center section of the roof was built wth ribs and a padded fabric that was waterproofed.

Art

[Roadrunner]

Well, that's interesting. Thanks, Art.