We had some "popping" in the roof sheet metal on our Cuda because it looked like the roof had been sat on or something and pushed the skin away from the braces. We discovered it when we were taking out some waves in the roof. What worked out really well was to put a scissor jack inside the car with a 2X4 on top of it extending up to the roof bracing. After putting some silicone caulk up between the brace and roof skin, we cranked up the jack to push the brace up against the roof. Kept it overnight like that and the pop was gone when we released the pressure the next day.
We have the overhead console as well, and it really doesn't need anymore bracing in front. The brace we worked on was the one that the rear of the console screws to, so I think you'd want that brace tight against the roof skin. Good luck.
