Roof replacement advice needed. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jfnar · 04-06-2017, 02:19 PM

The inner roof is rusted through all along the front and sides so I've decided that it's better to replace the roof instead of trying to patch the inner panel. I've never done this so it'll be a learning experience. I found this thread which is very helpful. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...of+replacement

I have two cabs that I can cut the roof off of. One has no signs of rust on the inner roof panel but the drip rails have been ground off. The other one has a small area of rust in the center of the front inner panel near the mirror. Both are rotten on the floors so I don't plan to use either one for anything other than patches. If I use the first one I'll have to replace the drip rails. Not sure how difficult that would be but I've seen replacement drip rails in some of the catalogs. If I use the second one I'll have to repair the rusty area on the inner panel. If it's not too much bigger than it looks I can probably make a patch panel for it. My main question is which one will be the least work to use? I've welded patch panels on fenders, rockers, and cab corners before but I've never worked on a roof before. I'm interested to hear what someone who has experience with this would suggest. Thanks.

*randy500* · 04-06-2017, 02:28 PM

Since you have access to the cabs I would just replace the headliner. Cut the bad one out at the spot welds along the doors and windshield, cut it in front of the rear seam. After its out grind off the old part at the rear seam flush to the rear panel pinch weld.
Cut the other one out behind the seam, then grind the back piece off the seam.

Glue it all back in with 3M 8115 panel bonding adhesive. Read the material data sheet for it, its about as strong as welding.

**blazercrazy70** · 04-07-2017, 12:44 AM

I just had that done in my truck had a good roof I cut off. Cut all the spots welds out and the body shop used the bond to put it back in it looks amazing. They wanted to whole panel for better rigidity than using that little repair panel. like I said it turned out great. Find a donor inner panel

04-06-2017, 02:19 PM	#1
jfnar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 410	Roof replacement advice needed. The inner roof is rusted through all along the front and sides so I've decided that it's better to replace the roof instead of trying to patch the inner panel. I've never done this so it'll be a learning experience. I found this thread which is very helpful. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...of+replacement I have two cabs that I can cut the roof off of. One has no signs of rust on the inner roof panel but the drip rails have been ground off. The other one has a small area of rust in the center of the front inner panel near the mirror. Both are rotten on the floors so I don't plan to use either one for anything other than patches. If I use the first one I'll have to replace the drip rails. Not sure how difficult that would be but I've seen replacement drip rails in some of the catalogs. If I use the second one I'll have to repair the rusty area on the inner panel. If it's not too much bigger than it looks I can probably make a patch panel for it. My main question is which one will be the least work to use? I've welded patch panels on fenders, rockers, and cab corners before but I've never worked on a roof before. I'm interested to hear what someone who has experience with this would suggest. Thanks.

04-06-2017, 02:28 PM	#2
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: Roof replacement advice needed. Since you have access to the cabs I would just replace the headliner. Cut the bad one out at the spot welds along the doors and windshield, cut it in front of the rear seam. After its out grind off the old part at the rear seam flush to the rear panel pinch weld. Cut the other one out behind the seam, then grind the back piece off the seam. Glue it all back in with 3M 8115 panel bonding adhesive. Read the material data sheet for it, its about as strong as welding.

04-07-2017, 12:44 AM	#3
blazercrazy70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: illinois Posts: 516	Re: Roof replacement advice needed. I just had that done in my truck had a good roof I cut off. Cut all the spots welds out and the body shop used the bond to put it back in it looks amazing. They wanted to whole panel for better rigidity than using that little repair panel. like I said it turned out great. Find a donor inner panel



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