To shave or Not to shave that's the question

[JIMINITWIN'72]

I have a 72 C10 LWB and I am considering shaving the drip rail and welding the seam across the back at the top of the cab. Has anyone done this, I have heard that it drastically reduces the rigidity of the cab. Is this true? If it's doable any insights would be awesome. I am doing a resto-mod on the truck.

[67ctener]

Since you asked... Don't shave

[CG]

Its been done lots of times. I don't have any threads saved because its not my thing. Im sure there will be some fellas that can point you in the right direction.

[JIMINITWIN'72]

Originally Posted by 67ctener

Since you asked... Don't shave

Any particular reason, or is it a preference thing. No offense intended just curious.

[chevjayfsd]

Just depends on what your plans are for the truck.

[zeldman]

The first shaved one I saw, I didnt even notice it until the owner pointed it out. I thought it looked just fine.

[jocko]

It drastically reduces the rigidity when the seam is opened, but it is restored after it's re-welded. Have to be careful to not let things warp while it's open, that's all I believe.

Personally, I'm not a fan of doing it. However, if you're building a full-tilt show truck - that also has many other custom touches - then I can see doing this. In any other case, it'd probably look kinda out of place. If it was noticed at all. Then again, it's your truck, and if you are wanting to learn to do this mod and are willing to experiment with your own ride, then by all means, go for it. But just know the risks and enjoy. It's yours, in the end if you want a shaved rail and that's the only mod you do, that's completely up to you - enjoy and post pics!

[OKGMC4]

Finished roughing mine in a few weeks ago. Still more body work to go. You should start at the back and only cut about 4 inches at a time and tack weld as you go to keep things square. I did both sides up to the front glass first, then did the front all at once. There is enough metal to lay it over, cut off the excess, and butt weld it. The front was by far the hardest part. If you google it there is an article classic trucks ran about it with pictures.

I don't see how it would ruin strength. May actually make it stronger. The factory only spot welded it and smeared in seam sealer. Once it's fully welded it should have at least the same support. Plus, a shaved cab won't let in water where the filler cracks and falls out and cause the roof to rust out.

[67ctener]

Originally Posted by JIMINITWIN'72

Any particular reason, or is it a preference thing. No offense intended just curious.

Totally preference. When I first got my truck a little over a year ago, I was set on shaving my drip rail. The more I saw I changed my mind as I felt it just didn't look right. It's all in what people like.

[Jayschevy]

Just make sure you have good door seals. I read somewhere that when the drip rail is gone there's a bigger chance for water getting in between the door and the cab.

[Rod Run]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

I don't see how it would ruin strength. May actually make it stronger. The factory only spot welded it and smeared in seam sealer. Once it's fully welded it should have at least the same support. Plus, a shaved cab won't let in water where the filler cracks and falls out and cause the roof to rust out.

EXACTLY!

With people saying it will look out of place, I would bet almost 90% of them would never even notice unless you pointed it out to them. To me, that is a perfectly subtle mod and definitely means it wouldn't look out of place

I did it on my 69 Camaro about 15 years ago and to this day hardly no one notices unless I point it out.

The one con to shaving the drip edge, is driving in the rain. Small price to pay for a real cool look though. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't hesitate to do it exactly the same way

[black_sheep454]

IMO it looks a little funny because the windshield opening looks smaller because of the door openings.

[screaminchevypickup]

Just depends on your style I'm more into the look of the drip rails but both look good.. Here's one I'm doing for a customer now..

[brad_man_72]

Its been done many times. I've got a few more subtle mods to do before paint but here's mine as of a few weeks ago.

[JIMINITWIN'72]

I would like to thank everyone for their input. And thanks for posting the picks. I will definitely take the advice and do about 4 inches at a time.

[Hwyjb]

Yes. The question "should I shave 'blank' .... Is always yes. IMHO

[ivanuf2]

For me the a big factor was also to avoid these rust areas in the future. My truck had really rusted drip rails once removed the water flows away.

[virginiaslim]

check this out, IMO the best way to go, or to make it easier just leave 1/4" of seam and form to keep an edge

http://www.streettrucksmag.com/c-10-...keover-part-2/