Body guys='63 CUSTOM CAB SWBase, Fleet/Big window found...but roof's bowed in...

[SUBURBANlinoleum]

Hello guys - I have been registered here for a while, but never really used the site.

I mostly look for 1955-57 Chevy wagon stuff, but have wanted another 193-66 Custom Cab for a long time.

====Found this for sale...have a question====

When I was younger I found a great, 2-owner 1962...wantd to lower it, first...1962 still had torsion bars? Crap. So I sold it.

Kind of looking since, off and on.
Now everyone wants them, though =$$!!
So I have been looking for a "deal", AND the best model and trim level (why I haven't found one in 10 years that fit the bill!).

There aren't any here that aren't already (badly) worked on, and I never wanted one bad enough to travel or ship one, but one presented itself for sale here...but I don't know.

Hate "advice" posts, but since I always keep an eye toward resale (getting $ BACKm,if not a profit...and the economy is weird...

I'll throw it out there.

Fun pics of a cool find, at least!

Found this - It's a 1963, and unlike ALL others I see, it's got all 4 good things
(most of us look for...longbed people...never mind!):
Custom cab
SHort wheel base
FLEET SIDE
Big window.

Man it is tough finding one that some one hasn't built already...
~And if you Find a Custom Cab, Big window, it's a long bed.
~If you find a Custom, SHORT bed fleetside...it's always a small window.

Etc., etc.,!

~I wanted one to restore stock, but if I found one without the orig, engine, I'd like to go ahead and make a nice custom out of it.
~Later (junk) engine / trans on this one, so that'd make that decision easy - it has a later 350, and 350 auto, it looks like. Installed wrong, needing better engine/trans anyway, and to be redone.

Here's the question:
I am not asking beginner "what's it worth?" questions, or asking if a roof CAN be fixed...it's just the one structural area I can't see being a fun one to tackle cutting out, and refitting RIGHT.

I won't do it myself,but what's the best approach?
Not looking for the "Rube Goldberg Approach" (i.e., cutting a hole inthis roof, and another, and just tacking it in...I can see that flexing when you open the windows on the freway, now! "BUMP!".

I have seen roof repairs that did that, so that's what I am worried about.

==I showed itthe pictures to one old-time body guy
...ShouldSaid kindof what I was thinking...
==it be taken back to the spotwelds at the pinch area along the top of the windshield and below driprail on sides, all around?

Then maybe drill the spot welds out of a donor roof, weld braces in the truck being worked on to prevent flexing, fit new one in place?
======
Truck...
~The best model it can be with all the inhernt value that comes right there.
~BED - EXCELLENT! (NO rust, not even in the wheel lips).
~Tailgate - great.
~Rear bumper and optional back up lights still there.
~All Custom Cab side and cab sail mouldings.
~*Doors excelent...small rust hole at front corner.
~*Fenders...usual lower rust. would find dry ones cheap.
~CAB=lower corners are solid, and rockers and floors!
~*Scrap small block. Truck wasn't cut up to install, though.
XXXXXX
~*ONLY BIG ISSUE...roof is full of bondo...and not a thin layer!
*SEE PIC! of the inside...you see the ends of BIG bolts, used to give the bondo something to "grip" onto up top! That must be THICK STUFF!

Of course the seller wanted to dismiss that as no big deal...but I don't know if it's worth it to tackle...is replacing this section a big mess?

I can find another roof...truck is $3k.