What to do? Roof or Rockers First - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72LOWBOY · 06-25-2004, 03:38 PM

My 72 has some bad rust in the roof and rockers. Cab corners are ok though (sorry no digi camera yet for pics) I need to cut the whole roof off and replace it with the rust free one. the rain gutters are rusted all the through to the inside of the cab. The rockers are pretty bad too. I don't want to replace the cab, I like the challenge.My question is do I do the roof first or the rockers. I know I have to brace the cab for the roof.I've chopped tops before, But in this case I'm concerned about the integrity of the whole cab shifting or moving after I make some cuts. Because of the severity of the rust.Any thoughts?

meathead95 · 06-25-2004, 03:40 PM

i would do all the low end metal first maybe it will help minimize distortion when you cut the top off

72LOWBOY · 06-25-2004, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the quick reply meathead95. Those have been my thoughts too. Maybe somebody will chime in that's had this dilema.

*dtlilly* · 06-25-2004, 03:46 PM

I'm far from being an expert nor a structural engineer, but I would do the rockers first.

Here's my reasoning:

The roof line more than likely still has enough structural integrity to withstand the lower end being cut out and replaced. Get that tightened up, and you should be able to cut the top and do any repairs there.

Good luck with the project, and take plenty pics of the steps you take to post here for other enterprizing members.

72LOWBOY · 06-25-2004, 03:48 PM

Thanks dtilly for the input! I need to get a digi cam

06-25-2004, 03:38 PM	#1
72LOWBOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Coral Springs,FL Posts: 100	What to do? Roof or Rockers First My 72 has some bad rust in the roof and rockers. Cab corners are ok though (sorry no digi camera yet for pics) I need to cut the whole roof off and replace it with the rust free one. the rain gutters are rusted all the through to the inside of the cab. The rockers are pretty bad too. I don't want to replace the cab, I like the challenge.My question is do I do the roof first or the rockers. I know I have to brace the cab for the roof.I've chopped tops before, But in this case I'm concerned about the integrity of the whole cab shifting or moving after I make some cuts. Because of the severity of the rust.Any thoughts? __________________ 72 Chevy LWB leaf spring rear,SBC 385 Fast Burn,Art Carr built 700r4,3.73 Eaton posi,one piece windows,lowered 4/5.5, 60/40 seat, shaved turn signals,shaved reverse lights,shaved stake pockets, stainless steel 21gall in rear, c-notched, vintage air,ps,pb,currently doing body work. 68 Camaro conv.327,turbo 350,pb,disc brakes,built it for the wife 38 Chevy Coupe on the back burner LIFE IS GOOD! SMILE

06-25-2004, 03:40 PM	#2
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	i would do all the low end metal first maybe it will help minimize distortion when you cut the top off __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

06-25-2004, 03:43 PM	#3
72LOWBOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Coral Springs,FL Posts: 100	Thanks for the quick reply meathead95. Those have been my thoughts too. Maybe somebody will chime in that's had this dilema. __________________ 72 Chevy LWB leaf spring rear,SBC 385 Fast Burn,Art Carr built 700r4,3.73 Eaton posi,one piece windows,lowered 4/5.5, 60/40 seat, shaved turn signals,shaved reverse lights,shaved stake pockets, stainless steel 21gall in rear, c-notched, vintage air,ps,pb,currently doing body work. 68 Camaro conv.327,turbo 350,pb,disc brakes,built it for the wife 38 Chevy Coupe on the back burner LIFE IS GOOD! SMILE

06-25-2004, 03:48 PM	#5
72LOWBOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Coral Springs,FL Posts: 100	Thanks dtilly for the input! I need to get a digi cam __________________ 72 Chevy LWB leaf spring rear,SBC 385 Fast Burn,Art Carr built 700r4,3.73 Eaton posi,one piece windows,lowered 4/5.5, 60/40 seat, shaved turn signals,shaved reverse lights,shaved stake pockets, stainless steel 21gall in rear, c-notched, vintage air,ps,pb,currently doing body work. 68 Camaro conv.327,turbo 350,pb,disc brakes,built it for the wife 38 Chevy Coupe on the back burner LIFE IS GOOD! SMILE

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06-25-2004, 03:46 PM	#4
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	I'm far from being an expert nor a structural engineer, but I would do the rockers first. Here's my reasoning: The roof line more than likely still has enough structural integrity to withstand the lower end being cut out and replaced. Get that tightened up, and you should be able to cut the top and do any repairs there. Good luck with the project, and take plenty pics of the steps you take to post here for other enterprizing members.



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