drip rail question

[1972BackInBlackC10]

the previous owner hacked off the drip rail on my truck in an attempt to "shave" the drip rails, he cut them completely off on the doors up to the windshield, and cut the lip off the one above the windshield

i have a parts cab that i got ith my swb frame i bought that has good drip rails, was wondering if it would be easier to put them on or if i should just finish the previous wners job the right way, i have heard that the windshield drip rail isnt easy to shave and is exensive to have done

id rather have the drip rails but with my budget i want to go with whats easiest and cheapest, first two pics are of his lovely bondo job to hide the hacked drip rails, last 3 are of his work, i can get better pics

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Wow! Looks like a project. If the cab roof is good on your parts truck it might be easier to replace the roof.

Good luck!

Jim

[ChevLoRay]

There are 3 pieces of sheet metal that meet where the P.O. did his cut and hack job. Good luck on your cab.

[1972BackInBlackC10]

i think id want to get a different cab before i started messing with replacing a roof

[VA72C10]

I'd swap cabs before swapping a roof how is the spare cab in comparison?

I personally like shaved drip rails on a custom show truck but not if you are going with trim and trying to look factory.

I assume they are tac welded then bondo'd?
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[1972BackInBlackC10]

this cab was done at one point so it only needs the back cab supports and something done with drip rails, in comparison to the parts cab the previous owner welded rockers over old ones, needs new cab corners, they did patch jobs on the floor and put caulking everywhere no idea whats under that, they put in new cab supports but if its anything like their other work.... and i think the spots on the cab where you mount the fenders at the bottom is rotted out

[1972BackInBlackC10]

sorry forgot the other 2 sentences jon, im going for stock look in appearance not custom so i would like the drip rails, and its looks like they bent them over and tack welded them and then cut the lip off around the windshield, i can get more pics

[VA72C10]

did they weld the rockers over on this cab with the rails shaved or the parts cab? Judging by this work I'd say the parts cab will be a better start....you're putting a lot of nice parts on this truck...no need starting with a cab that will rust back out in short order...

you probably can sell this cab with the shaved drip rails...I'd do some body work and prime it up and sell it...probably could get 5-700 for it...

[1972BackInBlackC10]

no the parts cab has the rockers welded over the old ones and all the other bad patch jobs i mentioned

the cab with drip rails shaved was fixed at one point has good floors, rockers, and cab corners, only needs the back cab supports replaced and something done wth the drip rails

[VA72C10]

Hmmm. Tougher call then. Adding the driprails back is a TON of work. You'd have to get all the bondo out then hope you have good metal there to weld to. Might just need to finish the body work and run no driprails. Or, (last resort) sell the parts cab then find another cab and sell this one also.....should be able to get good money for it if you finish the repairs and sell it as a nicely restored custom......or find someone local wanting to customize their cab and swap cabs.
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[1972BackInBlackC10]

that is an idea, it would be nice to find an a/c cab in good shape but i think those are as hard to find up here as a swb frame haha i have bit of time before i get to the point of putting the cab on my frame hope it all works out by then

would be even sweeter to find a good black a/c cab eh Jon lol

[special-K]

I'd swap the top from the parts cab. That will be easier than trying to repair the damage done by the previous owner. Guys do it all the time with great success and it's common knowledge messing with the drip rail area is not something for the novice body man. Personally,I think the drip rails give the trucks a better look. If they came w/o a drip rail I think a truck would look better with one added. That extra shadow line does something bold and tough for the looks of these trucks. Something we take for granted because they all have it. You can go from the bottom of the a-pillars to just in front of the top seam leaving enough for a step flange. If the parts cab back panel is good you can take it all the way back. I've done that,too. Pretty much the way they were assembled.

[1972BackInBlackC10]

thanks special k, think im just going to get a different cab as want an ac cab anyways