tips for shaving the drip rail

[coggonobrien]

looking to shave the drip rail off my 68, any pointers I shoudl need to know about it? Also are there any more modern ways to ensure tight window/door seals since i'm sure it was originally there for that reason.

Thanks,
Dave

[Dingfodgy]

Shaving the gutters on our trucks is a major PITA. Granted it looks pretty cool, but the work involved will make your brain hurt! It's not just a matter of cuttin' them off and dressing up what's left...oh no! The gutters are actually the confluence (gathering point) of no less than 3 discrete pieces of sheet metal all crimped together and folded to make the gutter, which actually becomes the primary structural member of the entire cab. Therefore, they must be removed in small (<= 6" ) sections and welded / ground as you go along. Some people like to reshape the transition from the top of the windshield to the roof by pie-cutting in this area and flattening out the curve a bit.
If you decide to do this- good luck and make sure your welds are good.

Regarding more effective rain-water management products or techniques- making sure all the panel gaps are tight and the weatherstripping is good is about the extent of it. If that is insufficient than not driving in the rain is your only recourse.

[myoldchevytruck]

with Dingfodgy. It looks awesome but takes time. Search the threads and do your homework first. There have been board members that have had allot of success and board members that have not But they have shared their stories. Good Luck. When your done, show us pictures.

[coggonobrien]

thats what I figued looking at them that they were functional. I think I'm going to go ahead with it and go slowly but surely. hell I just planned on hopefully shortening/powdercoating my frame and getting my cab solid by august or september anyway.

[Shane]

Beware before hand that it's NOT a project for a beginner.

[Super-Dave]

I started on mine, I would recommend only about 3 inches at a time so you dont get no warp any where.

[72BlckButy]

go very slow and don't cut to much

[piecesparts]

I purchased the 68 that I have with the cab already shaved and chopped. The look is great and I am trying to get it together, but other things keep getting in my way.

[john]

Some pics in here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=287690

[turbohacker]

This was my first body work to speak of, I reserched alot on this site and decided to just go for it. The main thing to remind yourself is patience. Slow down and do it right. I would cut away no more that two inches at a time and wait for it to cool, then tack it and cool again, the do the same. I have probobly four hours into just doing the sides and I havent even started on the front yet.

[70c10swb]

I guess im the minority. I kind of like the drip rails on these trucks, gives it character.

Or im just looking for excuses to not do mine

[coggonobrien]

i don't personally feel the trucks look bad with them, i just feel it looks better without

[BP68]

Check out my build thread for some pics of the process. My bodyman has many builds under his belt, but had never done a drip rail shave on one of these but seem confident about it. He made it look easy and it turned out great. I actually cut it off, he welded and shaped it.

[Richard8971]

Originally Posted by Shane

Beware before hand that it's NOT a project for a beginner.

Listen to Shane. I shaved mine on the '67 only because my drip rails were rusted all to heck. Like has been suggested, cut only a few inches at a time, weld and then repeat. Use very small stitch welds, only enough heat to penetrate and use compressed air to cool the welds between welds. You are trying to weld two very thin pieces of sheet metal on a corner with nothing behind it for support... not fun. Very, very easy to punch through from the heat.

Looking back, if I didn't have to shave them, I wouldn't have. It was ALOT of work, hours and hours of slow welding and then bodywork on top of that. I am not even sure that the filler won't crack eventually, even though to date it has held. There is alot of pressure being passed through those welds holding the top of the roof onto the metal of the jambs as the cab twists and bends from driving.

Most people don't even notice I shaved them... so if you are looking for a "cool" mod, this isn't it...

D

[stingrayorangekrate]

Originally Posted by Shane

Beware before hand that it's NOT a project for a beginner.

i dont know beause im only 16 and have both sides done."about 3-4 hours on each side" i just started welding the other day. all you need to do is take your time. it's just like that saying "all good things come in time"

[Rigo's 70 C10]

If you are up for the challenge, this will walk you through the whole process.

http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t.../photo_06.html

Enjoy!

[retselgerg]

i like my gutters lol