drip rails

[T-Bob]

want to clean up the "look" of my ride by removing the drip rails. never done this before and with hammer, saw, grinder in hand,.. thought maybe to ask BEFORE surgery! Any info on this procedure,i.e. what to do and not, or where I can get info, would be appreciated. Ofcourse, their is always the seat of the pants method... Thanks!

[76GMC1500]

I like to think that engineers are the cheapest bunch of guys you'll ever meet. You know, they wont put anything on a car unless it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, I am very reluctant to remove things installed by the factory. Then again, I don't have any drip rails on my truck because I haven't gotten around to putting them on again. The interior stays dry, but I do bet a little water that pools up on top of the door and drips everywhere when I open it. I think I would have the same problem even if I had the drip rails installed.

[Dave Severson]

Don't cut them off all at once. Cut off about a 2" section, clean up the area, tack the roof back together, then cut another 2" section and repeat the process. If you cut the rails off all at once, you will have a mell of a hess when the roof starts moving around on you.

[40roadking]

I Knew I had this link somewhere, sorry it took so long... http://rodandcustommagazine.com/howto/98178/
Hope this gives you some ideas.

Matt

[T-Bob]

thanks guys!! as like before, ask a question.. and not only get an answer but get pictures as well! A nd after viewing.. I might want to hold off till my skills pick up a bit. Thanks again.

[BlownGoat]

I've been considering getting rid of the drip rails on my goat myself. I've already ditched the door handles and outer trim since all the panels are fiberglass but I've tossed around the srip rail idea for the past few months.

I have a question about this.

dave you mentined its best to only cut off about 2" at a time to keep the roof from moving around but in that article roadking posted they show them taking the whole rail off in one piece. Is it different from car to car as in which way is the best? if so on my goat would I be best to do as you said and do it in 2" sections?

BG

[Dave Severson]

Goat, I've seen people cut the whole thing at once and watched the roof move around when they started tacking. I always do about 2" at a time, maybe the roof won't move but I just don't see any reason to take a chance on creating more work for myself.

[40roadking]

Just for the record, I've considered doing it, but haven't yet. That article was the only time I've found steps laid out, however, after hearing Dave's opinion, I would really consider the 2" at a time method. Thanks for the idea.

Matt

[BlownGoat]

Good point no need in taking a chance if I dont have to.

Thanks

BG

[Blueovalfanatic]

Don't cut 'em off...do something different anf fill them in.

Greg

[40roadking]

Different is right ! That looks great, keeps the engineers happy, and really gives a custom look. Method ? Lead, plastic, weld...? I like that look.

Matt

[Blueovalfanatic]

Thanks Matt. To be honest, I cannot say exactly what he used to fill them in. The bodyman filled in some spots on the roof from where the canvas top used to be, and used lead...but the drip rails- I am not sure. Thanks for the compliment.

Greg