Drip rail help....pictures!

[chargd72]

Hey fellas,
I finally put my panels on (bought the car in pieces) to begin the straightening process.  My bigest concerns are the driprails and the upper pillar.  My question is, does anyone repope the actual driprail?  The metal underneath is in good shape so if I find the driprails, I should just be able to weld them in place.  My other option is to find a doner roof but I'd rather not since the rest of the roof looks great.  Has anyone ever cut section of the roof above the driprail and weld in a doner replacement?  Which would be the better route?

Any feedback is greatly apprectiated.

[tan top]

  hmmm , shame about that bit , looks real good other wise , think i would make a piece for that bit , any bigger i would be looking for a doner roof section , to cut & weld in

[chargd72]

I like that idea too...

Option 3, make my own replacement.

[Silver R/T]

maybe shave drip rails, unless you're looking for original look

[chargd72]

maybe shave drip rails, unless you're looking for original look

Not too concerned with original look, but wouldn't it be prone to leaks?  Would the trim still fit properly?

[Silver R/T]

I probably wouldn't be so concerned about leaks. You don't plan on driving it in rain do you?

[chargd72]

I probably wouldn't be so concerned about leaks. You don't plan on driving it in rain do you?

Very true.  One down, and thanks for the help.

Any knowledge on if the trim would still fit properly?

[mikesbbody]

If by trim you mean the stainless Steel trim, then I would think the answer would be no I mean how would it attach without the drip rail? this is just a guess don't quote me I wonder if you could glue the SS on without the drip rail?
If i were you, I'd just do as Silver suggested and shave the drip rails.

[chargd72]

Yes, I am referring to the stainless steal. I think I will go with silver's suggestion then. Seems to be the simplest solution.

As always, thanks for the help.

[Silver R/T]

It'll look cleaner without them

[Roth68rt]

AMD makes repro drip rails, would imagine they are the same across year groups.  Besides you would just need a piece to scab in anyways.  If you are going to shave them, be careful, go slow, and don't take more than a few (3-4) inches at a time.  Then weld up the three piece seam that will be left after you cut it off close to the roof.  Don't cut too close to the roof or your seam will become a hole.  Don't cut it too far away from the roof or you will not be able to grind the resulting seam flush with the roof.  Don't cut more than six inches or the seam will open up too far to weld back together.  Stitch weld only or you will warp the roof or blow a hole in it that will warp the roof to repair.  Easy right? 
Steve

[chargd72]

Easy right?  We'll see about that.  Thanks for the pics.  Yours look great.  Checking AMD to see if they have 3 gen rails.  If not, makes sense about how to weld up the 3 piece seem.  Great info! 

[TylerCharger69]

The only thing i dont agree about shaving the drip rails is that ive learned that they also divert the wind from the driver and passenger areas.  A friend of mine with a Coronet shaved his and after the paint job....the wind just slaps you in the face where as before...it didnt