Rusted inner cab roof - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MAGGEE · 05-29-2018, 10:07 PM

The inner cab roof panel is rusted out above the windshield on my ‘72. Likely from bad drip rail above. So, the inner panel needs replaced. 3 questions: 1) Am I wasting my time replacing the header panel without fixing the drip rail? 2) Anyone make a replacement header panel for ‘72 (I’ve only found ‘67-71)? And 3) Is the only difference between 67-71 and 72 the mirror mount (so I could use the 67-71 panel and mount my mirror in the 67-71 location- instead of on windshield)?

**dmjlambert** · 05-29-2018, 10:27 PM

I bought my inner roof patch panel from gmcpauls.com for my 1969 truck, and had a body shop put it in. I came out nice. The body shop also replaced my windshield because it was getting foggy around the edges. I bought the rubber seal from gmcpauls.com as well and gave it to the body shop, and the body shop obtained the glass. The body man pointed out to me that I need to re-seal the cab roof to the gutter, or the water would just seep down and stay in the inner roof panel and rust out again. So, I did that. The gmcpauls.com website mentions that the panel will work for 72, but then you will have the mount holes for the mirror on the new panel. I suppose you could just use those to hold the mirror or patch the holes and use a 72 style mirror mounting on the windshield.

cypressbog · 05-30-2018, 04:31 PM

I think your best off trashing the cab and buying a good replacement.

**HO455** · 05-30-2018, 09:51 PM

One thing to consider is if the inner panel is rusted out and the water is coming in from the drip rail that same water also ran down the A pillars through the kick panels and out the drains in the bottom. So all of those areas should be inspected carefully for rust through problems before you make you decision. Do a search for cab rust or cowl rust and look at where other people have found issues.
Good luck.

Bird dog · 05-30-2018, 10:03 PM

It's a relatively easy patch to weld in. I have a '72 and the 67-71 panel fit great. I had extensive rust in the inner roof, but found none anywhere else (related to the leak in the driprail). Replaced the driprail sealer prior to paint and worked out great.

duke10 · 05-31-2018, 04:05 PM

What is the best way to get the old material out before adding the patch?
Bran new to body work.

05-29-2018, 10:07 PM	#1
MAGGEE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Columbia, Missouri Posts: 31	Rusted inner cab roof The inner cab roof panel is rusted out above the windshield on my ‘72. Likely from bad drip rail above. So, the inner panel needs replaced. 3 questions: 1) Am I wasting my time replacing the header panel without fixing the drip rail? 2) Anyone make a replacement header panel for ‘72 (I’ve only found ‘67-71)? And 3) Is the only difference between 67-71 and 72 the mirror mount (so I could use the 67-71 panel and mount my mirror in the 67-71 location- instead of on windshield)?

05-29-2018, 10:27 PM	#2
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,563	Re: Rusted inner cab roof I bought my inner roof patch panel from gmcpauls.com for my 1969 truck, and had a body shop put it in. I came out nice. The body shop also replaced my windshield because it was getting foggy around the edges. I bought the rubber seal from gmcpauls.com as well and gave it to the body shop, and the body shop obtained the glass. The body man pointed out to me that I need to re-seal the cab roof to the gutter, or the water would just seep down and stay in the inner roof panel and rust out again. So, I did that. The gmcpauls.com website mentions that the panel will work for 72, but then you will have the mount holes for the mirror on the new panel. I suppose you could just use those to hold the mirror or patch the holes and use a 72 style mirror mounting on the windshield.

05-30-2018, 04:31 PM	#3
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: Rusted inner cab roof I think your best off trashing the cab and buying a good replacement.

05-30-2018, 09:51 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,804	Re: Rusted inner cab roof One thing to consider is if the inner panel is rusted out and the water is coming in from the drip rail that same water also ran down the A pillars through the kick panels and out the drains in the bottom. So all of those areas should be inspected carefully for rust through problems before you make you decision. Do a search for cab rust or cowl rust and look at where other people have found issues. Good luck. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

05-30-2018, 10:03 PM	#5
Bird dog Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Lynden, WA Posts: 91	Re: Rusted inner cab roof It's a relatively easy patch to weld in. I have a '72 and the 67-71 panel fit great. I had extensive rust in the inner roof, but found none anywhere else (related to the leak in the driprail). Replaced the driprail sealer prior to paint and worked out great. Attached Images

05-31-2018, 04:05 PM	#6
duke10 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: san diego Posts: 833	Re: Rusted inner cab roof What is the best way to get the old material out before adding the patch? Bran new to body work.



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