Seam Going Across Top Of Cab

[jim-bob]

On my 67 StepSide I want the seam going across the top of cab above back window filled in..What is the normal procedure in doing this?..I thought it was welded in but was told not good idea because welding could warp it..
Do any of you know if there's a post or link showing this work being done? Didn't know what to search.. lol
THANKS!!

[67ChevyRedneck]

It's typically filled in with a seam sealer. If you put "bondo" or any other kind of plastic filler over/in it, it may crack out. The seam sealer will remain flexible for many years.

I have seen quite a few trucks with them welded up. Just go very slow and take your time and it can be done. Like, do one tack, more over a foot, tack, all the way across, let it cool, repeat.

I was going to fill mine in at one point, but decided it adds a little character to the truck.

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

It's typically filled in with a seam sealer. If you put "bondo" or any other kind of plastic filler over/in it, it may crack out. The seam sealer will remain flexible for many years.

I have seen quite a few trucks with them welded up. Just go very slow and take your time and it can be done. Like, do one tack, more over a foot, tack, all the way across, let it cool, repeat.

I was going to fill mine in at one point, but decided it adds a little character to the truck.

'preciate this good info Jesse

[jim-bob]

...My guy did the seam sealer and has painted the cab but there's a slight rise or bead all way across..very true..very straight..but I thought there would be no sign of a factory seam or anything when finished..I mean why even bother if it's going to leave something? I've seen others on line but not in person and didn't notice a bead..
Is this the norm or isn't the intention supposed to be a flat smooth finished?
Hoping someone can show some pics..
I've got a pic i will TRY to send but it's hard to see..
Thanks..

[hewittca]

I think completely eliminating that seam is a bit more of a challenge then what you described, as you pointed out. Even for the guys who weld it up, I've seen where they actually had to re-radius that area to get a smooth transition. I think the problem stems from the fact that the area really isn't a smooth transition to begin with, as there is a slight crease in the roof along this line if you were to just weld it up and grind it smooth. For instance, here is an example of an actual seam filler panel that Scotts Hotrods was offering at one point. You can see that they actually cut that whole region of the roof out and fit this smooth radiused piece in its place.

[jim-bob]

Dang..that looks like a lot of work..I would not want that done..
Thanks Hewitt

[PAWS 72]

Dig all the old seam sealer out fix rusted areas prime fill back in with Flowable seam sealer. Way the factory did it

[jim-bob]

..My body guy said he uses seam sealer..but there will always be a slight but noticeable rise/crest/ what ever it's called when he finishes, that it will not be flat or smoothed down like I thought it would be (as if there was never a seam). With the pictures I've seen on here and on line (never in person) I thought you couldn't see any signs of anything left there!?
Does anyone have a close up pic of your cab top after this work was done leaving NO signs?

***NOTE... I know this post is similar to one I have already posted but I guess I'm asking for a little more agreement in my presuming it should be left smooth.
If so, he or someone will have to correct it..If not that's the end of the story..
I greatly appreciate the time y'all have given me on this. I hope it will finalized my concern.
THANKS!!

[PAWS 72]

You cannot get it completely smooth. Unless you fill it with bondo and sand it smooth. Then primer and more sanding.

[67ChevyRedneck]

The other issue is GM slapped these things together. I remember specifically on my cab that the roof skin on the driver side near the door was at least 1/16"+ lower than where it butted up to the rear cab skin at the seam. That I did fill in with filler, but feathered it to the seam.

[CaptRMW]

Seam sealer and NO BONDO. Mine was wet sanded then more seam sealer applied where it was needed and wet sanded again. After over 200,000 miles and 6 years of sitting in the weather mine only shows the very slightest hint of a seam . I will try to get a pic later.

[CaptRMW]

Picture 1 shows the seam across the mid portion of the cab. ( reflection of carport roof is the curved line) Picture 2 shows the passenger corner of the seam (sorry nothing showing)

[Dustytrix]

I used flexible seam sealer and very small amount of metal filler. Turned out very good no sign of seam, but its only been a year.

[jim-bob]

..ok guys..I think this is enough to convince him that Seams are filled in, sanded down even and showing no sign of the seam..
Thanks..

[cjrolke]

Originally Posted by hewittca

I think completely eliminating that seam is a bit more of a challenge then what you described, as you pointed out. Even for the guys who weld it up, I've seen where they actually had to re-radius that area to get a smooth transition. I think the problem stems from the fact that the area really isn't a smooth transition to begin with, as there is a slight crease in the roof along this line if you were to just weld it up and grind it smooth. For instance, here is an example of an actual seam filler panel that Scotts Hotrods was offering at one point. You can see that they actually cut that whole region of the roof out and fit this smooth radiused piece in its place.

is that Finnigans truck? he has one like that in that color that was ran through Scotts hotrods

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by cjrolke

is that Finnigans truck? he has one like that in that color that was ran through Scotts hotrods

Not entirely sure. I just found that pic (and a few others) from this thread posted by Scottshotrods a while ago advertising this panel.

edit: after looking into Finnigans truck, this is definitely his.

[67ChevyRedneck]

CaptRMW great job! Mine looks nowhere near that smooth or nice.