Shaving the drip rails - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ackattack · 09-03-2007, 11:30 PM

One of the things that I've always disliked about our trucks is the drip rails. I've read on here about people cutting them off, and stories about the cons of removing them.

Well I figure I'll give it a try myself.

Here you can see the 3 distinct layers of metal that are contained in the front drip rail (over the windshield)

I made the cut tangent to the curvature of the top skin of the roof, which leaves a little ledge on the bottom side.

Then I moved to the side and cut out this piece

You can see the the drip rail on the side is a seperate piece only spot welded on.

And you can actually remove the entire drip rail piece before doing any cutting .

I didn't get to welding it back together today as my welder won't reach where the cab is currently setting. Hopefully I'll get the trial cuts welded sometime this week.

Oh, also, this is an extra cab that I have that is pretty rusted out, so I figure I'd practice and see what is all envolved before I cut up the cab I'm planning to use. Hopefully if I figure out the process I'll be able to do it on the "finished" cab.

shifty · 09-03-2007, 11:37 PM

cool, definitely thanks for the info sharing!

Fastfun · 09-04-2007, 12:18 AM

I had mine shaved and I love the new look, it really cleans up the cab.
Keep us posted

sneakysnake · 09-04-2007, 09:58 AM

They say the trick to this is to cut and weld small portions at a time. It helps to prevent separation and distortion.

lyrikz · 10-17-2007, 07:22 PM

Updates?????????

Bucky71 · 10-18-2007, 09:49 AM

ttt

Aussie_C2o · 10-19-2007, 06:54 AM

any updates??

Tigman · 10-19-2007, 07:41 PM

A few pics on project!

Aussie_C2o · 10-20-2007, 02:53 AM

Have you welded in a whole section?

jott_06 · 10-20-2007, 06:27 AM

i know this would probably be impossible with the stock glass but i think it would look pretty cool to have flush mounted glass like the newer cars to go along with your shaved drip rails

09-03-2007, 11:30 PM	#1
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Shaving the drip rails One of the things that I've always disliked about our trucks is the drip rails. I've read on here about people cutting them off, and stories about the cons of removing them. Well I figure I'll give it a try myself. Here you can see the 3 distinct layers of metal that are contained in the front drip rail (over the windshield) I made the cut tangent to the curvature of the top skin of the roof, which leaves a little ledge on the bottom side. Then I moved to the side and cut out this piece You can see the the drip rail on the side is a seperate piece only spot welded on. And you can actually remove the entire drip rail piece before doing any cutting . I didn't get to welding it back together today as my welder won't reach where the cab is currently setting. Hopefully I'll get the trial cuts welded sometime this week. Oh, also, this is an extra cab that I have that is pretty rusted out, so I figure I'd practice and see what is all envolved before I cut up the cab I'm planning to use. Hopefully if I figure out the process I'll be able to do it on the "finished" cab. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

09-03-2007, 11:37 PM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: Shaving the drip rails cool, definitely thanks for the info sharing! __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

09-04-2007, 12:18 AM	#3
Fastfun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 615	Re: Shaving the drip rails I had mine shaved and I love the new look, it really cleans up the cab. Keep us posted

09-04-2007, 09:58 AM	#4
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Shaving the drip rails They say the trick to this is to cut and weld small portions at a time. It helps to prevent separation and distortion.

10-17-2007, 07:22 PM	#5
lyrikz PITbut Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: monroe washington Posts: 3,041	Re: Shaving the drip rails Updates?????????

10-18-2007, 09:49 AM	#6
Bucky71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, On Posts: 65	Re: Shaving the drip rails ttt

10-19-2007, 06:54 AM	#7
Aussie_C2o Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 41	Re: Shaving the drip rails any updates?? __________________ www.compheads.com.au FATGM 1972 C20- 500HP 402BBC, Dropped on 20" Billets

10-19-2007, 07:41 PM	#8
Tigman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Big Stone Gap, Va Posts: 84	Re: Shaving the drip rails A few pics on project! Attached Images

10-20-2007, 02:53 AM	#9
Aussie_C2o Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 41	Re: Shaving the drip rails Have you welded in a whole section? __________________ www.compheads.com.au FATGM 1972 C20- 500HP 402BBC, Dropped on 20" Billets

10-20-2007, 06:27 AM	#10
jott_06 Camaro Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 472	Re: Shaving the drip rails i know this would probably be impossible with the stock glass but i think it would look pretty cool to have flush mounted glass like the newer cars to go along with your shaved drip rails



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