I've got a '76 Crew that I got a great deal on. Problem is that the roof is rusted out above the driprails, windshield and rear window. What has everyone else used to repair/replace this problem area. I've found one site that a guy said that the old Ford vans have the same width roof and driprail contour that would work as a replacement. A donor cab would be ideal, but here in North Florida, a dentside crew is unheard of. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian.

 

Brian... I have supercab and regular cab roofs but alas my friend Im on the other side of the country.. I use the extra cabs I have to create good cabs for the rust in the areas you mention.. I try to stay out of the contours but where you cant obviously replace bad for good using the cut and overlay method.. which I find very accurate and reduces welding. I tack tack tack... to keep distortion to the minimum

Reality for you.. and as you know is common with the crews.. rust in the rails...and pillars so.. my only best advice is be.. or find.. and true body man and cut out all the rust and begin patching.. remembering to rust proof before you seal up.. I like corroseal for areas where I cant access.. I pour it in and capture what comes out

On a full resto dip or media blast... some of the dips now etch as well and provide a rust free barrier

We cant dip in Kalifornia.. that went away many years ago.. we cant even open blast legally anymore.. and technically any blast material must go to safety clean at 2-500 dollars a barrel... I just bet Florida is more friendly...

Im not sure what youre paying for the truck but I know where there are two pretty nice crews here in Kalifornia... 4500.00 each.. one SRW.. and one DRW with a service body,, they are in the high desert in So cal... the owner is moving all of his many vehicles and who knows they might even be better priced by now

 

Dipping isn't a problem here in Florida. The truck, I bought it last year, clear title and all, for $200. May hit the local pick-n-pull yards and get the tops to some other single cabs and start cutting and welding. We'll see what they turn up. Thanks for your input.