I noticed some surface rust along the rain gutter along the front of the roof and wanted to sand it off and re-prime. There looks to be some kind of putty or some thing in the groove between the rail and the roof, what would I use to replace it with if I remove it? I'd like to remove it so I can be sure to clean out all the rust before it goes too far.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Jun-02 AT 09:41 AM (EST)]Sandblast it all out, rust and old sealer. Prime and paint it. Then run a bead of clear silicon caulk down the whole length of the gutter to further seal any gaps. Keep the bead thin using a piece of wood dowel that fits down in the groove. This is to prevent from filling up the whole gutter and rendering it useless. Wet the end of the dowel to prevent the caulk from sticking to it. Have fun and good luck.

Russell

1968 F250, 300CID I6, C4. A beauty slowly coming together.

 

Body supply shops sell a sealer for this. Is kind of tricky to get it in uniform. The old stuff seems to shrink and leaves voids for water to get in. I use bondo wherever I can; you can sand it down.

 

I have some brushable seam sealer that I got from Eastwood company is this the same kind of stuff?

 

The proper name for what you need is seam sealer. I know you can purchase this at NAPA stores.

I have dealt with the problem you are having and have fixed it successfully.
1. Sandblast
2. Brush a product called extend over the rust. (Be sure not to
get this everywhere since it is not easily sanded)
3. Put in seam sealer.
4. Wait approximately 72 hours before painting over the seam sealer
or the color of the sealer will blead through the paint.


You don't want to use Bondo in this area of the cab because it flexes alot and will crack(Trust me). Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

 

I don't have a sandblaster available to me, is it alright to just sand it or use a flexible brush on the end of a drill?

 

You can remove the rust with a fiber wheel, treat it and paint, then you can put body joint sealer back in. You van get it at any body shop supplier. I think it is called that. Look for White Lightening. Good luck!

 

 

all good answers but am going to cut mine off 1968 f100 anyone do this if so like a see a pic. should see what changes i have done to tired poor old f100 thanks guys.ill post some as soon as i can.going to chop it also.

 

Anyone can recommend a good shop in the Bay area that could do a good job fixing this?
I have taken it to a body shop and they quoted me 2k to do the job right. Removal of windshield, clean rust, fix, reseal and windshield back on. $2000.
What do you guys think?

 

 

The drip rails were separate parts, were welded to the roof, then Ford used a paintable caulking to fill in the gaps.

After awhile, the caulk begins to chip off, water seeps in, rust begins, soon spreads into the roof.

 

Check out davewave's truck his rails are gone, its a good look! Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: davewave649 He has good pictures and a LOT of good information.