I have a 78 F-150 Ranger 4x4 and the drip rails are rusted out to say the least. I was wondering if there were any patch kits that could remedy this problem since I am not skilled at welding. Or if there is another way to fix this besides caking it with bondo. the rest of the roof is in pretty decent shape but since I live in Florida the rain reeks havok on the rails. I can put my finger in the gap between the rail and the roof and it just about extends the length of the door on both sides. I dont want to cut the roof out but maybe some sheet metal molded to fit the sides might help but I dont know how adhere it since I cant weld. Also I dont know the name of the stuff that stops ther rust from spreading any further. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it.

Spinach Chin

 

Welcome to FTE

You must be thinking of POR-15 or something.

This thread will be moved because the topic is not year specific.

It's headed to the Appearance or Bodywork forum

 

thanks for the help, I guess I should have explored the site a little more before asking this question

 

I would shave them off , fill any holes, and paint.

 

Randallc,

Thanks but would you put the rails back or just leave them off? I was going to keep it as original as possible but now that I am making my own flatbed, the idea is slipping fast

 

I would shave em off and leave em.

 

Thanks for the help it seems that water just collects there anyhow.

 

Actually, one of the mods that people do is to shave the drip rails when they shave their door handles. It gives a smooth custom look to most vehicles, just be sure that you have good weather seal on your doors.

See: https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/...mID99/541.html

 

I will give it a shot. I wasn't sure on how it would affect the roof but I will make sure to get new weatherstripping. Thanks. I couldn't email you my address the other night but will figure something out. My post is off the site, I guess since your email address was on there, whoops!