My 48 F-1 is in need of rust repair on the Drip Rails. This is a bone stock, numbers matching truck, so I don't want to shave the Drip Rails, I want to repair them. Has anyone had to deal with this type of repair?

 

I had to remove/repair/replace the drip rails on my '51 COE. Not a huge deal....they are spot welded to the cab.
You will need to find some better ones from a donor cab, they are not reproduced to my knowledge.

 

I was hoping to not have to go that far, but if there's no other alternative, I'll have to do it. Have you finished your COE?

 

I would make a decision based on how solid those drip rails are. Get that rust off and see if you still have solid metal.

 

That was my original plan, but I have to move things around in my shop before I can even get my truck in there. Thanks for the input.

 

There is usually always a seller on eBay parting out a cab on that has the drip rail cuts for sale. I would go that route if yours are toast.

JB

 

Thanks JB. I haven't started on the rust yet, but I'll have a look on ebay just in case. I appreciate you input.

Bartman

 

Hey JB, I just had a look on ebay, and you're right, there is a drip rail for sale. However, I think he's asking a bit much. Here's the link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1948-to-195...BZLKhh&vxp=mtr

Thanks again.

Bartman

 

They are all probably going to need a little shaping as they take a beating and are thin. I don't know what they usually go for to know a good price. You might also call rpm motorsports, they part out a lot of truck cabs. Or contact Pat, in Richmond Hill GA. He is on eBay as patrog1. If he doesn't have a set he can probably steer you to someone that does.

JB

 

Thanks JB. Like I said, I'm not to the point of dealing with the rust issue just yet, but I'll keep all this in mind when I get there.

Bartman

 

Just one old man's opinion but I would do what is necessary to stop that rust sooner rather than later. If you can get that truck under cover, get those drip rails dried out and get that flaky paint and rust off you may be able to salvage those drip rails. The more wet cycles they are exposed to, the longer that rust is active, the less chance you have of saving them.

 

Ray, I agree with you 100%. However, I don't have the room in my shop yet, nor the time to work on the truck. As soon as I do, the rust issue will be dealt with, then the drip rail repaired. Thanks for your input. Us "old guys" have to stick together.

 

$50 for something YOU need that's NOT being reproduced and you think he is asking too much?

 

One thing to keep in mind on the price, it's not just a part out of a box. It involves labor to cut it off, and cut it off correctly so as to not mangle. So the price for any body cut that is a good usable cut is going to be more than what you thought. Just my 0.02......it's my experience in working on these trucks that nothing is going to be cheap if done right and has good looks.

 

Kevin, it's not a part that I "NEED," it's a part "MAY NEED." I'm not going to shell out money on parts I "MAY NEED." When I get to actually dig into the rust issue and find I can't repair it, THEN I'll buy the used drip rail.