Filling top on 30 pickup question.
You are not currently logged in. Login to myAccount   Forgot Your Login?   SignUp For a Free Account
 
Sell Your StreetRod FAST!-Help-Contact Us
Quick Search:
Filling top on 30 pickup question.
Posted: July 09 2008 04:21 PM
 
Lynn Wilkie (aka 30 A pickup) [ View ] [ wilkie_lynn@bellsouth.net ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
Cowpens, South Carolina
 
I am filling the top on my truck. I got a donor roof from a mid 90's Olds 98. The contours are very close. My question is, do I need to weld it solid or can I weld every 1/4" or so & fill with something? If I can fill, what would I use.


Thanks, Lynn
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by Red's Place Custom & Restoration  -  07/09/2008 04:41 PM
lynn the top needs to be welded solid you can do it maybe a 1/4 inch at a time with spot welds. If you take your time and go slow warpage will not be a problem. Leaving any space for air to get into will cause any filler to lift. Stay away from any type of fiberglass filler it is not designed to be used on a car you are going to keep for awhile. I know some here use tiger hair but if you talk to anyone that has dealt with fiberglass on steel they will tell you it comes loose with time. The steel will not shrink and expand at the same rate as figerglass therefore the glass will be pulling itself off all the time. Start welding the panel at the middle of each side and work your way to the corners. sometimes some shrinking will be necessary at the corners.Take small strips of 18 gauge metal about a 1/4 in wide and make yourself holders for the filler panel. Drill a 1/8in hole in each end of the strips ( around 1 in long) lay the panel where you want it and put a screw in the top add the strip and drill the filler panel and screw it down. This way you can use alot of clamps to Ihold it while you weld and also see if you have any problems before you weld. I know it is alittle ride for you but if you can make it to the shop come by and I will give you some first hand instructions. I usually butt weld all my panels but if this is your first time You will be better off with a small overlap. Go to builders corner and you will find a 35 dodge that I put on here doing the top insert that needed no filler but the procedure is the same. Good luck hope this helps RED Call me if I can explain it better RED
Red's Place Custom & Restoration [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Posted by hotrodgene  -  07/09/2008 04:44 PM
If you intend for it to be bubble and crack free a year down the road you best weld solid.I have done this and I spot about ever 3 inches then fill in between the spots but be sure to skip around to prevent warping and buckling.
Gene Riffe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg, Florida
 
Posted by Red's Place Custom & Restoration  -  07/09/2008 04:50 PM
lynn the article is in builders corner professional (ha ha ha) just states filling a top
Red's Place Custom & Restoration [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Posted by 30 A pickup  -  07/09/2008 06:23 PM
Thanks guys, I am butt welding one tack at a time. It is very slow. I was just wondering if someone knew of a "majic" filler.


Red, I need to call you about the hyd clutch hose also.


Thanks again.
30 A pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cowpens, South Carolina
 
Posted by cr55  -  07/09/2008 06:26 PM
Lynn, I'm not a welder by trade, but I do know that youbetter weld real, real slow or else you end up with a wavy roof! I saw a couple amateur top choppers screw up the roof on a 40 chevy sedan. It took a real body man a long time to get it looking good again.

I helped a friend chop the top on my 37 chevy and it drove me crazy waiting on him while he welded the top back completely. But I'm glad we waited because it turned out great..........PATIENCE , PATIENCE ,(of which I unfortunatly have very little! ).............CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by bigdude  -  07/09/2008 07:00 PM
Do like Red said- stitch weld it then use duraglass filler on it. It wont shrink and is waterproof.
resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004
 
Posted by bigdude  -  07/09/2008 07:05 PM
Just realized Duraglass is fiber glass -duh! I have never had any problem with it though- it has chopped glass and doesnt tend to get holes in it.
resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  07/09/2008 07:14 PM
epoxy first then filler of choice.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Back To Top
Please Login or Register to Comment
Existing Member? Sign In.
New Visitor? Click Here to Get Started!
 
Existing Member but forgot your Login Information? Click Here.