Anyone ever shave the driprails?

[Maui-sprint]

A 4" section of the passenger side drip rail on my 91 extended cab rusted pretty bad and I cut it out to stop it from propagating. I have a replacement section ready to go, but instead I am considering cutting the drip rails off completely. Has anyone been successful doing this or am I barking up the wrong tree?

 

[JoshT]

It's been done a few times in the past, but I can't point you to any examples. Be aware that if you remove the rail, there are several layers of metal there that have to be welded trogether to keep the roof on.

Also keep in mind that the drip rail is there to help shed some of the water that would potentially run down into the top of the door opening. Make sure that you have good door seals, and be prepared accept the increased potential for water ingress.

 

[Maui-sprint]

All good points. probably easier to weld in the new section and call it a day. thanks

 

[racsan]

I wish vehicles still had driprails, its so annoying to not have them when its wet. Yeah, theres wind noise, big deal. It would be more work to fully remove yours vs fixing it in my opinion.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

Rust in Hawaii? Excuse my midwesterness

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Rust in Hawaii? Excuse my midwesterness

Salt air makes rust on a level we have never even thought of... in places we never have to deal with.

 

[gaz]

@Maui-sprint
A few years ago I bought a Lund roof visor that was from an extra cab Ranger for my BII. It fit everywhere but the leading 4-5" of the drip rail...I cut those sections off. To keep the exposed metal intact, I performed an experiment;
1) on the driver's side I treated the area with POR15
2) on the passenger side I sealed it with JB Weld

After a light shaping it lives under the visor without the front sections of the drip rail, it seemed like the visor took over the function of the rail.