Shaved drip rail...bad idea for rain?

[LSxChevelle]

So I love the look of the shaved drip rail...want to do on my 70!

But... Is that a bad idea if the car will see rain?

[LSxChevelle]

Here is another great looking one...

I also see it has the flush mount glass and the rear edge of the hood has been cleaned up to be perfect without the molding. Nice touch!

[jlcustomz]

Going to shave the rails on my el camino later. As a residential door installer in a coastal area, I can say that if the outer surface has a hint of overhang{goes back up underneath] before getting to the rest of the surface, this can break the bond of the sheeting water. If the upper surface is connected to he inward surface, water will follow. . Hope I properly explained that. Make sense??

[LSxChevelle]

I do think I get what you are saying...good point!

[LSxChevelle]

Hopefully it shows in my pic...like this?

[Yelcamino]

I shaved the drip rails smooth (no overhang) on my El Camino in '00 and I haven't had any issues with the rain. In fact, I drove it on two Power Tour Long Hauls and got rained on most of the time not to mention all the other rain storms it's been in, including a hail storm! If you like the look, go for it!

[LSxChevelle]

I shaved the drip rails smooth (no overhang) on my El Camino in '00 and I haven't had any issues with the rain. In fact, I drove it on two Power Tour Long Hauls and got rained on most of the time not to mention all the other rain storms it's been in, including a hail storm! If you like the look, go for it!

That's what I like to hear...

Now I need to practice welding so I can do most of it myself. Just leave the finishing work for the body shop.

[nekkidhillbilly]

as long as your seals are good you shouldnt have any problems

[jlcustomz]

The main function of factory driprails was as much for manufacturing purposes as it was for water, new carsdon,t have them. Aslong as the portion after the roofmetal is 90 degrees like your pics or ahint upward , that should suffice.However if the metal did let's say a 45 degree angle downwards after the outermost end of the roof, water would tend to sheet up & follow.

[armourmark]

You will be just fine shaving them. It will not be a problem with rain.

[68camotion]

I think the whole idea of shaved drip rails is taking away from the classic looks of the muscle cars. It does look good though.

[ProTourGSX]

The purpose of the drip rail is actually to channel water to the rear of the vehicle, and down the 1/4 panel (outer skin), to keep excess from running down the window, into the inner door (why lower doors are commonly rusted out, and hard to find good solid ones). Driving in occasional rain should be acceptable, but not constant water exposure.



Personally, I like the shaved look on older cars!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yea.. but its soo cool!

[MyFriendScott]

Hopefully it shows in my pic...like this?

I'm I that stupid that I don't see any difference between "No Overhang" and "Overhang"?

[Poopy]

I'm I that stupid that I don't see any difference between "No Overhang" and "Overhang"?

Same here...lol I couldnt figure out the difference.

[jlcustomz]

I'm I that stupid that I don't see any difference between "No Overhang" and "Overhang"?

I can see on my widescreen. It,s a very small almost unnoticable down & out lip on the metal, not some big hideous monster. When dealing with waterdraining, a small , sometimes almost unnoticeable shape difference to direct water away instead of following inwards can make a huge difference. Also if you'll notice in the drawing the metal returning to the car is level. As long as it's at least level or preferably slightly running back upwards, it is hard for water to follow. If the return metal was running downhill, water could more easily follow.

[TT302Z28]

We did this to a 70 Chevelle a few years ago. Turned out great and no problems.

[chevnut55]

I returned a 69 camaro and 67 chevelle back to a stock driprail after someone shaved them when shaving everything and painting it all one color was cool.
they were bolth cracked and blistered .
If you do it do it wright so neither happens also its tough to return to stock so make shure you like it enough.

[MrQuick]

I'm I that stupid that I don't see any difference between "No Overhang" and "Overhang"?

Same here...lol I couldnt figure out the difference.

if you look real close theres a tip hanging down. Shaved looks so much cleaner....
wow lots of wrong in my comments.

If you guys do it i'd recommend tig welding w/silicon bronze between tacks..or just watch your temp...a lot can go wrong if you aren't careful. Also cut and tack in small sections. Don't cut the whole rail off at once.

[ATOMonkey]

An alternate method is to weld a shallow channel into the roof skin. This gives the shaved look, but also keep the water out of your lap when you open the door.

For instance...(not a great pic, but you get the idea)