Shaving or removing roof line Rain Channels

[archimedes]

Greetings All,
Ok, my question may be off topic of this particular forum --- but here goes:
I am looking to "shave" the rain channel on my 1991 Saab at the junction of
the roof and side panel.
2 points & then my questions -
1. This rain channel is part of the structural integrity of the body and
is responsible for the overall rigidity and safety of the car body to frame.
2. The rain channel appears to be spot welded as a sandwich --- the roof
panel as the upper half of the channel (actual "lazy L" shape) and the
side panel has the lower half of the channel. They clamp together with
the use of the spot welds.
Ok --- am I observing this correctly?
Now for my questions --
1. We want to eliminate this channel and make the hood line oblique to the
the side panel ---- Can we do this?
2. If we can do this; under what circumstances can the transformation be
done successfully? Additional metal reinforcement? Welding from inside
and outside? etc. etc.
And finally --- most importantly!
If this is not the right place to find these answers can anyone recommend
a good forum and its participants capable of discussing this issue with me?

thanx to all for the consideration and attention,
scott

seeworks CNC & Metal fab

[Jim Stabe]

I am not familiar with the exact configuration of your Saab but if it like the other rain channels I have seen, this is the procedure I have use to remove it. DO NOT cut the whole channel off at once. Cut a small section about 3-4" long and leave enough metal so that you can hammer and dolly the edges together (so you don't have a gap to fill). Work your way around the roof alternating side to side and front to back much like you would do tacking a patch panel in place. Keep working in small sections until you have the whole roof done. You should not have any problems with structural integrity of the roof when you get done.


Good luck

Jim

[Boogiemanz1]

Scott, welcome to MetalMeet. Here are some previous threads that talk about shaving drip rails http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4787&highlight=drip+rail

You may want to hit search above and type in drip rail, several posts there also..........john

[archimedes]

Thanks Guys!

I took a long look at previous posts --- thanks double for this lead in
I also did a search on key words. Very informative and excellent
dialogues.
I do have 1 remaining question:
Would one follow the wisest procedure and use a Tig Welder, Mig
or . . . . . .Oxy/Fuel torch?

scott

[rsanter]

TIG or MIG
they will offer more strenth than the gas unless you are one hell of a gas welder

bob

[archimedes]

Thanks Bob,
good to know as I have a Tig machine and needing a
"good" reason to buy my Mig unit . . . . . . : )

scott