Hard top advise

[Privatewrench]

The lower edge (end that attaches to truck) of this hard top that I'm cleaning up to paint and put new weather seals on has the metal skin pulling away from framing. Pretty much all across the bottom section. It's not completley pulled away. Its still atached, but the very edge, as you can see is.
I'm trying to figure out my best course of action to fix this. I can run a weld bead across it, then gring it smooth and paint. Or, maybe easier, use JB Weld across it. Or easier yet, clean it up, convert the rust, paint, then caulk the crack to keep moisture from getting up there.

Anyone out there have a similar repair that worked for them, or advice on the best option.

Thanks in advance!

 

[InTheMitten74]

I'm no body man but, my thought would be to remove the lower section and butt weld a new piece of material.

Unless you're not looking for a restored kind of fix?

 

[Oerthedge21]

Jb weld and caulk will both crack/fail very quickly, and then trap more moisture and exponentially expand the rot. While you have it off and easily accessible absolutely cut that rot out and weld in new steel. That's the only way to cure rot. Band-Aids will look good for a little while, but once they come apart your problem gets far worse

 

[SteelNinja]

If you find someone who fabs metal that would be an easy fix.. They could make a new one . There is an air tool that can fold a new lip seal on the old good area and the fabricated new piece can be welded in good as new.. do once - done right...

 

[Jeepsinker]

https://youtu.be/WN1uK7YccEQ

 

[rustystud]

Great video Garrett !!!
Timely information going into winter now.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Thanks Rusty. And now you know what I actually look like.

 

[rustystud]

Thanks Rusty. And now you know what I actually look like.

Your a handsome young man Garrett. I originally thought you would be older like me. Well not that old but like in your late fifties.