K5 body tubs

[Andy1803]

This is my first actual post. I had a bunch of bondo fall out of my 76 K5 roof. The body guy I took it to says the easiest thing to do would be to find a donor roof. My questions are: Are the 76-80 roofs the same as the later models?, and does anyone know where I could find a clean donor roof?

 

[Moody Bricker]

I believe that 76 to 91 are the same,,but how many k5 you see on the road,,they are a dying truck a 91 is 28 years old my 76 is 43 years old,check the bone yards,,,good luck.

 

[Andy1803]

I'm getting ready to scour bone yards but the newer models are more prevalent than the round headlight versions. I found a new '84-'91 OEM roof skin from a dealer, but I dont know if it would work. thanks for the input

 

[nvrenuf]

Something to consider is that the B pillars are multi layer for the factory “integrated roll bar”. My point is you can cut the top off and weld on a new one but depending how it’s done you may or may not retain the bracing needed in a collision / roll over.

Your best bet would probably be to reskin the area if possible.

 

[Andy1803]

Something to consider is that the B pillars are multi layer for the factory “integrated roll bar”. My point is you can cut the top off and weld on a new one but depending how it’s done you may or may not retain the bracing needed in a collision / roll over.

Your best bet would probably be to reskin the area if possible.

I have my integral roll bar exposed at the moment, and it is still in good condition, and the roof skin from Chevy is available for an 84-91. So will that roof skin work?

 

[nvrenuf]

As far as I know, it'll fit. I believe the only differences in the roofs are the drip rails above the doors.

 

[iblyles]

My 80 K5 has a roof skin from a truck. It fit pretty good and I welded it on myself after the body shop guy kept stalling on getting it done. The roof skins are the same until the back few inches, but for the K5s that gets welded to the metal of the interior roll bar supports. It was a bunch of work so you gotta really need it, but it can be done. Be sure to cut close to the drip rails on the donor roof. Also be sure to get the front edge to the inside of the windshield frame (cut the spot welds and separate the layers). Mine was cut short over the drip rails and I had to fill some gaps which added more time and effort.

It turned out really good. Then I got deployed overseas for two years so it sat outside on my uncle's ranch in Texas. Now it's got some hail damage so back on the to do list for dent pulling. Squarebody normal = two steps forward, one step back!

 

[Billyworld]

Just do the skin. Cutting pillars is a whole different ball game