Shavin' Drip Rails

OK, now that I have cleared my name by posting on the newbie page, I have a question for those with more expertise than me; I have a '51 Ford four door and want to shave the drip rails. Any comments, suggestions, advice would be much appreciated on the best way to do this. Grinder? Plasma cutter? ( I have one). I don't think a sawzall will do it because of the angle.

Thanks

51Fourdoor

 

When I shaved the drip rails on an Austin Mini I was advised to go slow, and only do short sections. Like 4" at a time. This was on a uni-body car where if you were to get carried away with the grinder the body could theoreticaly come apart!

I used a grinder. Did not have the luxury of a plasma at the time. And working in short steps heat is not an issue.

Duane

 

Advice: DON'T!...

 

I did a Ranchero a few years ago and cut them off with a Sawzall

Why the shave though?

 

On a 50 Chevy I had I used and air hammer with a sharp bit. Worked great!

 

Not sure yet that I'm actually going to do it, but I have taken all the outside chrome off, shaved the body seam that runs along the top of the rear quarter panels, all the trunk hardware and it's going to be lowered 3 inches all the way around. I thought shaving the drip rails might give it a sleeker look. It is a 4 door after all!! Not the best to do a mild custom with, but I've had the car since 1976 and wanted to do some mod's to it.

Thanks for the input.

 

Shaving the driprails will not give it a sleeker look, only make the 4doors even more obvious & make the C pillar look huge! And it'll make your drivers seat wet after a rain when opening the door...

 

don't do it.

the drip rail is what holds the roof together.

you want to make it look sleeker?make it a hard top.

good luck.

 

I do appreciate the replies!

51Fourdoor