I'm currently working on removing the back end of a K5 (the whole rear roof/body that holds the roof on section) and transplanting it onto my suburban...I have one small dilema and was wondering what you guys thought I should do....

The section foward of the removable top in a k5 is flat, but on the suburban it has ribs (actually formed and molded sheet)

How the F---- do I get the two to match?

I have thought of doing this, You might want to look at the possibility of sectioning the roof and grafting the end piece of the ribs from the existing burb roof that you cut off into the area forward of the blazer roof. It would mean cutting the burb roof into several pieces carefully and welding each piece in where you want. Or, you can look at getting a sheet of steel and removing the ribs completely front to back but then you have to deal with a lack of reinforecement and oil can style dents from flexing etc.


If this doesn't make sense let me know and I'll see if I can post pix. The process will be similar to chopping a top on an old merc and swapping the rear window from another vehicle.

The "Skin" is attached to the bracing with some sort of adhesive.

Separate the skin from the bracing.

Swap the roof section you want then cut the skin near the drip edge. The added metal near the edge will make it easier to weld in.

Of course the more experience you have with welding sheet metal the easier this will go. Low heat, tack it in lots of spots, keep a wet rag handy to cool stuff off.