Cost to remove roof rack, weld, paint?

[smoltz]

I have some rust along edges of roof rack. Was thinking I would pull off rack and strips and have holes welded and roof sprayed. If you have had this done or gotten an estimate, how much for, what were they going to do?

I reached out to a couple local places that I know of and first number I've had come back is eye watering, 3-5k to pull rack, drop headliner, weld holes, respray, reinstall headliner.

 

[Tools R Us]

A lot of it will depend on year, the early rigs will likely require a new headliner. There are very good body adhesives, using them the job could likely be done from the outside?

 

[smoltz]

This is a 96.

I suggested welding. Maybe I should see if they have they have any other ideas and keep it more open ended when I talk to other shops.

I haven't pulled roof rack off yet, so not sure how ugly it is underneath. Wanted to know what I was in for before I went down a road I can't turn back on.

 

[Malleus]

The body work will be the same regardless of the year, but early 80 headliners are more expensive than the 95'97 headliners. The reason is that the later designs are one piece with a fabric cover, and you can (usually) get by with replacing only the fabric, if you have to replaced anything.

I know that's not the answer you wanted, but hopefully that's information you can use.

 

[Malleus]

This is a 96.

I suggested welding. Maybe I should see if they have they have any other ideas and keep it more open ended when I talk to other shops.

I haven't pulled roof rack off yet, so not sure how ugly it is underneath. Wanted to know what I was in for before I went down a road I can't turn back on.

You really want to weld the holes closed. Anything else is a leak waiting to happen. These holes can be welded with a thin guage backing sheet (on the underside) and then ground smooth. There are adhesives (the Lexus LS body/chassis is held together with them), but most shops won't have experience with them, as they're used primarily by the OEM vendors, or on the assembly lines.

 

[tampacruiser95]

I had mine welded, painted, and headliner fabric replaced. Total cost was 850 if I remember correctly. $250 for new headliner, $300 to weld holes, and $300 to spray roof. To save cost I removed factory rack before I dropped it off. You would get a better price if you tried to work a deal to get more paint or body work done at the same time.

 

[smoltz]

Road trip to Tampa!

 

[tampacruiser95]

Road trip to Tampa!

Depending on where you are I could recommend a place in Tampa to do it.

 

[smoltz]

Depending on where you are I could recommend a place in Tampa to do it.

I'm actually in NH. I figured you were in Tampa because you're handle, but looks like you're in PA (was on mobile so couldn't see your location). Sound like you got a good deal.

 

[tampacruiser95]

Yeah I lived in Tampa when I bought my rig.

 

[Marine7]

You can save a lot of money by removing the rack yourself, paying someone to weld the holes up, grind the welds down/do initial "rough" sanding if your roof yourself, and letting the body shop take it from there. Good luck!

 

[Notch]

My shop in Portland, Maine can do this job for you. If you wanted to stop in with your truck sometime I can get an estimate together.

 

[baldilocks]

JB stick and Monstaliner. Cheap, effective, durable. Do your roof in 040 super white and look classic while reflecting heat.

 

[1973Guppie]

I used some sealing washers and some stainless bolts but my threads were all in usable shape. Has been fine for years. Eventually I will just monstaline right over it.

 

[jwilliams]

@smoltz

From my records:
"Removed port installed roof rack because of small rust. Once removed rust was more prevalent then thought. Paid to have factory roof rails removed. All holes welded. Paid to have factory rear spoiler removed. All holes welded. Roof and rear upper tailgate were repainted. Extremely satisfied with quality or service. Front and rear windshield were removed for this. Total bill $1,911.20"

Drop the headliner yourself and reinstall yourself. That saves a couple hours in labor. That's what I did. Clean it all while you have it out. You will thank yourself.

 

[smoltz]

Thanks @jwilliams , this is exactly what I was looking for. Looks great too!