Roof Repairs

KIILew · July 23, 2010

As some of you know, my 2004 GMC 1500 extended cab pickup suffered roof-skin damage from an errant city firework on July 4th...and although I am having the work professionally done, I have a question about replacement roof panels, probably best directed to any of you out there who are GM technicians.

The question is: are GM replacement roof panels for pickups like mine usually special-ordered from GM based on whether the recipient truck is equipped with onStar antennas/XM radio antenas/cab clearance lights? Or, does GM simply stock a single replacement panel with the intention that the body shop will drill holes in the panel to accommodate these items as needed?

I am asking because when my truck (and headliner) was damaged, I could see that the original roof had been pre-stamped at the factory with special attachment tabs/points to secure the clearance lights (my truck is a quadrasteer, and so it has these lights, plus it has onStar, and factory XM). The place doing my truck's body work indicated that the roof panel replacement is generic, and they simply drill the holes themselves to mount the antennas and lights. If the latter is the case, I hope the body shop tech is good with measurements and positioning the drill.

Just curious if anyone knows...

Ken

J_gunnels · July 23, 2010

Great question extremely interested in a valid answer wish I could help. Since time is extremely relevant and short in your case we should try to keep this one toward the top so a qualified GM tech will not miss it. Good Luck.