Cut the roof front header panel in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.
Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the service part.
Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the sectioning cut on the remaining original part. Locate these holes 13 mm (1/2 in) from the edge of part and spaced 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.
Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
Fit the backing plates halfway into the sectioning joints, clamp in place and plug weld to the vehicle.
Align roof front header panel.
Plug weld accordingly.
To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between them. Then go back and complete the stitch weld.
Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) for plug welding along the edges of the roof panel front bracket left as noted from the original panel.
Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.
Position the roof panel front bracket left on the vehicle.
Verify the fit of the roof panel front bracket.
Clamp the roof panel front bracket left into position.
Plug weld accordingly.
Proceed the same way with the roof panel front bracket right.