I worked at a well respected car restoration shop and we always replaced rusty metal as if it was new again, but welding mostly and flanges and spot or plug welds only where original flanges or lapped seams existed.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-