The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 46 Panel rust repair - 2 spots

I have a 46 that needs a little metal TLC and was hoping for some advice on the two problem areas. The first is on the side, behind the door, just abopve the running board http://www.enzoco.com/mike/siderot.jpg and I was hoping to make or buy a small patrch panel. Similarly, does anyone make a "rear corner" patch piece the fender where it meets the running board? see: http://www.enzoco.com/mike/fndr-rot.jpg to see what I mean. It is really a small area, but difficult looking to fab. Maybe I can fab something to fit, I just don't know how to proceed. The recent posts on bonding panel instead of welding really struck a chord with me, but I do have a mig and decent tools too. Any advice on materials and/or procedures would be greatly appreciated. This is a drive that I'd like to have look good. Not a show piece by any means. It's in my sig line. Thanks for any help. - MV

On the panel just above the running board. Get some 18 gauge steel larger than what you need to replace the rusted metal. Using a steel pipe, two "C" clamps and your work bench. Clamp the sheet steel under the pipe with the clamps to the work bench.

Now roll your steel a little at a time to resemble the rusted part of the cab. At the place where the metal has a tighter roll, use a smaller pipe or wire and finish the bend.

The reason for the over sized sheet of steel is for the leverage you are going to need to bend the steel.

Then cut it to the lenght and dept that you will need to replace the rusted panel. Now, using a sharpie, mark the rusted part using your new metal as a templet. Cut out the rusted metal and fit the new piece. Using a couple of welding magnets to hold the piece in place, tack weld a few spots. Then you can remove the magnets and finish tack welding your new metal in place.

On the Fender do the same thing. But First make your sharp bend at the bottom of the fender where it meets the running board.

Now when your are ready to roll your bend, cut a few small "V" cuts. Then roll your fender patch just as before with the pipe and clamps.

Use your new metal as a templet and cut out the rusted metal and tack weld in the new piece.

Grind off your welds and fill with body filler and finish your prep.

Frank

Thanks frank. I will attempt this.
MV