I'am gonna repaint my 86 f150 in the near future and was wondering if anybody know how much shops usually charge to weld on body pannels? all i need is the 2 rear bed corners and drivers side cab corner.I've got them bondoed know for a tem fix but want to go with steel since the bondo is already cracking after less than a year.

 

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If you came to me, it would cost you $32.50/hour plus materials. Some body shops in my area are charging $65/hour. Some won't even touch rust. Your best bet might be to find someone that does it in their spare time like me.

 

Better yet, ask them how long to replace the panel before you ask how much. Give them the time to look over the area and discuss doing the removal of the old rust. It will also help if you already have the panel to weld in as you can use it to guage how much area needs to fabricated. Once the extent of the work is discussed, a lenght of time is determined, then you can discuss the price. If the shop says $65.00/hr and wont give you a good guestimate of time, walk away. There is someone out there who will do this and not rip you off. (no offense to the resident bodymen here, just speaking from experience)

I had never done any bodywork before my Ford truck. I bought the pans, removed the rust and welded in the new panels by myself. It isn't perfect but I think I did pretty darn good. I learned by trial and error and asked a lot of questions. Check out my post stickied to this forum for info on how to reair some rust.

 

Thanks for the information i think i'am gonna try to weld them myself when i get a welder

 

Funny you should ask - I just stopped by a reputable shop in town and asked about full rear quarter panels on my '82 Bronco. I also mentioned going with two new fenders. The "ballpark" - $3-4,000!!! & 2 weeks - as a "side/filler" job - "to help keep the cost down" - !!...??? I'll be on the DIY team with you, I think...

That estimate was for body work ONLY - paint would be extra - anybody think he just didn't want the job?

 

Why do bodyshops not want to work on older vehicles?

I mean, they are getting paid by the hour one way or the other. Is it because they don't want to warranty the work because rust has a way of coming back?