I have to fix my rusted out floors and rockers and cab corners on my 1984 f250. I plan on getting the lmc patch panels, but I am new to bodywork and don't have much experience with patch panels. What is the best way to go about this and what should I use to fasten the panels in? All info is appreciated, i wanna do this the easiest way as it is only a farm truck and doesn;t need to look show quality. thanks a lot.

 

Take the patch panel and trace the metal and overlay onto area that you are replacing. Trace the area around the patch panel and then cut and remove rusted area with plasma or grinder with cut off wheel. Take a gas mig with .023 wire and butt weld. Make sure to alternate spot welds around the panel, and then stich a small bead at a time alternating points and never allowing the metal to get too hot. Grind smooth with grinder. Prime and Paint.

 

Came across article linked below may find helpful.

Repairing A Ford Ranchero Floorpan - Custom Classic Trucks Magazine

Probably not appropriate to be posting links to 'bow tie' articles in a Ford truck forum on auto repairs. If interested suggest going to web site to magazines listed and run search under the article title. May be recent articles, have not checked in quite some time. Also, subscribe to CarCraft and Classic truck magazine and seem to recall there were couple articles on body repair, just go to their 'tech' section. Article in 'Chevy High Performance' magazine (1968 Camero auto body repair). Another article in 'Chevy High Performance' magazine (1971 Chevrolet Camero Drawn and Quartered). Finally, an article 'Chevy High Performance (1968 structure and color).Hey what can I say.

 

There's a great autobody forum called www.autobodystore.com check it out.

The first reply says it all, except I wouldn't butt weld. That's not only difficult, it's not required on floors, etc. The new piece will probably come with bent over flanges that you fit against the side wall. Drill or punch holes in these every 3-4 inches and spot or plug weld these to the side. Once it's all solid, use seam sealer in the gaps. That's factory.