howdy al!l the head line pretty much sums up my question. I have rust in the usual place in the lower panels. can you cut out the rust and leave in the fender brace? any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

I just did all the lower corners of mine where the running boards bolt up.

Here is an article that is pretty good on the process.

1952 Ford F1 - Street Rodder Magazine

I used a 4 1/2" grinder to cut out the cancer, made a paper template for the replacement, cut a replacement panel out of 16 gauge sheetmetal, and then bend it (mostly on my thigh) until the curve matched. Welded it in using a Hobart Handler 175, just one tack at a time until entire circumference done, ground down smooth.

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Welcome to the forum.

 

Hey Sloroller. Welcome to FTE. Saw from your public profile that you have a '54. Post up a couple of pics when you get a chance. Would love to see what you're working on.

 

hey thanks all ya ill post some when I figure out how. ya my question I guess is more directed toward the front cowl panels and the spot welded braces behind them such as the brace that holds the fender bolts. any tips on fixing my rust would be greatly appreciate.

 

Welcome! We are a very friendly, helpful bunch here, and will be happy to assist and answer your questions. I for one have posted quite a number of detailed posts on rust repair and body work.
You will need to make at least 10 or so posts before you can search or post pictures, use email or PM messaging, so post away, tell us all about your project and your experience level. Edit your public profile and signature to include where you are located and what you are building. The former will help us understand where you live and if there are others nearby to you, the latter helps us give you the correct info that is specific to your truck without the need to keep asking or searching for the info.
How do I repair rust? is a wide open question that could require a book or several books to cover completely so let's see if we can narrow the scope into more manageable sections.
First, what kind of welder do you have, and how proficient with it are you? Minimally you'll want a MIG welder with at an output in the 110A - 175A range with 135A-175A ideal. It should use shielding gas and solid wire, not flux core, preferably 0.024 diameter for body metal. You want to avoid the cheapie 100.00 junk welders from places like Harbor Fright. If you are looking to buy Eastwood sell a good 135A unit for 299.00 that plugs into a standard 115V outlet and will do 95% of any welding you might need on your truck, and an even more versatile 175A 220V machine that even includes a spool gun accessory for welding aluminum (a 300.00 extra cost option on other welders) for 499.00! I can highly recommend either of these welders.