Would you patch or replace bed sides?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 6
Ive been into auto collision,Restoration for over 30yrs. I would charge more to repair the OP box sides than i would to R&R an outer complete skin, patching is much more labor intense than an outer skin. While the complete skin is off you can easily repair and correct any issue there is behind the skin. I will be replacing my skin's this spring and if any one would like i can do a step by step to show how easy this is and what tools you need, i have both complete box side outer skins sitting here waiting.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 917
Likes: 14
https://tabcoparts.com/60030.html
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
C'mon now... this isn't my first rodeo and I'm moderately OCD. That pic was "in process" and subsequently 100% welded with no pin holes... plus seam-sealed the back side.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
One thing I like to do when doing wheel arches is to cut the panel in an arch instead of squaring it off with straight lines. I find it easier to hide the repair. My opinion would be to put the bedsides on it. Skilled body man could nearly have both sides done in a work day.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
One thing I like to do when doing wheel arches is to cut the panel in an arch instead of squaring it off with straight lines. I find it easier to hide the repair. My opinion would be to put the bedsides on it. Skilled body man could nearly have both sides done in a work day.
Repro skins are about $300 each.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 917
Likes: 14
sorry,no offense meant, just seen so many done to the stage your pic was and then a coat of Duraglas.