Ok, I just bought a 1983 Ford F-150 Custom that has definately seen its better days. I have decided to take on all the body work and see what I can do. The first thing I have to work on is all the holes from the trim peices that have been removed and stuff like that. Every 5 inches or so there is a 1/8" or so hole from where the trim has been pulled off. What is the best way to patch those type of holes. My buddy said to cut the part of panel out and weld a patch panel in, well that just seems extremely time consuming. I want the patch to hold but is there an easier way? There is a few 1/4" holes that I guess have to be done with a patch panel though. I am considering buying a 90 amp 35mm wire welder from Home Depot... Is it worth it? Then after I get the body patched, I have to prime and paint it. That is not really a problem though, because I have sprayed a few things in my life. I am using a HVLP gravity feed gun with a regular primer and a lacquer base coat. I am not to sure if I want to do the clear coat yet. Any ideas or suggestions would be great, as I am new at this body work thing, my line is in the mechanical aspect. Here is a picture of the truck though, to show you what I am getting in to.



It is time to get rid of the custom camo and go to a metallic dark blue. Also another fun job is getting the camo off the grill.

 

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Filling the holes with metal, is the correct way to do it. I hold a piece of copper behind the hole and spot it with a mig. The copper acts as a backing (making it easier to fill the hole) and will not stick to the weld.

If you are going to buy a mig, spend some extra money and get one that uses gas. You're cheaper migs doe not have the necessary gas equipment (gauges, and etc.) and will only use flux-core wire.

 

Just curious if your in the Chambersburg area? A friend of mine just sold a truck that looks like yours.

 

grille replacement peices are still available,try some of the vendors on this site or look for a used one.

 

I just filled the holes from the trim on my 79 with a welder and grinded them down.

 

Yep, I live in waynesboro... Do you know Pete?

 

Spot welding is the way to go. I just bought a wire welder from Tractor Supply. It has all the gear to hook up gas and was less than those at Home Depot. You still need to purchase tank and gas though.

 

No, the guy's name is Mark that had a truck that looked like yours. He lives around Fayettvile.