Howdy again!

I'm also hoping to fix the rust over the rear wheels. I've got pretty good rot on one side. Would it be a good idea to replace the quarters? Would that be cheaper than cutting and welding? It's cold here and I have no where to work on it myself. Have to take it to a shop. Don't know what kind of $$$ I'm looking at. Also, can I just treat the exhisting rust and cover up with fender flares? And what kind/ brand flares would work?

Thanks again mucho!

 

Can you cut out the rust and glass it? I'd go that way if it's a feasible alternative to you. Otherwise you can add flares. Check out J. C. Whitney's on-line catalog and you will see several oprions. If you get the rust stopped and add urethane flares you just might up the value and enhance the appearance of your truck. Check out some of the galleries that have pictures of the flares and see it they suit you.

 

I had rust crecents on all four - a little over a year ago. The local shop wanted `$4,000, just to do the body work. ( a "polite" way of saying "we're NOT interested" -?). $4G, & then throw on a paint job...

I checked out the body work forums ( for quite some time), & decided I was up for it. 'decided to just replace the front fenders, since I had PLENTY of work to do on the rear quarters. I bought some of the last OEM front fenders that the Ford dealership had access to (National stock was under 12 pairs).

For the rear quarters, I bought the smallest replacement panels available & used Fusor body panel adhesive - did a cut & glue. Many argue that the body panel adhesives are better than welding, while others say it's just a money saving shortcut. So far, mine are still holding up fine. It was a lengthy process, but it ended up rather nice, and I "saved" several thousand dollars - although I "spent" several weeks. BUT, I have a heated garage - a big part in my initial decision to go for it.

Without a warm garage to work in this just probably isn't an option for you. The only other "short cuts" I can think of are getting it into a local high school /vocational school, where you take some chances, but usually only pay for materials, OR go the bushwacker fender flare route.

There's a lot to doing bodywork the RIGHT way. IIRC, it's about two years of coursework (minimum), & years of practice to make the job go smoothly. There are lots of ways to do it wrong. Remember the old addage - "you get what you pay for" - be skeptical of anyone who says they can fix it cheap. I leaned heavily on the expertise of some of the experts on the body forums.

IIRC, I spent just under $1000 ( $400 for fenders, alone) JUST IN MATERIALS!