Does anyone know a good method of repair for cracks and rips around be stake pockets for 73-79 fords??? guess people like to over load the pockets.... well i would like to repair them, anyone done this before?

Ray

 

If it were mine I would do the following:

o Find the end of each crack and drill a very small hole at the end of the crack.

o Grind or blast the paint away from the area of the crack.

o Weld the crack closed. A series of small tacks, bouncing around to prevent warpage, with a MIG welder using shielding gas would be best, but 5/64 rod with a stick welder with a series of small tacks, cleaning well before tacking over another tack would work if you have no other way.

o Grind the welds flush.

o The rest of the process would be normal refinishing starting with whatever primer fits your overall refinish plans.


Something along these lines is the only way to effect a long term repair. Just painting over the cracks after using filler or something will show through the paint in no time.

If you do not have the equipment or skills for welding, this is not a big job and wouldn't cost much at a body shop.

Hope this helps.