repost need gudiance

[panama]

Hey guys I need some advise. My 1985 Fj60 has been my daily driver since 1999. It has over 300k miles and runs really good. I put a 5 speed transmission in it and it cruises at 75 all day. Anyway I have pretty bad rust around my rain gutters. I believe it is due to my roof rack having aluminum feet and having some sort of chemical reaction to the sheet metal. I took it to one body shop and they said $3000.00 to have it repaired and repainted. I love my truck and it runs great but at what point do you guys give it up? If I do get it repaired what should I ensure is done? Is there any way to make sure the rust does not return in a year or two? I live in Florida so it does not see snow.
Also I have a bunch of tools so I would not be against grinding, cutting and fiberglassing or renting a welder. Or maybe just riviting new sheet metal over the holes once cleaned and painted. I want this truck to be clean rust free. At this point I don’t feel comfortable putting kayaks on the racks, or getting tetanus from a cut. It does not need to be a show boat. Also have you guys ever rino lined or used pickup truck liner on the roof? It seems that I need a superior body protection in these areas.
Thanks for any experience and advice you can

 

[1tontoy]

I think I replied on your original post. So, I'll do it here, too.

Don't waste $3000 on a repair and repaint. Drive your cruiser until it is rotted out. Don't spend a dime on it's body. For $3000, I could sell you a COMPLETE rust free FJ60 in very good condition and you could start over.

My $.02

 

[M1A1cruiser]

which ever way you choos

Yeah I show as 1 post but have done a fair amount of work on my first cruiser. I only say that to be up front. I just rejoined this board but have a little experience.

BLUF, I'm with 1ton. For $3k you can get a brand new truck, but that's not the point of these beasts. If your frame is still good, you like your 5-speed and you aren't adverse to working on it just do whatever method you prefer. If the perfs are small, I'd grind it out, POR-15 it, maybe add some 'glass and shape it back the way you want it 'til you can put your roof racks back on.

Post some pics and you'll get all kinds of options. Given the area (there are usually much worse rust issues in the wheel wells and rear quaters) I wouldn't think the rust is anything that can't be wire brushed or ground out for repair and it'll hold your kayaks again.
Best,
Travis.-