Rust Issues

[wengejor]

I have lots of rust issues on my rig, but I want to start addressing some of the body problems before another salty winter.

I got the grinder out today with a flap wheel and started knocking off the rot on the passenger doors. I could use some guidance in formulating a game plan on this.

I do have an arc welder, but not sure if I can really do a decent job with it on sheet metal. I do have some fiberglass experience and could apply some bondo action, but not sure it that will really hold up.

Here are some pics.

 

[wengejor]

More pics

 

[jeverich]

same as what ive got...

 

[wengejor]

What do you plan on doing Jeverich? Perhaps I should just get some new doors and be done with it.

 

[pcperks]

same as what ive got...

X2 on having the same thing. Mine may even be a little worse. I'm trying to get my hands on a MIG welder and do some practicing with some 18 gauge metal and then just start patching. Since I'm only slightly caring how it looks, if it's not perfect it's not going to bother me that much.

I am going to bondo some of the smaller spots that I have, but since mine is mostly big areas, it will be mostly welding it up. I just don't think bondo will handle a lot of off roading that well. Definitely post up anything you do and how it works out. I'm planning on doing the same.

 

[Melloj123]

Definitely start looking for doors. You have both inner and outer issues which calls for more than just skin. After you cut back to good metal you are not going to have anything to hold fiberglass at the corners. I've seen lots of good rust free doors for sale but most are out west and shipping is the problem. I live in Louisville and will keeo a lookout here for you. Then theres the rockers????

 

[wengejor]

Yup, the rockers are toast.

I'm going to start with the doors for now. I picked up some 16 ga material and some bondo and will start working with that and see how it goes....

 

[RockDoc]

Think this thread has inspired me to finally get off my ass and take the grinder to my truck. Mine doesn't appear to be this bad (I hope), and I'm planning to fiberglass over (maybe with strips of sheet metal riveted in to give support for the bigger holes). Then the truck will be bedlined, well at least the bottom half. The hatch is toast, but I have a replacement just about ready to put on.

 

[Dieseler]

Oh my god thats lots of rust salvage what you can and buy one in better condition chances are with that much rust your frame is shot.
You will never get a handle on it shes to far gone lay her to rest in peace.

 

[kling-on]

I have a rust free south Texas truck with drivers doors passanger rear doors and good rockers ...also have the drivers rear quarter/ rocker and most of the passanger side rock




the bumpers are long gone

http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/parts-trucks

 

[wengejor]

RockDoc, I think your doors and rockers are in better shape than mine are...That upper hatch doesn't look so hot!!

I got some metal filler for some of the small holes..I just applied some so we'll see in a few hours how it hardens.

Kling-on, I think I'm going to press on for now...but if you know someone coming up through this way, perhaps we can work out a deal on some doors.

 

[CMD82]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[specialk396]

MIG for sheetmetal

You'll definitely want a MIG for sheet metal work, pref one with argon shielding for a cleaner weld with less heat. Arc welding will def burn through. You can buy the rockers premade from this place Toyota Land Cruiser Rust Repair Panels , although I haven't dealt with them personally. Their prices are pretty good, though.

 

[Spike Strip]

What's the stock metal thickness / guage ?

 

[wengejor]

I think the stock thickness is 18ga after looking at the link specialk posted.

 

[RockDoc]

I just went at the passenger fender with a wire-wheel and a flap disk. Looks like there is plenty of solid metal there to work from. I'll hit it with some phosphoric acid tonight, and Zero Rust tomorrow.... then tear into more of the truck.

 

[rumchaser]

Hi do you Guys have trouble with rust in the roof over in the states ? we seem to get more of that here first before the lower pannels

 

[pcperks]

I thought I had read it was 20 gauge but to replace with 18 when you can. I know I'm going to be using 18.

 

[RockDoc]

Hi do you Guys have trouble with rust in the roof over in the states ? we seem to get more of that here first before the lower pannels

I think a lot depends on geography. I believe near the ocean roof/gutter rot is common. In areas where they salt the roads in the winter (like where I live) rust attacks the lower parts of the truck, and mostly behind the front wheels (salt spray kicked up by the tires), and the tops of the truck are close to spotless.

 

[kling-on]

Kling-on, I think I'm going to press on for now...but if you know someone coming up through this way, perhaps we can work out a deal on some doors.

$50 a door and I bet ups shiipping would be around $30 each striped of glass but let me know