Rust Spot Fix - recommended shops near Denver?

[fj60eric]

I've been keeping an eye on a rust spot above the rear passenger wheel for the past few years and I've come to a point where I've finally got the resources to do something about it. This appears to be the only area of rust of the rig and looks as it it may have been previously tinkered with by the PO. I'm in the market for a new paint job anyway - so I was planning to take it to a shop to have this spot fixed and new paint for the whole thing.

First off, what should I expect the required fix to be? If it is truly just the extent of what is shown in the picture, will the affected area be cut out and patched with new metal?

Second, I'm located in the high country west of Denver. Any good body shop recommendations in the Denver/CO Springs/ I-70 Corridor area that would work on this type of thing?

Third, any guesses at a cost for fixing this and a new paint job?

Thanks in advance!

 

[fj60eric]

bump

 

[luk3mik0]

I had an identical rust spot, what did you end up doing to repair it?

 

[SteveH]

The proper fix for that fender is to cut out the rusty area, weld in new metal, apply a skim coat of filler (as needed), prime/paint, and then rustproof the heck out of it, from behind. There could be more rust in that area, and if the inner fender is rusted through, that must be fixed, too. Recall that what you can see is usually a fraction of what's there (although yours doesn't look horrible).

As for painting the whole truck, that can range from a 'scuff and squirt' type job, to a far more elaborate paint job. Do you want the same color? single stage or base/clear? Door jambs painted? Are you removing all the emblems/trim/glass, or is the shop? Are there other dings to fix now? This could cause the price to go from a few thousand, to many thousands. If it already has been painted once with cheap paint, this can make it harder to repaint (and get the new paint to stick and not react with the current paint).

Ask at local car dealers and used car sellers for recommendations of independent guys who paint vehicles - there are lots out there. Many insurance-job shops won't want your business, because they make far more on other repairs.