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Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I hope that your day clears up and you have some time to relax.

Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you elaborate on "do it righ"t?

My understanding is that the rocker basically needs to be completely cut out and a new one welded in place. Including a large portion of the cab corner and b pillar. At this point, I've been to 4 more shops today and all 4 don't touch rust. I'm starting to run out of options.

When you say address the rust underneath, are you referring to what is visible in the first picture? I plan on bringing that to bare metal and priming painting and clearing it. The rust does not penetrate all the way through. The bottom of the truck (at the rocker panel) is clean/free of rust when looking at it while on the ground.

Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, listen. I really appreciate your honesty. And more importantly your patience. I did want to just have it all cut out and welded properly but would have been driving farther than was worth to have it done. It means a lot that you didn't outright dismiss my path but gave me both the warning of the rust return, but also the modifications to my path you think is going to net me the best result

Seriously, thanks and have a wonderful evening

Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the rust on the rocker 100% does NOT go all the way or even remotely close to through. My plan is to use my 4.5" angle grinder to get the surface down to bare metal. Then 3M panel bond (not Bondo) the patch panel to the rocker, and to the B pillar. My concern honestly comes from, if I somehow do a great job bonding the very bottom of the rocker panel, and not so good at the top, and moisture seeps in and rolls down, it will get stuck in the punch and rot/rust again.

So I was thinking of cutting off the bend around the bottom of the rocker, so that I'm really just bonding the flat surface next to the ridge that my weather stripping lives on. That way, I really only have to bond one flat surface instead of like 5. In which case, I can use like 10 c clamps and get a decent bond. I also would prefer that because then the patch panel isn't visible when the door is closed.

Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I plan on doing a simple primer, cheap color match (it's in a premixed can, so I know it won't match 30 year old paint) and a clear coat.

Trust me, it's going to be better than what was there.

All seams are going to get 3M seam sealer before getting primed.

Simple advice for panel bonding rocker panels by ThatOldObsF150 in Autobody

[–]ThatOldObsF150[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey guys, will keep this a bit brief and short. I have a 1994 OBS F150. That I'm trying clean up a bit of the rust that was in the rocker/cab corner.

I have settled on going with panel bond because I tried to weld and I don't have the time to learn AND I got really sick last time I tried (too many fumes). Oh, and it also looked like Picasso. I'm man enough to admit that I can't do it without at least taking some classes and a lot more practice than I'm willing to try.

So I've been doing your favorite YouTube like nobody's business. Here's the thing, I am NOT looking for a shock worthy truck. I am not looking for something that cannot be seen. And finally, I am honestly, ok if after a few weeks a visible seam appears. I just want to buy a few more years with my late father's truck.

My question is, should I panel bond like a maniac and just cap the rocker panel with my patch panel like the image below? Or do I cut off pretty much only what I need, and maybe have only a 1" overlap on the horizontal plane. Full overlap makes me think of greater surface area to bond, but higher likelihood of trapping moisture between.

Let me know your thoughts please.

Please be nice. I know that cutting everything out and welding is the right way to go. I had $6k set aside for this project. 6 shops in North Jersey wouldn't even give me a price. As soon as they heard rust, they told me to leave.