I'm sure it's been talked about.....

[ToddN]

Could someone direct me to a past thread title concerning cutting out partial bed panels and tacking in new ones.  I'm beginning the research phase of replacing right and left fleetside panels but I'm not replacing the whole panel because the rest of it is mint.  Just around the wheel wells.  Thank you. 

[VileZambonie]

which section are you planning on patching?

[Cody1018]

Just around the wheel wells.

[ToddN]

I should rephrase.  Wheel arches.     60 inches long and 29 inches tall.http://www. competitor.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=27   Its part number 6.  I dont know if thats where I'll get them but thats the part.

[ToddN]

73-87   catalog.  On the bed panels page it's #6.

[VileZambonie]

Just around the wheel wells.

Yeah I got that but there are several different patch panels available.

So is the one you are using?
http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=0850-125A-126A&Category_Code=7387Beds

[topp]

Will either of those fit Blazers?

[ToddN]

Yes Cody those are the ones.  I know how to MIG weld and thats about it.  Ive never done anything like it.  Thats the only place where there is rust on the truck and its been rapaired before.  I just want to cut the whole section out and be done with it.

[1980c10]

  I just want to cut the whole section out and be done with it.

I used that type of patch panel on my truck, but not the whole piece.
Just cut out only as much as you need, lay the peice over the old and trace a pattern, cut out the old and tack weld the new in as perfect as you can and continue to weld different spots a little at a time until it is welded completely.
when you cut the new panel; try to cut it where you'll be able to fill and sand it the easiest, ie. you don't want to end it on a body line if you can help it.

[ToddN]

I'm getting nervous about doing this myself.  This isnt a show truck but its my daily driver and I wanna keep it straight.  To cut those parts out and weld and finish both sides with primer and no paint, what would be reasonable to pay someone?

[VileZambonie]

If you're going to patch it use panel pond ahesive. Where are you from? If you haven't done major body work you may want to pay someone to do it.

[ToddN]

I'm from Maine.  I haven't done major body work either.  I called a body man on Craigslist who has found himself out of work.  Maybe him?  The truck is flat black.  I'm not real concerned with the finish work goes but I want it to be straight, welded correctly and primered.  I'll spray the flat on.   This guy has a bodyshop out of his garage.  I'm not sure how to figure out a fair price though. 

[1980c10]

check with some smaller body shops, if you like their price go with it, if not; someone working out of their garage i would think half of what a bodyshop would charge. It's a little risky not using a shop so the price should reflect that.

[ToddN]

OK..thanks.  I'll call around and get a ballpark and throw a number at him.  Or, maybe he'll throw a number at me and tell me to stuff it.   Or maybe I could trade some carb work.  Ya never know until you start gabbing with the guy.  Ive got a clean 350 block to throw in and what not.

[thirsty]

Think about talking to someone that had him do rust repair before and see if you can look at his work to see how it looks and holds up.