options/advice for body rust (w/pics)

[DZink24]

so as us dodge owners are well aware, our trucks love to rust, especially up north. my o4 (53,900 mi. ) is in excellent condition with the exception of the common fenderwell rust bubbles. i have gotten 2 estimates and opinions from local body shops, and if i didn't know any better, i'd think that they'd rather not take on cash work. they seemed like it was too much of a hassle and too much work to tackle the issues in the following pics. anyone out there that has some in depth collision mechanic experience that has an opinion? i may actually resort to going with some type of fender flare, although that is something i never wanted to do in the past for cosmetic reasons.

 

[MMcCowan]

I did the fender flare thing. I sanded away the rust, applied a nice layer of rust inhibitor, painted, then slapped on the Mopar PW fender flares. I'm sure it is only prolonging the misery, but I did this about a year and a half ago and it seems to be holding up well. Good luck!

 

[DZink24]

thanks! where did you get your flares from? and i would assume you had to relocate the cummins badge?

 

[dclassens]

Rhino Liner/Linex coating is an option on the lower half of your truck.

 

[MMcCowan]

I got the flares from an on-line Mopar store. These days I think Geno's sells the same flares. Yes I relocated the cummins badge, got replacement badges from Geno's.

 

[GCroyle]

Move to a southern state and get out of the road salt.



I lived in Ohio and lost several GM bodies to road salt inspite of Ziebart, REGULAR underbody spray washes in the winter and lots of trying. But those were older GM bodies, no wait, it was every GM body I ever owned '68 Olds Delmont 88 convertible, a new '75 Camaro, new early 80's Suburban, wife's early 80's new Omega, what bad memories. Road salt is mined under Lake Erie and undoubtably saves lives in clearing traffic frozen roads, but it tears up steel. Clevelands bridges suffer from it every year.



Here is SC, if it snows, everyone stays home and plays in the snow!



Good luck.



GO Tribe!

 

[jakprince]

I would run it by the dealer and see if they will do anything about it. I got a door replaced on my 95 one time for rust at the bottom.

 

[BIGNASTY]

rust

Move to AZ or So Cal or buy another truck. Inlaw had a truck that never was on the road in winter in MI and it still rusted

 

[DieselDoghouse]

A friend who does passable good body work taught me the tau: Clean all rust-->fiberglass resin-->bondo autobody glazing putty-->repaint-->enjoy!!