pay a welder or buy a welder?

[markeb01]

Responding to the other half of your original question, hiring a local technician with portable equipment may not provide the best result because of the need to watch the clock to keep the bill under control. Welding sheet metal requires skill, experience, and no small amount of time. Having someone else perform rust repairs can easily bankrupt the entire project budget. And since buying a rust free truck these days is nearly impossible, mastering the skill of welding will both save money and provide bragging rights.