"Rust Question" YOUR INPUT NEEDED!!!

[gmc1969custom]

My GMC is in the paint and body shop as we speak awaiting it's makeover and here is my situation. I have a small amount of rust on the passenger side rocker panel as well as a little rust on the bottom of my passenger front fender, my paint and body guy says he thinks it is best if he just cuts out the rust, then uses dyno-glass and then bondo, primer and paint. I initially thought it would be better to just replace the rocker panel, and for the fender cut the bad spot out and weld new sheetmetal back in its place, but since the rust is pretty minor he said if this was his truck this is the way he would do it. What do you guys think? FYI this is a veteran paint and body guy and me and my family have used him often in the past and have had good experiences with him, I just want everyones input since I know this is a common problem with our trucks and you guys are the best ones to ask!! Thanks in advance.

[lytemup454]

metal is always the way to go!!

[BACKYARD88]

If it were my truck I'd sure weld in some new metal. As far as the rocker goes if the rust is just in a small area I might cut it out and replace with a section of a new rocker instead of repalcing the whole thing. It kinda depends on how much rust and where but I'd never repair steel with glass. I even weld up small holes before using filler.

[BarryB]

Doesn't matter how good you "fix" a problem area with dyna glass, or bondo. Give it a year or two and it will crack and look like crap. Metal is the best way to go. plastic filler is like wood it shrinks and expands differently than metal does, so it will crack.
Just my thoughts and experience on the matter.

[JAKES 68GMC]

I'd go metal.

[Huck]

Despite popular opinion, a good body man can use materials other then metal to repair a rust issue. If he has proven his skills in the past, I would go with his experience and recommendation. Ask if he will guarantee it's long life against cracking etc. Keep in mind, there are millions of metal vehicles on the road with fiberglass or "bondo" patches that have been there for years and years without showing any cracking or rust popping out. The key is to make sure the original metal is cleaned of any rust and seal coated with epoxy primer or some other kind of water sealer before the bondo. I would personally only insist on cutting out and replacing metal if it were a structure strength issue or the spot was large enough to fail from flexing etc. If done right, it will fine.

[PanelDeland]

If it hasn't been sanded to bare metal there is no real way to tell if the rust you see is what you got.Most people on this BB will tell you they had more rust than they initially thought.I agree about the filler staying for years but if it's a large area I would want the metal replaced.

[see ten]

Sounds like he's trying to save you some money as well as some time for himself. Yes, he might fix it with glass and it might last forever, and it might bubble back up and flake in 18-24 mos. Filler seems to be good for dings and waves that can't be made just perfect with a hammer, but I would prefer to not use it to fill a hole.

[lamar]

METAL all the way!!!!!!!!!

[gmc1969custom]

Thanks Everyone. I talked to him today and expressed (based on everyones input) my concerns and he said he would guarantee it for as long as I own my truck. Thats good enough for me....

[65-72 chevytoys]

Originally Posted by gmc1969custom

Thanks Everyone. I talked to him today and expressed (based on everyones input) my concerns and he said he would guarantee it for as long as I own my truck. Thats good enough for me....

Get that in writing. when it comes time for him to replace it out of his pocket there was never that agreement.