Is this repairable?

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PostPosted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 5:13 pm
Hello all.

This is my first post here. I have done very minor body work in the past and have helped a buddy do a few minor repairs years ago. Long story short. I bought a 2002 duramax as a weekend truck to pull my boat. I was going to drive it like it is but the rust really irritates me. A previous owner had rockers and cab corners done and replaced a fender as far as I can tell. The bed is the roughest part. One side is pretty bad and the other has a smaller rust hole. I was going to pull the bed off and attempt this in my garage. I was thinking of doing a side replacement on the one side and fixing the rust hole on the other. Then any weak or rusted spots in the bed I was going to repair also. I came here for opinions on if you think it can be done. I dont need it to be perfect but I want it to look good. It can take me a month if need be. I dont want to spend thousands on this truck but I will throw a little money at it. I have found rust free beds for $1500 but then they still need to be painted. Any input would be appreciated. I will include photos of the truck and the bed damage. Thank you again for any input or pointers. Im kind of excited to donthis project. I look forward to having my son help me.
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:47 pm
Can it be done? Sure, anything is possible if you throw enough money at it.

Is it worth repairing? Probably not.

It all depends on how you value your time. Rust is like an iceberg - what you see is usually only a fraction of what is there. So, what looks like a simple job almost always turns into a major undertaking. And then you have to ask yourself whether you have the skills to do something that a tradesman takes years to learn how to do properly. Butt welding 0.8mm panel looks easy on Youtube but in reality most people just keep blowing holes in the metal.

$1500 for a rust free tub sounds a bit much to me but it is a few years old and you guys have a much bigger rust problem than we do so it's a little hard for me to judge. Ute tubs here go for maybe $200 and I've bought them as low as $60 for one that was brand new. What would the replacement panels or sections cost you?

Nevertheless, from just your photos I'd take a wild guess and say that there's probably at least 50 hours work in panel repair. Could you spend that 50 hours more profitably/productively/effectively? Your call, but I wouldn't think twice, especially for something that isn't rare or is just going to be used as a weekend hauler.

Then, of course is the question of whether you have the tools/equipment you need to do a job like this. I know that I have well over $10K invested in panel beating tools alone. That's before including painting equipment. Yes, you can improvise, but there's a limit.

If it was mine I'd buy the rust free tub, get it sandblasted and epoxy primed then do the underneath and inside in a tub liner like Raptor and just paint the outside. Just the painting is a big job for someone with limited experience - you don't want to turn this into something that is overwhelming.
Chris



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PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:28 am
you it can be repaired. the lowest cost and fastest way is to spend 400 to 500$ on a new bed side.
check parts geek



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PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:59 am
If you can get a rust free bed for $1200-$1500 go that route, As said What you see is just the Tip of the Iceberg rust will be all over back side eating through.

Yes you could do two new bed sides easy enough But your floor is almost as bad after all the repairs you will you still have to paint it.
Better off with a Rust free bed and paint that in my opinion Faster less hassle no need to fuss with rust repairs that are often just a band aid cover up slowing the inevitable slow death. Unless all rust is cut out and new metal welded in.

Welding thin sheet metal is No picnic
Dennis B.
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:33 am
another consideration for getting another bed:
you can drive the truck while prepping the replacement bed.
plan on new parts being needed with a bed swap. an '02 with that rust, the underside probably has some lovely rusted crap thats gonna break during bed removal.



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PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:40 am
i'm with Chris, buy the the good used box. bed sides are relitivly easy to install, glue on and a couple welds. getting the old one off you need the right tools, can't use a screwdriver and a hammer. i'm afraid your going to find a LOT more damage than what you see, SALT DAMGE you MIGHT save a couple dollars, but your going work for it.
Jay D.
they say my name is Jay

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:08 pm
And, don't be in a big hurry to find that bed.....I mean you may find one in that color code. We see a lot of that color here in central Ohio. Not having to even get into paint would definitely make the extra bucks you might pay worthwhile.....
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!



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PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2021 10:51 am
:goodpost: for sure take your time and shop around it may save you hundreds. i would definitely look in areas that don't salt there roads.
Jay D.
they say my name is Jay

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