LUVTruck.com

I started sanding down the really crappy primer job on my 79 LUV today to prepare it for priming/painting, and discovered something rather frustrating. On the panels with the vents behind the doors, I found two holes completely rusted through covered with a tacky bondo job. Once all the bondo was removed, I looked through the hole (about a quarter-size in diameter) and found that at least directly behind it, the metal of the cab has rusted. Before I go hacking off panels and making myself crazy, I figured I'd ask the people who may have been in this situation before. My first question is, how much would it cost to have my truck taken to a body shop, have them remove the panels, cut out the infected area, weld in replacement metal, and replace the vent panels? I would do it myself, but I am not a confident welder by any means, though I have a few friends who do their own body work. I am hesitant to ask them though, because it seems like it would be a difficult task, and I'd hate to destroy the little truck. Or is it possible I have bitten off more than I can chew, and should just sell/scrap it and get out while I still have some money left?

If you can reach it enough to get the scale off, this thread might be helpful...

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7163&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=ospho

_________________
"If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves" - Thomas Edison

You could take your truck to a couple of body shops and get a quote.
Another option would to find another cab and swap it over.

_________________
1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.



"When all else fails, follow the directions".

Most body shops would just want to bondo over the holes. Good metal repair is almost a art. It is not beyond most people, but you need access to some kind of welding equipment. Electric or gas. Some community Colleges have a body repair program and they might be a good place to check and see if this would be a job they would want to work on.

Good luck with getting your Luv going like you want.... Ask and we will try to help you out....
Richard

_________________
75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

Can you post up a few pics of it?
Then the folks around here can see the extent of the damage and be better able to assist you.

_________________
"You can't please everyone,so you've got to please yourself"

Another quick thought here...I came across a couple of Luv's at a wrecking yard in Eugene. The earlier one ('76?) is really nice and rust free, even the rockers looked clean.

I can give you contact info if you think you want to swap the cab...

_________________
"If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves" - Thomas Edison