Hahaha
In all seriousness though, I've been pretty busy with my new job, and squeezing in time on the LUV build when I can.
A couple of weeks ago I cut the rust out of the rear tub in the usual spot behind the fuel tank vent. Here's a few photos of the process I use doing patch repairs
Basic mark out of the area needing removal as seen on the lower part of the fender. First I mark it out, then make a template as a guide for the new sheetmetal. Obviously the fender will be removed prior to any cutting and patching.
Here's the section removed. I like to use a 1mm cutting disc as they cut clean and fast, plus they don't put a great deal of heat in the panel which causes distortion.
Here I've trimmed off a section from an old door with the same profiles, then slotted it in behind where I check fitment and make adjustments where needed. I also ran a nylon pad over the panel and patch piece to remove any paint and other potential contaminants, and gave it a wipe with some wax & grease remover which allows a nice work area and also to ensure optimum conductivity when welding the section.
A few years ago I bought myself a little hand held pneumatic stepping tool and hole punch in one which allows an overlap,,, much easier for nice fitment and the hole punch is awesome for spot welding. It's probably one of my favourite tools in the garage, and it's made life so much easier when it comes to rust repairs. From memory I only paid around $90 (Aust) but was worth every cent
After punching the holes, a small bolt with a nut can assist in getting the patch panel aligned nice & snug for spotting
Sure you can get fancy with things like Kleco's, but a pack of small nuts & bolts are cheap as, and it doesn't matter if you loose them,,, just buy another blister pack LOL,,, just remember that the bolts are only to keep the work piece aligned during spot welding and remove them as you go
Panel hammers and slap bars on hand to make adjustments to the panel when required,,, be careful not to put too much heat into the welds, and just take your time,,, too much heat will easily distort your nicely formed patch piece and also the panel if your not careful
I used to have a chunk of brass off cut that I'd slot in behind where I'm welding to draw the heat away from the panel, but it went AWOL years ago
but a wet rag can be used with similar effect. But if you have a bit of rust to repair, give it a go yourself,,, you can save a load of $$$ but try it out on some junk stuff first until you get confident. Just remember to be accurate with your patch piece and take your time
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With a gas axe & slide hammer anything will fit