91 XLT needs BODY WORK

[getweaked]

Well guys i have not been on in a while i just want to say this is a great site. I have a 1991 ford explorer xlt. It is black with a gray and red pin strip. Any as you all problably know by now the 1991 through 1994 models had a major problem with rusting and rotting out at the rear lower fender just before the rear wheels below the door. Well it has come time for me to take care of this problem as i can stand it no more. My question is are there any pre-fab replacement parts avalible to replace the lower panel that is rusted out. what is the best way to fix the problem? What would be a reasonable price to pay to get this problem taken care of and get the entire truck cleaned up with the scratches and little minor dings taken out. The truck is very clean except for the major rusting mentioned above. i took it to maco and they quoted me around $1000 to do it all. Any advise would be greatly apperciated. thax

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Make sure when You get the Work done they just dont grind downt he rust and patch it with bondo... If you do this the Rust will come back. Look in to Replacing the rocker panels where it is rusting.

Then Move south were rust on the rockers is not a problem.

 

[JDraper]

I wouldn't take a vehicle to Maaco if you paid me!!! I had an old Monte Carlo that they did for me, and they decided to just bondo over the rust instead of welding new pieces in. Took it back to them 3 times, and they never did get it right. They are in too much of a hurry to get cars in and out.

As much as I hate to use them, JC Whitney sometimes has repair panels, although the sheet metal gauge may be a little thinner than stock.

I would expect a cost of about $1500 to get new panels welded in and paint blended to match. If you get the whole truck painted too, probably more like 2000-2500.

Us northern boys are kinda used to using the welder to fix our climate problems, although I think Kris has the right idea

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Gimp,

I am 30 or so miles from the gulf of Mexico and I have no rust on either one of our Explorers.

 

[getweaked]

one step ahead kris

hey kris im one step ahead of you i used to live up north in OHIO I moved to FLORIDA in August of 2000 and i must say seeing the amount of rust free explorers of the same model down here has got me jelous thats why im eger to get it fixed thanx 4 the input though

 

[JDraper]

Up here in PA, the latest thing they do in the winter is salt the roads BEFORE it snows!! The yoyo's at Penndot spray the highways with a liquid salt solution. They must have stock in bodyshops!! I end up washing my vehicles about twice a week in the winter just to get the salt off 'em. Even went as far as installing a hot water tap in the garage so I can get hot water to the driveway. I'd be just as happy if they forgot about the salt and just plowed the roads.