Radiator support rust

I have rust on the radiator support sheet metal directly behind the front bumper. This is the piece on a 94 that has several holes drilled thru it and has two hoses connected to it. It appears to be part of the front end sheet metal and not a seperate piece. Any ideas how to fix this? At this time its not completely rusted thru.

 

[MONMIX]

you could make a patch, that is the easy-cheap.
Replacing the core sup, not so easy not so cheap.

 

[hamexplorer]

I was thinking of adding a piece of metal and then using por -15 to coat it all. Otherwise I guess it means either splicing in a new piece or replacing the entire section. The sheet metal above it is also rusted.

 

[hamexplorer]

Upon further inspection, it appears that its going to need a core support. My motors manual shows about 9 hrs labor plus parts. Any idea how to do it for less.?

 

[MONMIX]

Less time or less money?

 

[hamexplorer]

Isnt less time and less money the same thing? If it has to go into a shop for the repair I guess less money!
My buddy who was head of auto for an insurance co
felt that if you piece a section in its going to rust at the
welds. But if you replace the entire section, its still going to need to be welded so whats the difference?

 

[MONMIX]

Do you want to do it your self or send it out ?

 

[hamexplorer]

Send it out. Unless of course the body shop charges are so high that its ridiculous. I am going to get an estimate from a body shop tomorrow and will let you know what they say.

 

[MONMIX]

Okay sending it out, I can help save you some bucks, espicially if you can nab a trailer or some thing.
Take off the fenders, front bumper, headlights, remove the radiator and AC condenser. ( you'll need the means to evacuate and recharge the AC however )

Much of the cost involved in such a repair will be in that process.

 

[hamexplorer]

Here are the body shop estimate. First guy $836 negotiated down to $725; second shop $610 negotiated to $575.

The problem with DIY as you pointed out is once its dissambled then I would still need someone to MIG weld the new one. If you ever saw my MIG skills you would understand why.

 

[MONMIX]

Let them do the swap, just take all the bolt on parts off for them. Taking off the fenders, headlights and bumper will significantly reduce your bill.