Bondo for wheel arch panel

[Abather Almajedi]

The truth is that the foam caulk that you see between the inner wheelhouse and the outer panel is the problem from the day they build them. It acts like a sponge and stays wet unless you're in a really dry climate. Add the stake pockets, the drain / flush holes on the inner, throw in road salt and dirt and you have the killer combination for rust. You need to flush the area between the 2 panels when you buy a good box and then try to seal every opening that lets the crud in after it dries. I've repaired rust all my life and the only guarantee a customer ever gets unfortunately is that it's going to come back. The better the job you do and the more metal you replace is the only thing that buys you more time in-between. Find a rust free southwestern box and you'll be safe and happy for a long time.

Thank for explaining. You mention about a flush hole... Where are the holes?

 

[likes2build]

There should be a hole (s) in the inner fender-well, you usually have to remove the plastic splash shield to access them. When you get a bed assembly remove the tail-lamps, stake pocket covers and liners basically anything that comes off and start flushing really well. Let it dry totally, do your paint work (unless you hit a home-run and got the correct color box which in my opinion is worth $$ extra due to saving paint labor and material) and soak it with Fluid Film or whatever someone here recommends and then reassemble everything you took off.

 

[Abather Almajedi]

I

There should be a hole (s) in the inner fender-well, you usually have to remove the plastic splash shield to access them. When you get a bed assembly remove the tail-lamps, stake pocket covers and liners basically anything that comes off and start flushing really well. Let it dry totally, do your paint work (unless you hit a home-run and got the correct color box which in my opinion is worth $$ extra due to saving paint labor and material) and soak it with Fluid Film or whatever someone here recommends and then reassemble everything you took off.

I wonder when I finish to flush it, can I do patch with welding a hole before do paint on bed?

Or bad idea?

 

[likes2build]

If you're talking about welding the factory holes, don't. If you want to cover them get some Gorilla duct tape and use that so you can periodically remove it to flush and re-apply corrosion protection. If your talking about welding patches to repair rusted areas, you'll jut be prolonging a slow death to the bed assembly.

 

[likes2build]

I saw on Craigslist in ed roads.upstate ny, a guy has a ****load of rust free boxes for several different makes/models.

No disrespect, but unless those boxes are from the southern or western US then stay away. I lived in upstate NY for forever and never repaired so much rust on cab corners, rocker panels, door bottoms, box sides. Now after 2 years I AZ if I see anything other than dents or sunburned paint on top panels I know that vehicle was a transplant from the land of salt. At least Vermont uses sand instead of salt.

 

[Abather Almajedi]

No disrespect, but unless those boxes are from the southern or western US then stay away. I lived in upstate NY for forever and never repaired so much rust on cab corners, rocker panels, door bottoms, box sides. Now after 2 years I AZ if I see anything other than dents or sunburned paint on top panels I know that vehicle was a transplant from the land of salt. At least Vermont uses sand instead of salt.

What about this? Is it good? I found it in IN which 2.5 hours away from my home. Let me know

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

No disrespect, but unless those boxes are from the southern or western US then stay away. I lived in upstate NY for forever and never repaired so much rust on cab corners, rocker panels, door bottoms, box sides. Now after 2 years I AZ if I see anything other than dents or sunburned paint on top panels I know that vehicle was a transplant from the land of salt. At least Vermont uses sand instead of salt.

None taken bud, the seller had tons of pics and they didn’t appear to be repaired or anything, just some used rust free boxes. Also he didn’t state where they came.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

What about this? Is it good? I found it in IN which 2.5 hours away from my home. Let me know

You take a chance with anything used, Give the seller a call and see what he/they say. Ask for detailed pics, close ups. Rust free boxes can be found but who knows where they came from but if they were taken care of, I don’t see a problem as to the location.